The Portland daily press., 1875-12-18
Recent Publications.

AUTUMN LEAVES. By Christie Crust. Portland
B. Thurston 8 Co.
Autumn Leaves is a neatly gotten up little
volume, and one which will at once commend
itself to young readers if it be brought to their
attention. The author has the gift of telling
her stories in a simple, entertaining style, sim
gularly unpretentious, which will establish her
in the good graces of grown people of taste as
well as in the affections of their children.
Evidently she has made study of the dispose
tions of the young, and has learned how to
accommodate herself to their tastes Her task
has apparently been loving one, for she writes
with simplicity Of enthusiasm that cannot be
coun terfeited.
The little volume contains the history of an
imaginary journey into Switzerland, much
more entertaining it must be confessed, than
the proix and pretentious narratives of pro-
fessional travellers and professed literati; GER
tain bright stories of bright animals, all sup
posed to be true, but some doubtless height
ened in interest by the fancy of the narrator;
and delightfully."- old fashioned fairy story.
The book is illustrated by dozen engrav-
ings, some of them daintily designed by Port
land lady. Indeed the book is Portland book,
written by Portland woman. published by
Portland house, and bound by Portland
binder, Mr.. W. A. Quincy Its typographical
appearance and general makeup are attractive,
and it ought certainly to find place in many
home among the holiday gifts to the chill
dren,
JESUS OF NAZARETH; His Life for the Young
By Joseph P. Thompson. Boston: j. r. osgood
& Co. For sale by Bailey s. Noyes.
This large, handsomely bound and profusely
illustrated volume is devoted to history of
''the life of the most wonderful person who
ever lived" as the author phrases it. 1t Is
written for the young, the title page states.
DR.. Thompson explains in the preface that by
young people he does not mean children but
youth from twelve to twenty. He does not
essay "children's talk" but language which
though clear and simple, is fitted to convey
thoughts deep and sometimes hard to be UNDER
stood.
DR.. Thompson's long and careful study of
the subject, and his abilities as scholar and
writer lead the reader to expect, as is the case,
that his work will be interesting and instruc.
tive to older people as we'll as to those for
whom it is especi ally designed. 1t is of pecu-
liar value from the way in which the incidents
of the Saviour's life are depicted in the light
of the manners and customs of those days. and
the contrasts pointed out between that time
ami the present. For this the thorough Bibli-
cal and Oriental studies of Dr. Thompson have
eminently fitted him. His style too is very
entertaining, and he succeeds in conveying in
formation in an eminently pleasing manner.
Upon the dangerous ground of doctrinal dis
cussion he does not venture, but, as he states.
''Without entering into disputes upon ques-
tions of fact or of doctrine, this book seeks to
present the life as it was, to make real what
ever carries the evidence of being true Ger
tainly none will hesitate to join in the authors
wish: st is my hope that all who read it will
find in it such view of Christ the Teacher as
shall satisfy their minds and such a view of
Christ the Saviour as shall win their hearts.
and bless their lyes.'
SONGS OF THREE CENTURIES. Edited by j. G.
Whittier. Published by j. R. Osgood and Co. Bos-
ton. For sale by Bailey and Noyes
1t was gracious aud fit task for Mr.. Whit
tier to undertake to select from among the
many noble and beautiful song, that have been
sung during the last three hundred years-a
limit Of time which includes most English verse
that, without alteration or modernizing would
give enjoyment to the general reader. Mr..
Whittiers calm, sincere view of poetry, his