Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-05-19

v. (SieIico: Vel. II-152!-1eJo) San Frsn-
cisco: A. L. Bancroft ( Co.
IL pursuance of the plan heretofore announced
Infringing the several divisions of his general
history down side by side TO the commencement
Of the present century the author has now COM
pleted the second volume relating TO Mexico.
This viii be followed by three more devoted to
the same country which will bring that branch
OF the work. together with that relating to Gem
trail America, to about the year 1900 when the
story OF the territory to the northward will he
taken up and carried along i'm the same way
Inc present volume commences with the re-
building of the captured Aztec capital and
preparations for farther cOnguests, and closes
with the end OF the sixteenth century The
story Is i'm many ways interesting and instruc-
tive, but 1t is far from pleasant. 1t is record of
bntcheries. burDings and barbarities, generally
revolving in themselves, and not to be Justified
In this enlightened age Of the world. be the ends
what they may. But of course for the facts he
tells the author is not responsible. He records
what his researches disclose. a little too diff
msely. and also. perhaps. a little too hurriedly
TO insure the best literary Style: but his version
will stand as a reliable and enduring authority
upon the subject. In this respect Mr. Bancrott's
work must rank. We think. higher than any
thing that has preceded it. The industry of his
Researches and the fulness of his notes have
never been eGualed In the same field
A STORY OF CARNIVAL. By MARY A. NJ Hop
hObert Beal.
CHELSEA HoU, EHoLDER. New York: Henry
Eoi. Co. Washington: Robert Beall.
no NEW THING. Novel b. W. E. NORRIS au-
thor of ''Matrimony." Heaps of Money" etc
New York: Henry Holt Co. Washington: Robert
These three stories constitute volumes LAG,
147 and l4S respectively, of the Leisure Hour
Berries" The scene of the first is laid In Italy.
that of the second in England. while the third
IL divided between England and Italy. Neither
ranks very high as a work of fiction. but they
are all rather clever in their way, and will serve
70 vile away time which may hang heavily On
Idle minds during summer vacation season.
CHRISTIAN HISTORY IN ITS THREE GREAT
PERIODS Second PERIOD: The Middle Age. By
Jos Pm Henry ALLsS author of Hebrew Men
fngton: Robert BeaIl
This Is a most interesting section of Prof AL
lens great work. as will be inferred from It's
topics, which include the Ecclesiastical System;
Feudal Society; the Work of Hldebrand: the
Crusades, Chivalry; the Religious Orders; Re-
hgiOus Art; the Pagan Revival. &c. &c. 1t is
null of historical information, sound philosophy,
and Intelligent criticism.
CRI :IQUE OF DESIGN-ARGUMENTs: His
fOrical Review and Free Examination of the Meth
DDS of Reasoning in Natural Theology. By f. L.
granville Gran Shio: New loEk; Charles scribner's
This is a valuable and Important addition to
the literature of natural theology, which has
already attracted the attention OF scientists and
thinkers, and for whom it is intended, rather
than for the ordinary reader. although it is
fresher and more readable than most books of
Its class. The author makes his points clear and
enforces his arguments with apt illustrations.
PROM PONKAPoG TO PEsTH. By THOMAS BAILEY
1ngtOn: Wm- Baliantyne Son.
The title of this dainty volume is a trihe de-
nbnbl - oy. {1,o .lar
suppose that 1T will give some account OF the two
terminal points named, and of the journey con-
meeting them as well. 1t does nothing of the
kind 1t is, on the other hand. only series Of
sketches, in the impressiOnist STYLE Of observa-
tions and experiences in foreign travel, pleasant
and entertaining enough in themselves but con-
tanning nothing new or instructive.
HISTORY OF AMERICAN SHIPPING ITS PRES
s. Hill, author Of .!0nr Merban 9y Mar,Re
rg, ai,erican StstIstcal Review. etc. New York:
The author of tins pamphlet has had access to
valuable official records and figures, of which
he has made free and intelligent use. and he
furnishes q vast fund of information upon sub
Ject which Is every year attracting wider and
more earnest attention. His aim Is to arouse
public opinion by Illustration and argument;
anu whether the reader agrees with his conclu-
sions or not. he Will find it a convenient and
instructive compilation.
THE RED ACORN. 4 Novel BY JoHS McELRoY,
author OF ,.An,iersonville," etc. Chicago: Henry
The title of this story comes from the corps
badge of the lstDiyison OF the 14th Army Corps.
which furnishes The hero The scene is laid in
include the usual allowance of marching fight
Ing and loye-making. The style is spirited and
the descriptions are in the main very fair, the
best being that Of Rachel Bonds ride from Nash
Ia kn Nupfp l.Nr.
battle of Stone River which she saw. To old
soldiers 1t Is likely to be interesting and will
recall many memories, but 1t cannot be re-
garded as taking very high rank as literary
performance.
AN AMERICAN FoUR-IN-HAND IN BRITAIN.
ner's sons.
Next to making a trip lesurely BY coach from
The southern coast of England to the upper part
OF Scotland is to read a pleasant account of
such Journey made by happily constituted
party, such as is given in Blacks Strange Ad-
ventures of PhaetOn." or the handsome vol
ume before u.s. In this instance the distance of
6Sl miles was accomplished by easy stages in
Just fifty days. and the author who furnished
the outfit and held the ribbons for the Journey
gives lively and entertaining account of what
was seen, said and done on the way
NiDSCMMEf LARK. By w. A. CRoFFur. New
York: Henry Holt Co. Washington: Robert
The popularity of this book of two hundred
and fifty odd pages. devoted to European travel.
lie that 1t Is in rhyme, although not set up In the
form of that style of composition The result is
What might have been expected: neither good
descrptiye-narratiye nor good poetry.
BOOK ABOUT ROSES: How to Grow and Show
Them. By :. REYSops HOLE. New York: VIM
= Gotisberger. Washington: VIM. Baantyne &
Son.
Although written for England, where it has
reached circulation OF seven editions Mr..
Holes treatise contains much that will enter
tain and Instruct American readers. whether
they are professional or only amateur growers
Of the queen of flowers.
From The Century Company. through Robert
Beall, we have the Sd volume Of The Ce7stu,u.
running from November. 1882, to April. 1888,
Inclusive handsomely bound to match those
previously issued. 1t is hardly necessary to
say, In q community where this periodical is SO
well known and so widely read that 1t Is a YER
Eable mine of good things, in the way OF prose,
Poetry and pictures.
Authors aud Publishers" IL the title of a
neatly printed and useful manual of suggestions
and information for beginners In literature. pub
A~lA