The Portland daily press., 1884-10-04
New Publications.
SOME MAINE BOOKS

appeared several publications which have
peculiar interest to the people of Maine on &C.
connt of their relation to our local history or
their authorship, and we will now call atten-
ton to them in group as an evidence of
literary activity which is gratifying and
promising OF one of these works "The Trel-
awny Papers," edited by James P. Baxter,
special mention has already been m ade in these
columns, and there is no occasion to say NOR
now except that it must be accounted first in
value and Importance of the publications in
the class to which reference is now made.
We bave been remiss in falling to say any
thing about the first number of the new period.
icsl, "The Maine Historical and genealogical
Recorder" until the second number has come
to our table. This publication is issued under
the auspices Of the lately formed society for
the discovery and preservation of genealogical
facts relating to the history of the state, and
its appearance is an evidence of the society's
activity and earnestness. Mr.. S. NJ Watson
of the Portland Public library is editor and
publisher. In appearance and all typographi-
cal qualities the two numbers before us are
credit to the good taste and excellent work
manship of all concerned in its publication.
The object of the publication as defaed in the
prospectus is ''to gather whatever may be Sc.
cured of historical interest pertaining to our
own State, not already known, or that may be
partially forgotten, and whatever of family
history may be collected from different sources
that interests the sons and daughters Of Maine
wherever they may be located" The leading
article in the two numbers now issued relates
to the King family of Maine, concerning which
Mr.. William 81. Smith presents the fruits OF
careful Investigation which however, has
not succeeded in fully clearing up all points in
the record. 1t is accompanied by excellent
portraits of William King, the first Governor,
and Rufus King. Each number contains also
an installment Of the Willis Papers in the
Public Library. Besides these there is large
amount of personal matters, lists OF mar
riages, deaths, etc, from various ancient sources
and miscellaneous items of historical and gene-
illogical interest contributed from many sources.
II We we've disposed to be critical we should
say there is lack OF such classification of the
material as will make it most available for
the uses of the student, but it may be pre-
sumed that this will be more satisfactorily at
tohuOd w 90 VIC dtih piOsNonc ~ HdS SUN
promise of usefulness that it deserves the at
tention and favor of all who are interested in
our local annals
"reminiscences of a Christian Life,n by FL.
J. Bailey of Winthrop Me-, is memoir of the
late Moses Bailey, a widely known and re-
spected member of the Society of Friends
whose life in its earnest devotion to pure and
useful ends, presents features which it is right
ly thought may be wisely presented by such a
record for the satisfaction of his kindred and
friends The book is not published for gen.
eral circulation, but rather as private and
affectionats tribute to the worth OF an ex-
Amplary character. The publishers are Hoyt
Fogg & Donham, and their part in the pro-
daction of this book is entitled to special COM
mendatioD, for as specimen of the publishers
art it can hardly be exceled.
The members of the Androscoggin Bar have
often been entertained at their social meetings
by the genial verses of one of their number,
John w. May, Esq, who has the happy faculty
of catching in cadence and rhyme the salt
eDt features of interesting incidents in the
common routine OF work and experience. At
the request of those whom his verses have
gratitied and in a manner embalmed, he has
collected and published them in a volume with
some occasional poems inspired by sentiments
and occasions OF different quality. In turn
ing the pages Of this unique volume it is easy
to see why its publication was desired. 1t is a
suggestion OF pleasant hours, of good times and
good fellows, of bright incidents in the course
OF legal practice, and Of the personal peculiari-
nd f,th - IT,
abounds ia "hits' and maay jokes, and to
great many of the lawyers not only of that
county, but of the W hole State it will have the
attraction of souvenir Of days the memory of
which they would fain keep bright. The frol-
icsome and airy spirit OF these verses reminds
one of the temper OF the genial DIR. Holmes
when he writes Of his college friends. And in
the fun we suspect there is many an apt por-
trait of character which will serve better than
judicial rulings or forensic motions to preserve
the traits which endeared professional assoc
ciates. The supplementary poems include one
delivered at the centennial of the town of
Winthrop, and some shorter poems of mis-
cellaneous character, which show that the au-
thor has fervor of fancy and gift of ex-
preston adequate to the treatment of serious
themes with genuine poetic feeling. The book
has few illustrations and is handsomely
printed.
In this group ought to be mentioned book
which, although published in Boston, is the
work, we believe, of & Maine author. "The
Penalty of Reeklessness, or Virginia Society
Twenty Years Ago" by Charles e. Will
liams, is romantic and spirited story of South
ern social life, written with considerable pow
er, and likely to hold to the end the attention
OF the reader who begins it. 1t presents
vivid picture Of the peculiar sentiments of hon.
or, the hot temper. the disposition to rashly
hold everyone responsible with his life for bis
criticism Of others, which prevailed in the
South before the war, and is not yet entirely
ersdicated. The story hiss moral which en-
forces itself, and the lesson taught is wise
and salutary one.