New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-03-25
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
ART IN FRANCE.


les IETrRIs Er LES ARTEs: An illustrated Review
Paris: Boissod, Valadon OF Cie NeT-NoTk; Charies
scrbner's Sons.
Charles Scrbner's Sons are the American pub
fishers of the new and superb French review, Les
Leres ct Les Aytes Nothing to approach this publ
,atiou of the Paris house of Boussod, Valadon and
Company has issued from the press of any country
Il is indeed striking illustration of the modern
advances. not only in perfection of artistic and
mechanical processes bnt in the diffusion of lite
rary luxury evincng at once higher taste and en-
larged means of gratifying it. The publication OF
20 splendid a rcvlew argues the existence OF n
wealthy and apprcciatve public. The subscrip-
ton pliee IN this country, $72 a year, inevitably
places the work beyond the reach of large pei
centago of k-lOvers and book-buyers; though In
view of the beauty of the illustrations and the gen.
sra high standard of the literary contents it cannot
be considered too dear even at this rate. No pains
Or expense have been spared by the publishes and
Les Lettrts ct Les Artes is consequently easily the
frst publication of It's kind in the world. 1t Is
printed on Holland paper, with beautiful type
IcarGctere Ddoi Each issue forms royal auarto
brochure of from 100 to so pages. 1t is profusely
and magnifcently illustrated, each cart contain
ing about forty plates including gravures in color,
engravings. etchings, photographers aud typograv-
ures OF the beauty and delicacy of most of the
illustrations in the first number it is scarcely pos
sible to speak too highly. Perhaps the crown OF
them all is cocred dOube-page gravure illustrat-
ing Pierre de Nolhacs "Winter Song The
vignettes and tail-pieces are not less exquisite
than the large illustrations. The portraits are ex-
seedinyly good. No such finish, delicate detail and
perfection Ct processes has before been seen IN
connection With periodical publication, and II
must he admitted that nowhere but in Paris could
so ambitious and costly an enterprise have been
undertaken.
The literary contents of the first number
carried and interesting. NJ. Edcuard PalleTon. OF
the Academy, has a graceful and amusing sketch of
The adventures of two college poets, himself being
one They produce. by collaboration, very juve-
nile drama which so charms their class that the
manuscript is sent to Victor Hugo. then i'll exile
for his opinion. The great poet returns an answer
sompmeu tary, vague. and ovading any specific
reference to the manuscript, but this Is enough TO
rouse the enthusiasm of the boys. fine sketch IN
color by Detaile, "Trumpeter Sounding the
Charge which occupies the place OF honor in the
number, is accompanied by short description,
written by Henri IOusSaye +. Caro-, OF the
Academy discusses under the title Thoughts of a
Recluse" the writings of the Able Rouse. Charles
Gounod, of the Institute follows with an illustrated
paper on sacred and profane music. Madame
Judith Gautier has a rhapsody, "The Magi."
Frederic Mason writes well on Deism during the
Revolution Jules Simon of the Academy shows
in an article on "WOrkingmens Quarters" that
the dwellings of the poor all large cities are alike
in squalOr and discomfort. Lecontc De Lisle has
poem The Calumet OF the Sachem which illus
trates in curious way the French disregard for accn
racy of local color and detail when foreign countries
are concerned. His sachem is Florida Indian, and
he places him in forest among the fauna of which
are elks bears panthers, cougars, wolves, and
black monkeys. The latter dsport themselves in
sassafras trees. while the elks, bears and panthers
seem to get along quite socially. Claudius Popelin
has paper the art of Enamelling illustrating the
process Pierre NOlhac's " Winter Song" follows,
and the number concludes with notices of the opera,
the theatres, and new books Notwithstanding the
cost of subscription, this noble review ought to
obtain considerable circulation in the United
States.