The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-15

glimpse OF ms warm style even IN the cold duty OF
making catalogue. How he riots in adjectives and
CLOVIS in superlatives, and withal how keen are his
perceptions OF the poetic ana emotional nuances Of
from perusal of his interesting and icombative
volume
sHAKEsPRARE's MORALS. -f
Under the above title Dodd. Mead 4 Co. have
published Mr. Arthur Gilman's selections of pas
sages from Shakespeare's plays. which classified
under appropriately headed chapters In effect
codfcation of moral maxims found in the great
dramatist's works. While Mr.. ailman's book does
not by any exhaust the fund from which it is
the selections refer to great variety of sub
jects. and. the editor says. the value of the
book will be found In the truths it conveys and
the practical wisdom it expresses. The selections
are well chosen, though they not as brief.
many of them, as they might be in order
to tersely and effectively "point the moral.
The quoted passages are mostly those which are
familiar to almost every one. and Mr.. Gilman is
DESTROYS of showing the Scriptural authority for
the principles laid down by Shakespeare. and Of
comparing the latter with readings from other
masters OF thought to show the brotherhood of
great minds" each chapter is headed by copious
extracts from, eminent authors and accompanied by
frequent foot notes suggesting analogous principles
in Scriptural writings.
The beauty of the passages selected makes the
volume worthy Of place on any library table. and
the comprehensive index of subjects accompanying
the work makes this . valuable little hook in its
class cleverly arranged for ready reference.
COMEDIES FOR AMATEUR ACTING"
D. Appleton & Co. have added to their new Handy
Volume Series Mr.. J. Brandon Matthews Comedies
for Amateur Acting."a collection of six short and
mainly excellent little pieces especially designed for
amateurs. Five of the six are from French origi-
nals-Messrs. Julian Magnus. II. c. Bruner. A. H.
Cakes, Arthur Penn and j. b. Matthews being the
English translators and adapters The only original
work in the book is a clever act comedy, "a Bad
Case. quite equal to its fellows although none of
them are worthy of the name of comedy, being
really brief farces of some merit. They clearly
and healthy in tone. and contain mono Of the objec
tonable features which usually the distinguish
ing marks of the French parentage of comedies of
this class. They bright rather than brilliant.
and possess "the soul of wit" not its actual sub
stance and in this direction least we'll adapted
to the purpose for which they are intended-an
hours entertainment by amateur actors. In the
way Of scenery and costuming they call for nothing
beyond the capability of drawing room stage. and
the casts require so limited number of people that
almost any little gathering at country house can
readily furnish the actors necessary to the play It
is just such book will be OF immense service
when one has houseful Of friends and the question
arises to 'what be done tonight to entertain
themy
Mr. Matthew'S preface wo would not advise anna
tours to read unless humility is leading trait of
their character 1t is unnecessarily severe upon
those for whom he writes. and it starts out with
complimentary quotation stating that call amateur
clubs are bundles of sticks Its advice is OF times
wise but its criticisms not always correct. The
editor hardly commends himself to the good opinion
Of his patrons in the introduction Of whose ability
for good work he evidently has 3 poor opinion. al
though he stultifes himself by Offering them COM
edies presumed to be designed according to the
measure Of their talents but which call for small
degree Of dramatic excellence to insure their suc.
cessful representation. Those amateurs who do not
read the preface will find the book entertaining
we'll as useful. with nothing. from cover to cover.
which will offend either the actors their audience
WAR AS SEEN BY THE PEOPLE. "
1.-THE Pastors Narrative" little book which in
the original German edition made great stir in
Germany and France, has just been published in
English by the Longmans. of London. 1t is q sim
pie narrative. by village pastor. of the beginning
of the Franco-Prussan war as seen by the in
habitants Of the little Alsatian village Of Tr0sch
weller. which part Of the of the battle of
Worth Although Of far narrower scope than any OF
the Erckmann-Chatrian novels. it constantly calls
those books to mind by the authors habit Of view
ing everything from the standpoint of the people.
The patriotic ardor thar wsrike rumors always
kindle In the public mind; the enthusiasm with
which the first troops welcomed and the APP
prehension with which they subsequently re-
Qarded; the blind confidence which Alsatians. like
all other people. reposed in their own government
in the early stages of war; the fear that naction
finally inspired and the terror that paralyzed every
non-combatant when his own home threatened
to be the scene of armed conflict are all described
with great minuteness while the elimination of it
ALL the great battle that in day turned the beaut-
full village into place OF desolation and city of
the dead is treated almost il the little village of
Trijschwei ler the sole bone of contention in
the great war. The narrative Is positively marred
by occasional digressions. in which large military
movements are explained; for these read like parts
Of an entirely different book. although in them
selves they are instructive. 1t would be hard to
find better antidote to the occasional fever for war
and its glories than this little book affords.
A DICTIONARY OF COMMERCE AND MANUrAc-
Estes Lauriat. Of Boston. issuing. in parts.
dictionary OF commerce and manufactures, meant
purely tor business men. The editor is Mr.. L. de
Collange, LII. D.. editor Of "Zells Encyclopedias"
and other kindred works. It's special aim is con-
densation and it will be complete in one volume Of
twenty-five parts. glance through the first four
numbers shows us that it combines the definitions.
divided up into several other special encyclopedias
OF commerce. mechanics. manufactures. &c.; but.
OF necessity. tho attention paid to each article il
limited. That it will not and is not intended to
supersede such important special works "McCu-
loch's Dictionary of Commerce or knights Mo-
chanical Dictionary is evident. but by tho average
business man 1t will DO found useful. further
point In its is that II Ia drawn up With special
reference to American business needs.
LITERARY CHIT-CHAT.
Tho Applctons have published new edition Of
Morr;ss s.rlaas Book History of England"