The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-17
THE FIELD OF LITERATURE.
New hooks.

OF the American Men of Letters series to secure
Holmes as the biographer of Emerson, Memoirs
and sketches of Emerson have not been lacking
and the reading public is fairly familiar with the
life and works of one so recently among them,
so that it is not altogether the expectation OF
learning fresh facts concerning him which will
cause this volume to be eagerly read. New
hight upon the character of the Concord PHI
losopher may naturally be looked for from such .
source but the chief interest lies in the wish to
learn what impression he made and what infu-
ence ne exerted upon contemporary of such
intellectual abilities. but whose nature and char
acterlstics differed so widely from his own. This
curiosity is to some extent, gratifed The evident
attempt to efface his own personality as the
ideal biographer should do, is a failure, and it 10
to this failure that the book owes its greatest
charm The inimitable literary style, which is
of itself revelation of character, is not to bO
concealed, and the quaint humor and delicate wit
are continually coming to the surface. The re-
view of Emerson's writings and lectures, which
forms the greater portion of the volume, is com-
prehensive, and the extracts, it is needless to
say, are happily chosen. Without possessing q
trace eff mysticism or transcendentalism the bic
ographer shows himself keenly appreciative o2
Emerson's highest ideals with none of the rhapso-
dies to which so many Emerson worshipers Seem
to feel obliged to give utterance in speaking OF
their oracle, he shows himselfto.be an earnest ad-
mirsr. The admiration does not blind him TO
certain weaknesses. however, and these he
designates in kindly but deft way. or
the lofty and pure character of Emer"
son he speaks often and eloquently. Hid
delineation of the quiet life which flowed on
like a deep but placid river, without shoals Or
quicksands brings up in sharp contrast the tur-
bulent existence of Carlyle, which. has so lately
been disclosed to the view of the world. In EN-
ersons case effort is made, as in the other, to
excuse feelings and to round off asperities to
save the memory of a great man; there is no
need for such EXCISE. The tribute to the nobil.
ity as well as the genius of an almost faultless
character is the outspoken conviction of one who
had known him long and well-a tribute of affec-t
ton and reverence.
In THE LENA DELTA. BY George w. Melville, chief
engineer u. s. N. Edited By Melville Philips.
With maps and illustrations. Houghton, Mfiin 60
Co., Boston; Merrill, Megs 81 Co., Indianapolis
Price, $3.50.
The story of the Inflated cruise of the Jeans
nette is known to all the world. and the wander.
ings and death of those who managed to reach the
inhospitable shore at the delta of the Lena are
familiar to the reading public Whatever may
be thought of the foolhardiness of the repeated
attempts to reach the pole, the account of theira
failures embraces the most thrilling experience
thatever fell to the lot of American adverS|
turers, and will be read with consumings
interest. AS one of the survivors of that awful
voyage, Chief Engineer Melville knows by per-
sonal experience of what he speaks, and has resi
counted the incidents in very engaging way.
To the account Of the experience on the Lena
delta ne has added that of the relief party sent
to the rescue of Lieutenant Greedy, valuable
addition to arctic literature.
LIFE Of ABRAHAM LINCOLN. BY Isaac N. Arnold.
Jansen, McClurg 81 Co., Chicago Bowen, Stewart
& Co., Indianapolis Price, 81
There are innumerable biographies Of the Na~s
TONS first martyr President of more or less
merit, and it would seem superhuous to add tor
the number until lapse of years shall enables
some historian to measure justly the great char
acter which to-day the American people venerata
and hold in deep affection The author Of this
work, dying as Lincoln did, before his work was
fully finished had excellent opportunity to study
the President in his inner life personal acquant-
ance of quarter of century, during whichs
they were on intimate terms, enabling him tor
know him as he was. A fine library volume.
KENTUCKY: A PIONEER COMMONWEALTH. BY N.
S. Shaer. Houghton Miflin & Co., Boston; Mer.
rill Meigs Co., Indianapolis. Price, $1. 20
This is the latest issue of the American Com
monwealths series. Had the author confined
himself to the immediate subject in hand this
volume need not have occupied more than hale
the space it does, or the entire volume might
have been filed with matter more pertinent TO-
the history of the rise of the State. The iaei-'
dent of furnishing troops for the Mexican war;
for instance, causes him to follow their fortunes,
matter in no degree relevant to Kentucky as as
State.
THE BLAINE AND LOGAN CAMPAIGN OF 1884. Com
piled by T. B. Boyd Published by the author,
Room /, 179 Madison street, Chicago. Cloth; 81.
Mr.. Boyd has made complete collection Of.
the speeches made by Mr. Blaine during his
magnificent campaign in the year just past
Every point that stop was made at is men
toned and the speech, short or long, is repro-
duced, together with noted incidents ATTENDING
the various meetings Portraits of Mr. Blaine
General Logan and Rev. Burchard are presented.
Sold by agents.
HEROES OF THREE WARS. By Captain Willardl
Frazier. Illustrated. Hubbard Brothers, Philarl
delpha. Sold by subscription.
An engaging review of the lives Of the men
who were famous in the Revolution the war with
Mexico and the Rebellion, illustrated with nu-
merous portraits and battle scenes. Told by O
soldier, in dashing soldierly style, yet with
every evidence of accuracy and regard foR
truth. 1t will make fr1ends for the authop
wherever it is read.
LAMPS A0D PATHS. BY Theodore T. Munger
HCdghton, Miffn g Co, Boston; Merrill, Meigs
g. Co., indianapolis. Price, ST..
Sermons preached to children and couched in
1o,oroca easily understood nv them