The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-11-17
VEN. LIrERATURE.

From Jansen, McClurg Il Co., OF Chicago, W.
have received new novel, and unqusstionably
the best one yet written by Rev. Is. p. Roe, en-
titled "NzAH To NAruRE's HKAsr," and pub
lished by Dodd, Mead q Co., New York. We
think this will prove the most popular of Mr.
koes novels. The characters are more clearly
conceived and consistently sustained 1.-The story
is more carefully constructed and more equable
the minor characters and the incidental side
play are more artistically wrought out than in
any OF the previous productions Of the author.
There are touches Of poetry. both in descrip-
ton and portraiture-a disclosure Of that, both
in nature and character, which lies beneath the
surface, indicating that the story was conceived
in calmer and more leisurly mood and with
greater self-possession than its predecessors.
In this story the time chosen is the era OF the
American Revolution, and the scene mainly in
the Highlands OF the Hudson. The two chief
characters are Theron Saville, young man of
wealth aud culture, who, in his Partisan educa-
ton, has learned the infidelity which is part
OF the intellectual fashion OF the day, and Vera
Brown, the daughter OF self-exiled outlaw,
living in the absolute solitude OF the wilderness
with no other teacher than God-fearing mo-
Their, no other literature than the Bible and
Shakespeare, no other school than nature, and
none OF the culture which, with all of its COM
pensating advantages, generally brings some
thing Of sorrowful scepticism and intellectual
conflict. The stirring scenes of the Revolution
afford ample material for dramatic incidents
which are skilfully employed so as to lead up
to the pre-ordained result. Vera is by far the
most original of the authors conceptions and
is drawn with decided artistic skill.
Amid the general dullnes IN nearly every bu-
siness it is gratifying to note that the book
trade is in fiourishing condition, more new
books being turned out by the large houses
than usual at this time, whilst the sales show a
corresponding increase. This is mainly due to
the advent of the cool evenings, which are al
ways reading time. There can be no solitude
among intelligent people whilst books of every
imaginable description can be had, and at such
reasonable prices as now. The publishing house
of 7. B. Peterson 4 Brothers, No. 800 Chestnut
stIcet, IHlauelpuihi L De, 10 Ouo vi luo ihOol
extensive and reputable houses in the country,
and have made liberal preparations for this
seasons trade. A large number OF new books
have been issued during the past three months,
whilst others have been reissued whose previ-
GUS editions had been exhausted and this house
can now boast OF having one Of the largest and
best selected stocks OF books from which read
L. .
catalogue to any address il written for, and it
contains list Of the writings of such popular
authors as Mrs. Southworth, Mrs. Stephens,
Mrs Hentz, Mrs. WarfelJ, Miss Dupuy, Mrs.
Wood, Charles Dickens, Charles Lever Alex
ander Dumas, wilkie Collins, G.. W. NJ. Rey-
nolds, George Sand, and many others.
RICHARD II.-William j. Rolfe, A. NJ. for
merly head master OF the high school, Cam
bridge, Mass, has edited. and the Harpers
have published IN q neat form, Shakspeare's
tragedy of King Richard III. The text is based
on the careful comparison of the quarto Of 1897
and the folio OF 1923. with collation. Of the
other leading editions, all the important differ
ences among the accepted editions being care
fully noted. Mr. Role, in his introduction
gives careful history Of the play. When the
first entry was made on the books Of the Sta
TONERS Company in 1897, the authors name
was not mentioned, nor did it appear on the
title page when the play first appeared IN print.
The following year, however, second edition
appeared, with the addition o.. the authors
name" William Shakespeare. To what ex-
tent Shakespeare was indebted to other PLAYS
then in existence for the ideas contained In
his own, il IS difficult TO say, but Mr.. Rolfe
gives in detail many interesting facts in this
connection, besides quotations from various
critical comments, including Coleridge's aud
Gervnus. The notes are full, v ,ry carefully
prepared. and for the most part, may be &C.
copied as better authority than those OF al
most any other similar work that has appeared
This valuable work is for sale by Jansen, Nc.
Clurg IL Co.. III & 119 State street, Chicago, oil
whom it can be ordered Price 80 cents.
HARPsRs MAGAZINE for December, beginning
the Fifty-fourth Volume. is not only an espec
Tally attractive Number, from the beauty OF it
numerous ILLUSTRATIONS, out Is also distinguishes
by the unusual variety and interest OF its con
tents The Number is embellished with NOR
than eighty exquisite engravIngs, and contains
besides the five editorial departments, twenty
four contributions, covering every possibl
variety in the field OF magazine literature.
The descriptive illustrated papers treat o
Genoa and its celebrities living and dead; tn
Philippine Islands; recent important ethnoloe
ical discoveries in Tennessee and the socit
life OF the Knickerbocker's OF New York tw
hundred years ago. Porte Crayons illustrate
paper on Boys and Girls is in bis characteristic
style. Two OF the illustrated contributions ar
poems. The Book of Gold, by j. T. Trov
bridge is powerful and dramatic Christina
story in verse. At Two Score, by T. B. Aldrich
while il is sufficiently personal to be welcome
the poets many friends, is not egotistical an
will be read with delight by all lovers OF poetry
The other poetical contributions to this Mum
Der are OF unusual excellence notably Pau
Haynes Muscadines, which reminds one o
some of the happlest efforts OF the ode
English poets.
The rnoat imnortant feature of the Numbe