Morning journal and courier., 1886-06-05
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

Houghton, Mif1in & Co., of Boston, have
undertaken the publication of notable
Narrative and Critical History of America"
with bibliographical and descriptive essays
on its historical sources and authorities. The
work when completed will include eight
royal octave volumes of about six hundred
pages each, profusely illustrated with maps,
views, portraits and ac-simile reproductions
of historical documents. 1t is under the ed
itorial supervision of Mr.. Justin Winsor,
librarian of Harvard university, correspond
ing secretary of the Massachusetts Historical
society and frat vice president of the Ameri-
can Historical association, and the writers
include the most eminent historical scholars
of the country The chapters as a rule will
have two parts: First, an historical narrative
sufficiently full for ordinary and serving
as text for an essay which follows it. Each
narrative groups the salient points of the
story and embodies results of latest research
es. Second, critical essay, which is to be
the distinctive literary feature of the plan
and to be of character quite new in histori-
cal works. 1t will describe the original
sources of the preceding narrative-manu-
scripts, monuments, archaeological remains
with accounts of their discovery, their trans
mission to later times, their yicissitudes, as
well as the places, libraries, museums. ETC.,
where they are to be found or are
preserved the character and lives of
those who have discovered, gathered,
and made use of them for historical, results;
the writers, contemporary, early and late,
who have become authorities ON the several
subjects with their opportunities and fitness
for the study of them; societies formed for
furthering these studies; and finally, a criti-
cal statement of existing knowledge and of
the conditions favorable to a further ad-
vance. Each volume will be complete
monograph, while the succession OF volumes
will constitute one homogeneous work. The
issues, however, will not necessarily be in
chronological order. Elaborate indexes form
a part of each volume and a general index
will include them all.
Volume II is out, and an examination Of
it shows that it amply fulflls the promise of
the plan. This volume deals with Spanish
discoveries and conquests in America. We
can, perhaps, give good idea of the con-
struction and contents of the book by refer
enc0 TO Inc HISL cudpIor. WulCA ColILdlAs LILO
following:
Historical Observation-Disclosures; his early life;
rise of idea of discovery at the West voyages,
etc.
Critical ESSAY Sources. Contemporary maps
as illustrating Spanish discoveries. Condition Of
cartography at the sailing OF Columbus. Toscan:
nelli's map. Image Mundi. Behaim Methods of
ascertainng latitude and longitude The mariners
compass Different devices Tor Representing tne
Charts. His own letters and contemporary
counts Transmission of them; their value; char
acteristics. Where early records exist. Their vi
cissitudes. Portraits of Columbus. The contro-
versy to his burial place. Modern biographies.
The efforts for his canoniZation. Commemora-
tions. ETC.
There are ten chapters in this volume, and
in them is described the doings of the Span
iards in America with satisfying fullness and
accuracy. The literary quality of the book
is high, as might well be expected, and the
complete history will form grand addition
to any library. The work can be seen at
Judd's bookstore, 76o Chapel street, where
the general agent, Mr.. Dayton, will receive
orders.