The Press., 1884-12-11
Issued Every Thursday Evening.
A FEW BOOK NOTICES.

n A SUITABLE BOOK FOX HOLlDAx 6lFT
 Soldier and Servant" has been before noticed in these columns, but at this season particularly dserves to be again mention. ed It is work that has attracted con, 5I siderable attention, and none but the most favorable criticism Hundreds of the read CTS of this paper personally knew the gift ed young author, so lately deceased, whose last writings and ripest thoughts are given in ssSoldier and Servant" The title is q happy one, and expresses the plan of the story, if it be a story Perhaps it may rather be called section of life time, with its happenings and opportunities No thrilling situation nor adroit plottings, but a series of every day adventures, show ing the effects of a steadfast purpose to d., good, conscientious rendering of service to recognized spiritual superior,-an ell listment for life with a full understanding of what the enlistment implies and thor oagh love of the service entered upon.
 The heroine is no worker of miracles, nc deifed saint, but one of the earth earthly, with human weaknesses. Like all the otl- Ter characters, she is most natural type. While the writer has simply made an ideal chara cter, one who knew her can but See how much of herself she has put into the work. and how her own brief life demon kstrated the ideal she has written of. Many kcharacters in the book are recognized by those who knew the writer and her con- temporary associates.
 l. How much can be accomplished by a settled purpose to improve each opportuu- ity for good, how like the spreading rip pies upon the water surface, single work 1 CT may make others happier and b ter, ! and soon enlist and set others at work for good ends, thus making countless num- bers of other centers of good influences, Is told in charming manner that enlists the interest of the most trivial mind even, aud one lays down the book at the end feeling that the time spent has been well invested, Eeven if entertainment were the end sought. But the result does not end here. One is impelled to take up the book again and again and re-read passages that have left an impress. You are interested in the different characters. They are such as you have met in every day experience. They theological bias, and everything happens so naturally that you seem to be regarding 8 bit of real experience.
 The authors rare gift as writer of po- etry and prose strengthens interest. Many bbeautiful and original passages finger long in the memory The reader is led to re- [hection, for there is much "between the lines" to incite reflection. The author has struck rich mine of thought, but all the gems are not upturned to the sunlight. There Is announcement for the reader to delve further .
 No better gift to young friend can be made than Soldier and Servant" No Sunday school library should be without this beautiful but unpretending work. Ella M. Baker, author; D. Lothrop & Co.,, Boston, publishers.
 In selecting reading matter for juveniles, for 1885, wide range of choice is given by oae heuse--that of D. Lothrop & O., Boston. Their Wide Aawake is chiefly designed for older children, but of this we know little of late years, not having op- portunities for examination.
 "Babyland" is a beautiful little month. ly primer, with large beautiful print and pictures just right to interest beginners. Pictures in color will be added features for 1885. 50 cents year.
 "Our Little Men and Women is fol those little further along in the walks o1 and most charmingly printed and edited the stories, which are just right to interest and improve the young minds. An inter esting feature for 1885 will be pictorial series by Mrs. Humphrey, the editor, en titled ''Kings and Queens at Home, tell ing a great deal about the crowned rulers of the present time, also "Nests and theil Builders, telling of birds and other house building creatures. $1 a year. D. To throp & Co.,, Boston.
 s'The Pansy," edited by Mr. R. G. Al ole is al q in age, and deals with history and science also stories for those beginning on this line of reading. Mrs. Alden, better known as "Pansy," is favorite writer with young people, and knows just what kind of read ing will interest and benefit them. D. Lothrop & Co.,, Boston.
 ''The Chautauqua Young Folks Journ al" for reading clubs, schools and home, last. It is bright monthly at 75 cents a year, and suited to needs of those whC read with the object of gaining informa tion. History and other topics are scrv> up sssugar-coated Contributors ar, Bose G. Kingsley, Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont, Mrs. M. A. Livermore, Sarah Orre Jewet, Edward Everett Hale, Harry w. Tyler, Mrs. Sarah Whitman, and others well known. The object of this magazine is ,n- dicated in its title-to cater to tie taste for better class of youthful literature, the recent growth of which is among the most powerful signs of the times. D. L)- throp X Co.,, Boston.
 THE ART AMATEUR for December gives dozen designs for Christmas church and home d. coration the same number for ecclesiastical embroidery fifteen for Ch,na painting, including superb double-page figure panel, and the first of new sories of twelve d ssert plates :; Il striking old door-panel design for wood carving a fine design of oranges fruit, flowers and foliage), for reporlsse brass work South Kensington embroidery designs for pic ture mount, menu frame aud clair back a charming ideal female head and anoth- CT page, in color, of Boucher's delightful cnpids. Amateurs of clay modelling, wood engraving, art needlework, and china paint ing will find excellent illustrated articles devoted to their favolite pursuits. There is notics by George P. Lathrop of the Watts pictures at the Metropolital Meseum, with fine portrait of the artist, and ex- quisite illustrations of two of his works ''The Time of Holly" is an invaluable ar ticle on the Christmas coration of homes and churches. $4aycar. Montague Marks, publisher, B Union Square, New York. -
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