The Portland daily press., 1883-11-03

ly procession and we are RECALLED with vivid repre-
sensations of councils churches, converts and col
leges. The crusades, schisms, inquisitions and
inter alliances of priests and princes are all de-
pcted with warmth of eoloring and with as much
detail as will be of interest to the modern reader
The candor of the historian is commendable and his
criticisms are both tolerant and enlightened
OF John Stuart Blackie's compendium, entitled
''The Wisdom of Goethe it is hardly possible to
speak in extravagant praise The works of the
great German are not of character ever to be-
popular with English readers in translations,
although they will always be studied with care by
those who have the literary spirit 1t is good
service therefore when competent critic as FRO
fessor Blackie culls from them examples OF their
Astounding wisdom for the instruction and satisac-
ton of numbers WHO would hardly be tempted to
geek it out for thenlsell es. Prexed to the selec-
tons is essay upon Goethe in which his genius is
warmly praised and his character also. Professor
Blackie is at much pains to explain and excuse GER
tain episodes In Goeths which Ef glish moral
lists have usually condemned. For all who do not
read German or who do not care for the complete
works in translation but who do nevertheless desire
to possess some characteristic specimens Of Goethes
wisdom and expression this little volume is just the
thing, and by this large class it will be welcomed
The Autobiography of Anthony Trollope is one of
the most interesting records of the literary life
which has been written. 1t lacks any account OF
his private life as it is connected with his
work for the public, either author officer in
the English Post Office service. He tells all the
circumstances and incidents of the writing of his
numerous novels and other books and anybody can
watch the whole process. He does not lay claim to
any superior genius but he shows what industry
may accomplish in the field of literature, and in his
case at least that writing books not an unproft
able occupation.
Mr., Aehenhurst's book on ''Designs in Textile
Fabrics is purely technical work, belonging in
the "Manuals of Technology" series, with colored
plates and diagrams, and very full glossary. Of
course the interest in such a work can never be
general but it would seem to be invaluable to all
who are interested in the manufacture of textile
fabrics for in other volume of any size yet put
out is such store of vital and exact knowledge in
| the subject contained
sThe "Reunion Poems" which Mr.. A. S. Twitch-
ell has delivered on special occasions are published
| in a neat volume by v. V. Twitchell of Gorham N.
| HI. They have particular interest for those who
have personal associations with the occasions that
| called them forth.
| Miss Thackeray's "Book of sibyls" is collection
of essays on some of the earlier women writers of
English novels 1t is appreciative of their talent
and gives pleasant sketches of their character and
life.
DIR. Taylors sIife of DAVID is not new book.
1t was written and published at the time when the
great king of Israel was the topic of the information
al Sunday-school lessons. But it is work of un
common interest to bible students of all times.