New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-12-27
ART IN THE HOUSE

ART IN THE HOUSE. ByJAcoB Won Fake. Translated
from the Third German edition Edited with Notes, by
CHARLES G. PERKINS NJ. A. Alto, pp. 355BoSton: L.
PIang Co.
The purpose of this richly illustrated volume is
TO present series of studies the decoration and fur
nishing OF the dwelling considered from critical,
thetic and historical point of view II consists mainly OF
lectures delivered at the Austrian Museum OF Art and In
dustry treating the subject especially in its prac
teal relations showing the conditions of beauty and
charm the appointments OF the house. and furnishing
an instructive guide the PRINCIPLES of decoration, har
mony, and comfort within the four walls of the family
dwelling. In the arrangement OF his materials
the author first presents historical sketch Of
the Greek and Roman houses, OF the medieval
house, and OF the houses OF the sixteenth seven
teenth, and eighteenth centuries; next follows crt
cal discussion Of the essential parts OF the house
comprising the floor the walls the ceiling, and also the
furniture and household utensils, which to deco
rate table The work concludes with essay the
responsibility OF woman in the adOrnment OF the house.
and on the OF embroidery in connection with house
hold decoration. In the opinion Of the author the habits
OF masculine life not favorable TO the emboish
ment of the family home The occupations of the hus
band call him away from the house, and his mind Ia alb
sorbed in the pursuits Of business On returning home,
he wishes for the quiet enjoyment of the home
which his wife has beaut6ed with works OF art and
other appropriate decorations His engage
ments not adapted TO the development of his
aesthetic perceptions. In woman, on the contrary taste
may he regarded us natural to her She rules
the household like queen and 1t is her special voca-
ton add beauty to the order which she has assisted In
creating. The present volume must be accepted
important aid in the accomplishment OF her duties. II
its directions often too elaborate for the modest
economy Of the American family its suggestions al
ways valuable impartng the secret Of procuring the
highest degree OF ELEGANCE and comfort consist
ent with the command OF moderate
The manner in which Mr.. Perkins, the Amerl;
editor, has performed his task affords signal
proof OF his devotion 20 the subject his cultivated
Intelligence his exquisite taste, and UNNECESSARILY
haDces the interest and utility OF the work. His pre-
face, which gives an exhaustive account Of the
Egyptian and Assyrian houses, IS model OF historical
disQustion and lucid description while his learned and
opposite notes admirably eucidate the text of the
original, and contribute rich fund OF information
from his own fruitful studies and researches The illus
tratons OF the volume. IN styles OF art, are
abundant and suggestive. presenting the subject TO
eye OF the reader with less beauty and force than
that with which 1t 10 SGT before his intellect in the
literary composition.
sOl. FOfds. AOwsrRa HnrlOeit.
The life OF Jesus, as recorded by the four
swan olists IN hero presented In A new arrangement