Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-12-14
For the OXFORD DEMOCRAT.
HOLIDAY BOOKS.

The holidays are coming to be more
and more observed every year in New
England. In the earliest times our Puri-
tan fathers forbade their observance.
Within twenty years, in our rural
towns at least, Christmas passed with but
slight observance except the hanging Of
stockings by the children. Now the GUS
tom of present giving prevails to such
an extent that there is an immense trade
in holiday goods all over the land; and
everybody is disposed to remember all
their friends. And among the many
attractive presents from which to select,
there are none more so than the holiday
books.
In looking over these one is impressed
with the great Improvements in book
making, especially of Juvenile books; {;
those in circulation twenty-five or more
years ago were Of cheap character and
poorly illustrated; now they are so bright
and beautiful as to make all bright eyes
sparkle with new lustre; and for the ben
eft of those who wish to select, we call
especial attention to the following:
Feet and Wings" is book to make
the heart of any child glad for the next
twelve months, but especially that Of a
boy. 1t is profusely illustrated with
beautiful and spirited pictures of all kinds
of beasts, birds and butterflies. The
reading matter is of real worth and con-
tains a rich amount of information in
regard to the character and habits of the
animals shown in the pictures. 1t is
published by j. B. Lippincott & Co.,
Philadelphia, and in illuminated covers
sells at Sl.00.
"The Peterkin Papers" by Lucretia
p. Hale, published by James R. Osgood
& Co., price sl.00, contains large
amount of extravagant but delightful
nonsense, yet with point in it all, show
ing the misfortunes Of family that can
not think for themselves, or only think
in the wrong direction. It's fun from
beginning to end is inimitable. 1t is
made additionally attractive by attractive
binding and comical etchings.
"William Henry and His Friends" by
Mrs. A. NJ. Diaz; ]. r. Osgood Il Co.;
price Sl00, continues the pleasing ac-
quaintance of the author Of the William
Henry letters. 1t is brim full of boy
life. William Henry is real boy, not
an ideal one, and is characterized by those
strange thoughts and follies that make
the boys in your homes such study and
delight.
The Nursery, monthly magazine,
published by the Nursery Publishing Co.,
Boston, at sl.50 year, is fine exam
pie of what can be done to interest the
youngest readers by way of clear type
and beautiful cuts.
"Young Folks Rhymes and Stories,
published by Lee & Shepard, Boston,
Illuminated boards. IS cents, is an exceed
ingly pleasing book for younger children.
1t contains an unique alphabet, tina.
makes every picture puzzle picture.
The same publishers issue "Stories
from the Arabian Nights" in a neat and
beautifully illustrated volume at IS cents.
1t contains the cream Of the Arabian
Nights, and all of them that child need
ever to read. 1t contains the stories oi
the Fisherman, the Sisters, Prince Ahmed,
Aladdin, the Forty Robbers, and Sindbad
the Sailor-stories that will ever be de.
lightful to young or old. These have
been selected BY DR.. Samuel Eliot, and
are printed without abridgement. but the
text has been revised and simpli6ed fol
this edition which has been adopted fol
use in the Boston public schools.
1.-THE Wandering Jew" Fine Art Pub.
lishing Co., 5S5 Pearl st., New York