The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-03-01
LITERATURE.
RnaLa nald Mnna zi1lPa.

LITERATURE.
Books and MdDaS aSines.
Specimens of American Literature and Liter
ary Reader, by Benz. n. Martin, Professor in
the University of the City OF New York.
(Sheldon Il Co., New York;
This is an enlarged and improved edi-
tion of "Shaw's Specimens OF English
Literature" so well known among edu-
Gators. Like all from the house of Shell
don & Co., the mechanical execution is
unexceptionable. The book is designed
to be textbook, adapted to the needs
of all higher institutions of learning.
Specimens Of the writings of those au-
thors who have given tone and character
to American literature are given.
The extracts are of sufficient length to
convey to readers correct idea of the
varied styles of noted writer's. We find
selections from the writings of Frank
lin, Jefferson, Calhoun, Webster, Writ,
Irving, Cooper, Hawthorne, Charming,
Beecher, Prescott, Motley, Shea, Bryant,
Poe, Emerson, Lowell, Whittier, Long
fellow, Willis, Emerson, Bayard Taylor
and numerous others whose names are
household words. We notice one ad-
mirable feature of the work too common
ly omitted in books prepared for the
young-that of foot notes giving short
sketch, stating place OF nativity and
other interesting items connected with
each author. These notes combined with
the selections are invaluable. We re-
commend the book to educators in gen.
eral, and add that it is 'good thing to
school days are reckoned in the. days OF
"lang syne." For sale by Robert Clarke
g. Coz
THE GALAXY,
We find in the March number an arti-
Gle entitled "Old-time Spirits," that will
attract much attention. 1t is sketch Of
the reign of terror that existed in New
England in the days of the Salem WITCH
craft excitement. Much has been writ
ten on this subject, yet it ever awakens
interest, and anything new in regard to
that strange portion of the early history
of Salem is read with. avidity. The Gal
axy contributor thinks the main predis-
posing source of trouble in connection
with the witchcraft deluslons and trials
was closely connected with their local
provisions for religious worship, there
being much i'll feeling about the taxation
for church sustenance and the settling
of the clergy.
And another fact susceptible of proof ought
to be noted, that the majority OF those. con-
celned In these tragedies were assured, and
acted on their faith throughout them, that the
Evil One, the Devii, as he had failed to pre-
vent the progress of knowledge in Europe, had
abandoned his efforts to obstruct it there, and
but short time before Withdrawn into the
American wilderness, intending to make in it
final stand, resolved to retain his hold upon
the continent and upon his pagan allies, the
Indians. They really felt that his extraordi-
nary descent and lncursions in 1852 were
desperate effort on his part to prevent the
80 hrio Jfy1i iptn
his fayorite retreats. Their minds were filled
and their souls fired by the thought that in Op-
posing him and his confederates, they would
become honored instruments In the hands OF AL
mighty God. TO break down and abolish the last
stronghold Of the kingdom OF sin upon earth.
During the winter Of 1922 circle of young
girls was formed in Salem Farms, which met
at the house of Rev. Mr.. Paris, for the prac-
tice of palmistry and fortune telling, necro-
NANCY, magic, ana spirItualism. In this circle
there were ten girls from eleven to twenty
years Of age. With these ten, other persons
were drawn to act. There were John Indian
and Tituba, two slaves Of Mr.. Parris's, who
probably were brought to the colony from the
Barbadoes and besides these one or two 9TH
ers; but the girls, with the slaves, formed the
circle, and were the leading characters in the
events which have been horror and mystery
ever aimee they transpired. In those events
these girls were bold and even vicious in their
bearing, and eyinced al utter absence of COM
junction or even commIseratlon; except In one
or two instances, displaying complete disre-
gard OF the agony and destruction which they
brought upon others.
In the course Of the winter they became ex-
pert in the arts they were Learning. Gradu-
ally they came to exhibit their attainments to
beholderS. At first these exhlbiJlonS consisted
Of creeping into holes, and under benches and
chairs; putting themselves into odd and I'M
natural postures, making wild gestures, and
uttering incoherent and unIntelligible sounds.
Then they were seized with spasms, dropped
ino
pretending to suffer tortures, with loud and
piercing Outcries. Naturally they began to
draw upon themselves general attention. Soon
they became to be styled "the afflicted chill
dren." In the early stages no explanation of
the condition was so much as suggested by any
one; but as soon as DR.. Griggs was called in,
and had examined them, he declared them be-
wltched. In those days, and prior to those
cult cases which came before them by such
resort The profession must bear its fair share
Of responsibility for succeeding occurrences.
Richard Grant White contributes an
article on" bsolute Music" which, after
q great deal noted about flats and sharps,
etcetera, sums up enthusiastically as
follows: "Absolute music is simply
music; and music not absolute is abso-
lutely not music"
A sketch of Rachel Varnhagen Won
Ense, one Of the most brilliant women of
OermaHy III Ine early uayS VI Iue pres
ent century, will attract attention.
In Nebul8 the editor, in referring to
the great Brooklyn trial now in progress,
says that "he does think it would have
been better on the Whole, that it would
have tended more to editication, if those
two men (Beecher and Tilton had gone
over, sword in hand, to Hoboken, or to
some other convenient place, and, like
two Agags, solemnly hewn each other in
pieces before the Lord"
SCRIBNER.
The number opens with most touch,
ingly told tale in rhyme OF the violin of
Messire Andreas,-good old man!-"Who
made violins on the ancient plan."
Major Powell contributes third paper
on the Canons Of the Colorado. which is
accompanied by illustrations that add
great force to the sketch.
DR.. Hollands serial, "The Story of
Seven Oaks" is progressing most favor
ably. The great villain of the story is in
the March installment removed to New
York city and domiciled among the aris-
tocrats OF Fifth Avenue, and now it re-