The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-04-02
APRIL MAGAZINES.
HARPER'S.


This veteran magazine continues wOr-
thy of it's great ren0wn and unlimited
popularity. The pioneer of illustrated
monthlies, and now in it's fiitieth volume,
1t may sometimes be equaled, but never
excelled, by its younger rivals. 1t ap-
pears this month laden with its wealth
OF select and varied matter sufficient to
satisfy the most exacting of its multitude
of readers.
The opening chapter, ''The French
Broad" is a profusely illustrated and
graphically written description OF the
scenery, and of life and. character in the
mountains of North Carolina, district
that has hitherto been almost terra in
cognita to us.
"Carlcatures of the Reformation" is a
continuation of Parton's former papers
on "Ancient' and "MediSvap' carica-
ture. 1t is likewise vividly illustrated,
and contains fund of curious lore that
will be peculiarly gratifying to the artist
and student alike and most acceptable
to every inquiring mind.
The biographical sketch Of Angelica
Kaufman, with accompanying portrait
and fac-similes of some of her best works,
is handsome tribute to the pure life and
exalted genius of that greatest of all
female painters, whose fame is, we are
sorry to say, too limited on this side. OF
the Atlantic.
We know of nothing in the way OF
current literature that conveys a better
amount Of useful information to the
American reader than the papers enti.
| tied "The First Century of the Repub-
| lic," by David A. Wells-which, by-the-
| bye, we hope soon to see issued in bo0k
| form. This present one-the sixth
traces the "Progress in Manufacture"
of which it affords a clear and compre-
hensive view. Its statistical cOmp1la-
| ton alone should recommend it to all
| who take an interest in our national
destiny.
| ''The Stone Age in Europe" is the
first Of series OF articles treating OF the
different phases Of human development.
1t gives proof of profound scientific re-
search, and of fine descriptive powers on
the part Of the writer.
| The sketch, "Michael Angelo" is an
admirable pOrtraiture Of that great and
universal genius; showing his just title
| to the name of poet as well as to those
of painter, sculptor, and architect.
| Hon. S. S. Cox has evidently familiar
lied himself with the subject, "Ameri.
can Humor," on which he has now dis
played his skill as an essayist.
| In light literature we are permitted to
enjoy several more chapters each of the
serials, "Rape of the Camp" and Miss
Thackeray's "Miss Angel" the merits OF
which it would be supeffuous to mention
and the several short stories are all pos
sessed of that degree OF excellence that
can alone gain the open sesame to these
exclusive columns.
The poetry, too, this month, is OF su-
perior quality. "The Follower" "Sun-
rise at Latmos," ''Like a Child" are all
equally praise worthy efforts.
The old Easy Chair is still as enter
tanning as in its earlier days; and the
reader win discover much to instruct
and amuse i'll the scientific" and "Lit
erary" Records, and the "Drawer;" ant
he must be querulous one, indeed, wht
can close these pages without u feeling
OF gratitude to those who have thus pro.
vided him with such literary banquet.
LIPPINCoTr'S
comes to us teemlng with the choice pro-
ductions of English and American pens
1t has fairly sustained it's right to an
equal share of public favor with the lead.
ing monthlies Of the day, among which ii
is justly classed.
Inc concluding paper of "Australian
| Scenes and Adventures" furnishes us
with some vivid glimpses of that far
away country, of which many Of us, per-
maps. really know Zoo llttle.
The sportsmen will be delighted with
the details given in "The Golden Eagle
and his Eyrie," and the account OF Nice,
the "Beautiful City" comprising view
of her history and geography, and of the
political and social status OF her people
will be eagerly perused by every one.
"W hat is C0nclavew is the modest
title of an able article that opens to us
u piece Conformation every reader will
be pleased to receive, regarding the es-
tablished mode OF selecting successor
| to the Papal chair, and the dignitaries
upon whom that duty devolves.
| There are also other descriptive arti-
cles, each of which, and especially the
one that tells us SO pleasantly OF San
American Lady's Occupations Seventy
Years Ago." will meet with general com
mendation.
| There are one or two serials and sew
eral shorter tales and sketches by expe.
rienced writers, and the poetic contribu.
| tions are likewise of a superior order.
| There are many fine Illustrations in
this number that speak we'll for the
taste and iberality of the management
The editorial columns are ably conduct.
| ed, and we find more than the usual
amount of spicy "Monthly Gossip"
ST. NICHOLAS
makes it appearance this month in its
| freshest and most brilliant style. We
give IL only it's due in saying that it still
| thoroughly sustains its olden character,
that of being beyond comparison the
best Juvenile Magazine ever issued.
Glancing over the elegant pages of the
present number, we feel the only won
der to be, that 1t is not regarded as an
actual necessity to the existence of ev-
cry girl and boy in America.
Its contents are of a kind most pleas
ing to the youthful fancy. The pages are
adorned with many appropriate illustra-
| tions, SO nicely executed as frequently to
become chez. ID 0euures of art. A talented
corps OF writer's have provided feast to
tempt the dullest literary appetite. We
can not enumerate it all, and will merely
mention that everything is rendered
plain and simple to the adolescent un-
derstanding. The easy lessons in French
and drawing are alone worth the price of
the whole.
The youthful portion of the present
generation are mpst fortunate in being
thus possessed OF facilities for literary
enjoyment to which their fathers were
strangers; and parents may teel CRATE
I full that their children are furnished such
an exalted source of culture and enter
tainment, for this great desideratum Is
found in magazine like st. Nicholas.
| THE LADIES REPOSITORY.
| This fine periodical meets the require.