Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-11-15
LITERARY NOTES.
LIFE.AN LETTERS OF BAYARD TAYLOR. Ed
tied by MARIE HANsEE-TAYLoR and HORACE +.
SCUDDER In Two .ollmea Boston: Houghton.
Mlffiin & Co. Washington Vim Ballantyne Son.

LIFE AND LETTERS OF BAYARD TAYLOR Ed
SCUDDER In Two tol,Imea Boston Houghton.
Mfiin & Co. Washington Vim Bsllantyne Son.
Bayard Taylor was unquestiOnably one of the
most genuinely interesting figures in the whole
field of American literature His career was
furthermore creditable and honorable, IN the
highest degree though there In no doubt that
his life, or rather, 1t should be said Its literary
outcome was something of a disappointment to
himself For some unaccountable reason the
members OF his own guild were not willing TO
award him as high place as he was really en-
titled to. and then again he was not satisfied as
to the esteem in which he was held in the pop
niar heart. In the latter case twas not ques
ton affecting his real powers. so much as their
limitations and the range within which they were
exercised to the best advantage. Mr. Taylor as
pired above all things to be regarded as poet,
and poet at his best in high and sustained eff
forts: the general public on the other hand pre-
ferred him in his quality as traveller and as
writer OF occasional spontaneous poems OF the
lighter order. These things had their influence.
out they did not embltter his life nor seriously
sour his temper, as the letters brought together
and now given to the public for the first time
abundantly show. His life gave abundant bio
graphical materials. which have been used with
discretion and good effect by those in whose
hands they fell but it is in his private cores
pondence where the true personality Of the man
appears. Mr. Taylor was q charming letter
friends he throws such a flood of light upon his
character and every day thoughts as few men
would care to risk. His letters have value,
too, far beyond that. He had travelled widely,
and 1T was his fortune to know many of the
most prominent men o. his period so that he
was qualified to write and did write instruct
lively as well as entertainingly. There is through
out charm as well in the variety as in the
character Of the book. whether Mr.. TaylOr's own
work or that OF his editor-biographers be con-
onhi fC foot h,,&
more securely both in the judgment and affec-
tons of his countrymen.
FIFTY YEARS OBSERVATION OF MEN AND
EVENTS, CIVIL and MILITARY. BY E. d. KEYEs
Breyet Rrgadier General u s. Army. etc. New
York: Charles Scribners Sons. Washington: VIM.
BaliaDtyne x SON.
Gen. Keyes' "reminiscences will have special
charm for older residents of Washington, on ac-
count OF many of the events and personages de-
scribed, but they possess much to entertain all
who are familiar with or interested in the his
tory and prominent characters of the country
for the past fifty years. The book abounds in
anecdote, and furnishes at the same time much
valuable information on serious questions. all
told with refreshing frankness and in good taste.
Those who knew Gen. keyes well would natu-
rally expect volume OF more than ordinary at
traction and they will rise from perusal of its
pages with no feeling of disappointment, except,
perhaps, that it devotes less space to the late
struggle between the states than might natu-
rally have been anticipated.
THREE Rec VISITS TO TO AMERICA NH By EMILY FAITH
ton: W. H Morrison
This book Is made up of articles contributed
by the author from time to time to various
periodicals. relating chiefly to the subject of re-
numerative employment tor women who are
OOllged TO support themselves. Her observations
are interesting and valuable as expressing the
convictions OF an intelligent and conscientious
woman who has not only given the problem
serious thought. but also done much toward
its practical solution. Her impressions of the
country. Its people and Institutions formed
during extended travel, will also be found
entertaining and often instructive
RALPH THE DRUMMEe. A story of the DAYS of
byW. J. GoRpoS, Illustrated. New York: Henry
Holt Co. Washington: Brentano Brothers
The hero ofthis thrilling story is the son Of a
French Marquis who, having wasted his pro-
perry, and hanged himself in despair, leaves his
child to seek his own fortune. He enlists in the
French army about to start to aid Washington,
and his perilOus adventures during the reyOlu-
tionary war are told in a very attractive wav.
Inc only objection to the book is the very se-
riOus one that fiction and fact are mixed and
history sometimes perverted. The sketchy illus
tratlons so freely introduced add considerably to
the interest of the text.
CAPTAIN PHI. Boys F1perience in the Western
Army During the War of the Rebellion By Nj NJ
THOMAS New York: Henry Holt Co. Washing
ton: Brentano Brothers
An interesting book, this, for boys, and espe-
cially for those with military taste. being the
story OF young lad offourteen who went to the
front with his brother, and finally became SOL
der himself. The scenes of camp life are praphi
caly described, and the pitiful sights on the bat
Tie Held after fight are sketched with strength
ana pathos: and as every incident related is said
TO De an actual experience and all matters at
o. ontr toll
as whole good one for the rising generation
to read.
THE VIKING BopLEYs. An Excursion into Nor.
Nay and DenmaIk By HoRAcE E. sogppER with
Washington; Robert BealI 1''--'AA w.
throughout the whole series of the Bodley
books the author has very happily managed to
combine instruction with entertainment. and
In these respects the latest volume-which
young readers who have followed the wander
ings OF the family will regret to learn is also to
be the last,-is by no means inferior to its
predecessors. In fact. describing less Travelled
countries, 1t perhaps excels in these Qualities
and That part OF it relating to Andersen. the
chlidren's favorite, will be found particularly
interesting.
THE ADvENTUREs OF WIDOW A Novel. By
EDGAR FAwcETr. author Of "A Gentleman Of Leis.
ton: ". MORRISON.
Any one can understand that the adventures
va WIZ A'ShS ooAe Va WiuOW, dCCFaCtlVely told.
would make very fascinating book, which this
Is not. 1t lacks plot and purpose, and though
many of its scenes are clever sketches. their de-
tails are SO elaborated that the central figure Ia
Obscured or lost sight OF, and as a whole It ia
uninteresting and in places tiresome
BURSHAM Author Of Gentleman e ETC. AS wife
II illustrations, from Drawings by Nav q Root
Chicago: Henry A. Sumner Co
The plot OF this story Is an unhackneyed one
and its characters are cleverly drawn and we'll
sustained. The author is evidently improving
with experience in writing, and her present
effort is alike credit to herself and to the
Hammock Series" of which it forms part.
THE CHILDREN OF ISsACHAR Il Chronicles xu
sd story of Wrongs and Remedies New YorL.
u. r. Putnam's Soma Washington: Bretano Bro.
Tiers D'0-
1t is not easy to see why this title should be
given to plea for kukluxism. the specous ar
guments for which are strung upon thread of
romance as criminal as revolving and devoid OF
literary merit throughout.
IN SEARCH OF GOLD. The Story of a Liberal rifa
by DON JUAN. New York: II. w. THOMPSON
The author did well to withhold his name
from the title page Of this story for which.
either as literary performance or record of
personal adventure very little can be said.
-Chicago'scrack literary weekly. The Current
which continues to improve the older H. orows