The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-05-17


the Russian language. 1t is probable
that, on its completion in Scribner, the
work will be published simultaneously in
at least FIVE countries, and perhaps more
Messrs. Block & Co., of this city, havs
just published History of the He
brews' Second Commonwealth, with
special reference to the literature, cult.
ure and the origin of Rabbinism and
Christianity, by Isaac M. Wise, Presi-
dent Of the Hebrew Union College.
The work is clear and succinct history
of the Hebrews from 5S6 before to sew
enty years after the Christian era. The
logical arrangement Of the historical
material, the brevitv and conspicuity of
the style, the strictly Rational and Dem
ocratic spirit of the authors standpoint,
the complete history of literature, and
the vast amount of cultural information
not to be found in any other book on
this subject will commend the work
warmly to students of history as well as
to the general reader.
Hon. John w. Dickinson, Secretary Of
the Bo rd of Education of Massachu-
setts, and H. II. Morgan, Esq, Principal
of the High School, St. Louis, No., are
the successful competitors for the premi-
um offered by Mr.. Bicknell, editor Of
the National and New England Journ-
ais of Education, for the best essay of
not less than 1000 and not more than
5000 words on one of several educational
topics. The Committee of Award con-
sisted of Prof. A. G.. Boyden, Bridge
water, Mass; Supt. w. F. Phelps,
Winona, Mimi, and Col. Homer b.
Sprague, Boston. As two essays are de-
cided to be of equal merit, Mr.. Bicknell
will give two premiums of equal value,
instead of one, as announced. There
were about one hundred contestants for
the first honor, and many of their pa
pers possess great merit. The subjects
of the prize essays are, "The Proper
Functions of the Free High School," and
"Oral Teaching; its Proper Methods and
Limits" Both are the property OF the
Journal and will be published in that
paper.
A Concord Guide Book is shortly to
be issued from the house of d. Lothrop
& Co., and, as the subject has never been
50 fully treated of in book form, it will
be volume of unusual attractions to
those interested in that most fascinating
of all New England towns The book is
edited and in great part written by Mr..
G.. B. Bartlett. Special articles are con-
tributed on various points of interest by
those most conversant with the subject
in hand. For instance, Mrs. Rose Haw-
thorne Lathrop writes of her fathers
house. Mr.. T. B. Sanborn gives very
full sketch of the Alcott family, and also
of the school of philosophy, with a pro-
gramme for 1880. An account Of the
library is written by Mr.. Alfred Monroe,
brother of the founder. Mr.. w. w.
Wheildon writes OF Walden pond and the
Concord grape. Mr.. Emerson is, of course,
the center of interest, and an exquisite
copy of the bust by Daniel Chester
French is the most prominent illustration
of the book. There are many other
drawings by Robert Lewis and Miss
Humphreys. In pleasant article on
Mr.. French the sculptor, a view of his
studio is given, as also sketch of his eel
ebrated minute Man."
Appletons' Journal for June has a
paper by Appleton Morgan, resuming
The discussion he began last year on the
authorship of the Shakespeare plays. Mr.
Morgan in this article reviews all the
various theories of their authorship, and
gives most graphic and striking picture
of the Shakspearean period. Whether
one agrees with Mr.. Morgan or not, it is
impossible not to enjoy his pungent and
suggestive comments. There is the first
half of a novelette, by Victor Cherbuliez,
entitled "Herr DrommePs Inconsisten-
cies,"' in which the brilliant character
istics of that writer appear at their best.
The story is full Of wit, point, fresh
characterization, and the main situation
is certainly novel one. Herr Drommel
is German savant, who is made the
butt of the authors brilliant satire.
There is another selection from Seniors
Conversation" giving usterances from
Lamartine, Renan and others. 1t is EN-.
inently readable. There is a very en-.
tertaining paper on Burton's Anatomy
of Melancholy" paper on Siberia
which gives quite new idea Of that
much talked Of country, by which II
appears that Punishment to Siberia il
not the terrible thing it has been sup
posed to be. There is a second paper on
'Health at Home" from DR.. Richard
son; an article on Gottfried Keller, the
Swiss novelist; one on Dreams" which
is full of strange matter; paper OF
Mnfernal machines" and the "Spanisf
Theatre" The editors department.
complete the number, which is full o.
valuable and very readable material.
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