Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-01-12
LITERARY NOTES.
HISTORY OF PRUSSIA. To THE ACCESSION OF
FREDERICK THE GREAT. lI34-lT40 By HER
BERT TuTrLE. Professor in Cornell University.
Boston Houghton, Mlffiin 4 Co. Washineton VIM

HSaE5 &c M R "a rH ls5 S9 He OF
BERT TuTTLE. Professor in Cornell University
Balantyne & Son
This volume, the first result of Professor Tut
ties long and careful study of the beginnings of
the German nation. is really valuable contri-
button to current historical literature 1t is at
once history, in the old-fashioned sense as a
record of events and the leading characters in
them. and an attractively presented study-sketch
OF the early life of the people and the causes
and influences which moulded their institutions
and shaped their destinies. The authors style
Is Clear graphic and incisive, and the book
throughout shows both industry in research and
powers of analysis and deduction.
EMERsoN's COMPLETE WORKS. Poems: Lee
tnr9s and 1Boeraphical Sketches; Miscellanies-
Miffn & Co. Washington: Vim. Ballantyne < Son
These three constitute the INth. Xth and XIth
volumes of the handsome uniform Riverside
Edition" Of the works Of Mr.. Emerson hereto
fore noticed in these columns. In Topographic
cal style and appearance the set is all that could
be desired, and it will doubtless take and hold
position as the standard edition of his writings
Volume contains steel-plate portrait Of Mr.
Emerson. which we think is to be preferred TO
the etched portrait by Schoff, after an old
daguerreotype, which formed the frontispiece to
volume l.
, MssSEn Ro B"stGR a, Houghton n Co. Wash
Mr.. Warner is one Of the most accomplished
of travellers. as well as one of the most delight
full writer's of travels, as all know who have read
his previous books, and his frequent desert ptive
contributions to the magazines. His reputation
in these respects will not suffer but be rather
enhanced by his present volume which is col
lection OF bright and breezy pictures Of life and
experiences in the countries constit uting the
great Mediterranean basin.
ARTS THE LIBYAN. Anil of the Primitive Church
tano Co w. ''-' a. D'el'
In the form of romance the anonymous au-
thor OF this book shows great research and
learning, and his production is one of more
than ordinary interest and power. The story is
founded upon the Incidents in the life of Arius,
from whom was named what was called the
Arinian heresy, and in 1t are introduced the
Emperor Constantine. Eusebius, Athanasus
and other conspicuous contemporary person
ages. while picturesque glimpses are given of
pastoral life among the early Christians. 1t is
not likelyto be popular book in the sensational
sense of the term, bat 1t will have decided fas-
clnation tor intelligent and thoughtful readers.
AN AMBITIOUS WOMAN. A Novel. By EDGAR
Hopeless case etc Boston: Houehton, Miiin &
Co. Washington: VIM. Baantyne & Son.
As picture Of social life in New York this
story is worthy of attention, though as liter
airy performance it falls, as it seems to u.s. a
little below what has been claimed for it. The
heroine, who shows some redeemng traits at
last, rises from the humblest position to the
very apex OF fashionable society, not by grace of
person, mind or character, but by sheer force of
Will and heartless ambition. Naturally the pic
ture as whole is not a pleasant one. nor does
it probably represent the average society of New
York or any city; but that there are here and
there originals for all its scenes and characters
there is little room for doubt.
GUENN. A Wave on the Breton Coast By BLANCHE
WILLIS HOWARD. author of One Suinrner,""Aunt Sc
ton: Robert Besll
Miss Towards latest story is too long. and
her subject is not fresh but for all that it is one
OF the best of the season. 1t holds the readers
attention from beginning to end with its bright
plquant style and its graphic descriptions and
strong local coloring. even though the charac-
tiers may not always be pleasing and poetic ius-
tce does not strike where it ought. The wood
cut illustrations are sketchy, but very clever in
their way.
BELINDA A Novel By EHoDA BRoUGHToS, author
Of I'd as k?9e is sae etc New York D. Apple
1t is quite the thing to decry both the literary
style and the moral tone of Miss Broughtons
stories, but at the same time they are very
widely read and-shal we say it?-really rather
liked. Her characters may not always be to
ones taste, but they are apt to be natural of
their kind, and she is never dull. whatever
other objection may be urged. These observa-
tons refer to her writings generally, but they
apply exactly to " Belinda" 1t has the merits
and shortcomings which mark its predecessors,
being neither much better nor much worse than
they.
HAND AND RING, By. ANNA KATHARINE GREEN
Sew f4 pi, g. P Putnam's Sons. Washington:
The characteristics which made Miss Greene's
first story. 'The Leavenworth Case" so popular
are all observable, and even in greater degree.
In Hand and Ring" She has natural aptitude
Tor puZZling law cases. detective service and
that sort OF thing. and with her intricate plots
cieVerly worked out she never permits the
interest OF her readers to flag for moment.
pHf1ps author of The Gapss Aia Eff SIU U
Houghton, Mifin 4 Co. Washington: Robert Beall.
Persons fond of indulging in speculations on
the subject will doubtless take pleasure in Miss
Phelps fancles as to the nature and conditions
of future lte as they probably also did in Mrs
ELEPHANTS Little Pilgrim;' but it is neverthe-
less difficult to resist the conclusion that time
given either to producing or reading books of
this Glass is idly spent.
A DANGEROUS WOMAN Being the Dangerous Fx-
periences of Hon. John Billings, NJ c. By gilbert
ington: G. C. Pursell.
The announcement that this is another novel
of life and society at the national capital is
hardly justified by a perusal. A novel it can
scarcely be called, in the strict sense of the term
but rather grouping Of incidents and charac-
acters, for which it is reasonable to suppose
originals may have existed in some degree In
military and political life during and following
war times, though not in the order or relation
here set down. The volume looks like one in
tended to be chucked on the lap of helpless rail-
way travellers by f1endish train boys and that
impression is likely to be confirmed by reading it,
yAGABONDIA A Love Story. By FRANCES HopGsoN
ington: j. d. Free.
The interest attaching to this book lies in the
facts that it was the authors first formal effort
at story writing,-tirst published in a magazine
under the title of ''Dorothea." and afterward In
book form as ''DOly'-and that in the history
OF its heroine somewhat of her own experiences
are supposed to be given. 1t u.s. as might be
expected, far inferior to some of Mrs. Burnett's
later productions, but the characters are s.
tinctly drawn, and the plot is interesting and
fairly well worked out.
Millions Sonnets, edited by Mark Pattison
(received through Brentano) Is the latest addi-
ton to the attractive Parchment Series" OF Ap-
pletOn & Co. 1t contains long but not very
thrilling Introductory essay on the construction
OF the sonnet, by the editor, with versions by
other poets of Millions transatiOns from the
Italian, and also a steel plate portrait of the
blind bard as frontispiece.