Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-31
LITERARY NOTES.


BLAINE Volume L Norwich. Conn: The Henry
Bill Publishing Co.
Where an author is % well known as Mr..
Blaine is In this community. it is not necessary
to review his work at length, even were space
in abundance at command. With his vigorous
and incsive literary style and his close connec-
ton with public affairs. his record of twenty
years experience and observation could not be
otherwise than interesting. 1t abounds, as
might be expected. in vivid descriptions of STIR
ring scenes and important events, and also in
graphic portraits of prominent men. What
most surprises the majority OF the critics Is the
fairness and magnanimity with which the former
opponents of the author are treated. So strongly
marked is this characteristic that some of the
more unfavorably disposed have not hesitated
to charge that these moderate expressions were
of Mr.. Blaine for cOnciliating old antagonists,
and strengthening thereby his chances for the
presidency the book was written, in other
words, not for pOsterity. but to meet present
political and pecuniary emergency. We prefer
to take the opposite view, however, and believe
that they are evidences of that broader charity
and more liberal judgment Of men and things
which come with added years and wider and
clearer vision.
The book is we'll printed. and as whole pre-
sents handsome appearance, after fashion;
but, as Is apt to be the case with books pub
lished by subscription, the paper is thick and
spongy, rather than superior i'm quality and
heavy, and the volume is too large for comfort
or convenience in reading. 1t looks in fact,
like a book intended to be laid on the center
table Of the parlOr in wellto-do farmers houses.
alongside of Headley's Sacred Mountains" and
old-fashioned family daguerreotypes, rather than
volume taken home for daily use and enjoy
ment.
S Rs with
s and of His His Sly style as Sneaker and Wser By
Washington: Vim. Ballantyne Son.
The name and fame of Rufus ChOate, who was
one Of the most gifted and strongly marked
great men of his day, are little known to readers
OF the present generation. 1t is well, therefore,
that Judge Nelson, himself jurist of renown.
should give to the public the result Of his long
followed labor of love. The first half of his
book contains the authors analysis and estimate
OF the character of Mr.. Choate, which. it need
not be said. is most favorable in view and excel
lent in style, while the latter part is given up to
papers from some twenty odd prominent legal
and literary gentlemen, giving their recOllec-
lions and impressions of the famous advocate,
and number of characteristic letters written
by Mr.. ChOate himself to Mr.. Sumner, between
the years 1871 aud 1851. Mr.. Nelson's tribute
will not take the place of President Browns
more formal and elaborate Life of Choate, but
is rather in the nature of a supplement to that
excellent work. and is well worthy of place
along size oil 1t.
HISTORY OF THE. AMERICAN PEOPLE By
American History, etc. With illustrations. Bos-
tom D. Lothrop 4 Co.
one volume history of any people or coun-
try must necessariy'be somewhat meager, as to
events and personages introduced, and con-
densed, as to style. Mr.. Gilman's record, COW
ering only about six hundred pages, is marked
by these characteristics. but he has made excel
Ii 4
clear and attractive STYLE enllvenng the narra-
tive by frequent extracts from letters newspa-
pers etc, of the period to which they relate The
text is farther illustrated by large number of
woOdcuts, better in execution than those COM
monty used in books Of its class, and ON the
whole the volume is one which can be placed
with decided advantage in the hands of the
young.
GLORIA etc: From the Spanish, by Clara Bell.
Baantyne Il Son.
trafalgar" will please those who are fond of
sea fights and their attendant horrors, but it
will hardly be relished by the majority of readers
Notwithstanding the thread of romance running
through it and its vivid description Of the great
battle. and the death of Nelson and the French
and Spanish commanders. One feature of in
terest is the fact that it gives the opposite view
OF the contest from that presented by the British
authorities. story being put in the mouth
OF young Spaniard and purDOrting to be that
OF an eye witness.
PROPERTY AND PROGRESS: Or Brief Inquiry Into
Contemporary Social Agitation in Engiand by ".
H. MALLoCK New Yark: G. p Putnaln's Sons
Washington: Robert Beall.
Henry George and his fellows will get scant
comfort from this book. 1t is a reprint of the
notable essays contributed by Mr.. Mallock some
time since to the Quarterly Reuie,o. in which he
undertook to show that the socialists are pro-
ceeding on double basis of economic miscon-
ception and historical falsehood. Few American
readers will perhaps be willing to accent all Mr.
Malocts views; but his book throws good
deal OF light on points that are wilfully misrep-
resented or imperfectly understood in this
country.
THoRNs IN YOU'D SIDES. By HAnR1ErTE A. KEY
r Putnams Sons. Washington Brentano Brothers
Naturally one would not expect much from a
woman who discards the good old fashioned
way of spelling Harriet. and adopts the form
noted above; so that this book eXcites no sur
prise. 1t is a curious tumble of thirty odd
short chapters, on various subjects, connected
by the plot of a very slight story, and was
supposedly written for apurpose. Just what
its object is, however, unless to point ont the
dangers of Catholic domination in the United
States, Is difficult to decide.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. A Novel New York.
Henry Holt 4 Co. Washington: Brentano Brothers.
This story, which is the fourth OF HoN's
american Novel Series," shows considerable
talent and originality, but it isfull of skepticsm,
and its morality is questionable so that, in spite
of what good qualities it has, it leaves a dis
agreeable impression-a bad taste in the mouth,
as it were. Several of the characters are cleverly
drawn, and so far as its scenes are laid in the
country and along the. seaside the local color is
true, and the descriptions generally are well
done.
The l1Orticulturists.