The Somerset reporter., 1885-07-08
The Peoples CyctOpedid for the
Tobte.

We are all aware of the influences of as
ISOLATION and su, h being the case we can
not but admit that the compauionshp of
books contributes, in no small degree, to
the formation of character, as well as to
the successes or failures which characterize
ali the operations of life. To the prevail
ing secular works of any household, the
moral and intellectual tone of its inmates
cannot but be indebted in a large degree.
In the fetid atmosphere of trashy, sensa-
tional literature there is no health for eth
er soul or body, and no proper food for the
mind. The fact is evidenced by the disas-
trous career Of the countless thousands
whose youth has been poisoned beyond re-
demption in this relation, and who, in con-
sequence, have become lepers in society.
In this aspect of the case, the character
OF any secular work that lies open on the
evening table OF any household whatever,
or that is l, be found within easy reach of
lis members, is of the most vital impor-
lance. In the case of the young more es-
recial'y, we here can discover a starting
point which may lead to success or failure
to happiness or woe; and here, also, we
may perceive clearly how important and
salu,ary a part book such as THE Pro
PIES CYCLoPEDIA is calculated to play in the
premises. This latter we shall compre-
bend the more readily when we come to
understand that this exhaustive and mex
pensive work is filed with beautiful en-
cravings and maps, and replete with infor-
nation on every possible subject and in
every possible relation. In it will be found
the treasures of history, ancient and mod
ern; the peculiarities of every land AID
people under the sun; an account of every
event of note that has transpired from the
earliest PERIODS down to the present day;
all that is interesting and useful in the arts
and sciences; every thing pertaining to in
veniions and modern discovery; all the
distinguished names OF classical and mod
elu lore and the way in viii h they should
be pronounced; current foreign sentences
(and their translatioD) used by English
writers or in EDgish-speaking society;
universal statistics, embracing the policy
of all nations; and. in fact, every thing
that is calculated 10 fascinate and educate
the young, and broaden the views and in
crease the knowledge of those of naturer
years.
Such work is THE PEOPLES CYCLoPE-
Ola, now before the public, and, we may
add, now finding its way into every house
hold in the land. As an educator, outside
the school, IL has no successful rival To
the child IL is large and beautifully-5ound
picture book filled with fine engruyngs
and replete with brief paragraphs, inter-
esting to even the teDderest years. To the
man it is an important volume overlooking
with statistics OF vital information on ev-
cry subject bearing upon his intelligence
and material welfare. When opened hap
hazard, either by young or old, the eye is
caught INSTANTLY by some illustration or
paragraph of interest, so tina: neither time
nor patience is taxed in the pursuit of
knowledge along its channels. Through
the agency eff simple glance we are bene-
flied at once; and hence the pleasure and
profit derived from its admirable arrange
ment and inexhaustabe resources From
what we have now said, and assuming I to
be true, THE PEOPLES CYCLoPEDIA is OBJ
viouslv the book for the table in any intel
ligent and well-regulated household; and
that it is rapidly attaining TO very exalt-
ed position In this direction we are enabled
to assert most emphatically, and that, too,
with pride and pleasure.