The Portland daily press., 1873-10-25
Recent Publications.

The Story of Coc;he's Life. BY George
Henry Lewes.
This volume is abridged from Mr.. Lewes'
''Life and Works of Goethe" book which
has become a standard authority on the sub
ject ofthe many-sided man. In the abridgment
we miss the criticisms upon Goethe's works
and the details of his literary method as well
as the sketches of his contemporaries and their
laoors which formed so striking and interest
ing features of the larger volumes. But we
are given the story of the great poets life, the
outward events of his career and the leading
characteristics of his genius. The author
says that the present volume is in no sense
intended to replace the original biography,
which will probably continue to have the
greater interest for readers whose tastes and
requirements lie in the direction of German
literature; but for those have neither time
nor desire to attack the complete work the
abridgment will be found to serve an excel
lent purpose, giving as it 'loes the main facts
of his life and an appreciative and sympathet-
ic analysis of his personality We owe Mr..
Lewes debt of gratitude for this if for moth
ing else, in that he has demonstrated the un-
veracity of Bettina's 'Goethe's Correspond
ence with Child" the falsity of the preva-
lent idea that the great German looked upon
women only as character-studies and that ev-
cry poem of his was dug out of woman's
heart. We are glad too, to learn that Goethe
was no tuft-hunter and sycophant, but was,
IS Napoleon described him, "a man.
Published by J. R. Osgood & Co. For
sale by Bailey& Noyes.
Sounds from Secret Chambers. BY Laura
G. Reddcn Howard GlyndonJ
Between the covers of this dainty little vol
ume we find much tender sentiment clothed
in felicitous language and rich with the melo-
DIV of very agreeable rhythm. The poems,
though not of the highest order of merit,
are models of easy versifcation, and excel
lent examples of mind susceptible to i'm
pressions and capable of expressing them in
pleasing numbers. Now and then a loftier
strain is touched, and an image of power
or tender beauty brought forth. The au-
thor, well known to the public as Howard
Glyndon, has been for long time contribu-
tor to the magazines and newspapers. A pc
culiar interest attaches to the poems because
of the writer's utter deafness.
The volume is published by j. R. Ossood
& Co., uniform with the poems of Mr. How
ellis and Mrs. Thaxter. For sale by Bailey
& Noyes.
A Manual of Etiquette. BY sDaisy Eye.
bright".
The author of this little volume considers
good manners duty as well as an accomplish
ment. She looks upon violation as not on
ly inexcusable, but sinful as well. With these
views she has prepared manual of etiquette
for those who are striving to improve them
selves in exterior polish. To those whose
early education in the minor morals has been
neglected the book will be found to abound
in useful hints Occasionally the rules laid
down seem ridiculous and superfuous.-as
when, for example, the reader is gravely eau
toned while at table against fishing out Oh
ives from the jar with his fingers.
Published by G. P. PuSnam's Sons. For !
sale by Loring, Short 6 Harmon.
A Wonderful Woman. BY May Agnes
Fleming.
The title of this expansive work of fiction
is surely not misnomer, for the woman
about whom the interest of the story centess
is wonderful indeed; and it is to be devoutly |
hoped the only specimen of her kind extant. |
The novel is very exuberant in language and |
plot, but it is excelently constructed and |
quite readable. If the reader has time he |
must waste we should advise him to waste it
in the perusal of this book rather than in
gambling or drinking He will find it quite
as amusing, and incomparably cheaper.
Published by G. W. Carleton & Co. For
sale by Bailey & Noes.
Matt's Follies and Other stories. By MA
ryN. Prescott
1t is no light task to write entertaining
stories for the children, and keep up a healthy J
interest. Miss Prescott seems to understand |
the art, and her stories of real children. who !
have quite as many faults as virtues. ale told
in pleasant, natural manner, though we
think the termination of ''Matt's Folesn is |
too abrupt to suit the little ones, who will be
eager to know what became of Matt after .
was sent home in disgrace from boarding
school. The book is illustrated and hand
somely bound.
Published by James R. Osgood q Co. For
sale by Bailey & Moves.