Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-26
FROM NILE TO NILE"
Newton kansan.

FROM NILE 10 NILE.
Newton Kansan.
The above is the title Of a handsome
volume just issued from the press of the
Wichita EAGLE, descriptive of the coun,
tries and the people lying east of the
/ Nile of America and west Of the Nile
of Africa, as observed, examined and
studied, by our friend since bovhood's
days-HOn. Milton Stewart. of Wichita
Kansas-in his travels during the year
1887.
A copy Of the book has been placed in
our hands through the kindness of the
author, and having given it a hasty ex.
animation we anticipate rich treat iii g
more exhaustive study of the countries
and people described therein. Be
fore entering upon description OF
the work itself, we deem it proper
10 advert to the make up of the volume.
1t is bound in blue, with the title page
diagonally on the first page in gold let
tiers, the upper portion of the page being
embossed with a scene on the Nile OF
Africa, while on the lower part of the
page is a grasshopper and a sunfiower,
the emblems of the nile of America. -
| The book is printed on unprecedented,
cream colored, book paper, with good
clear type, which add TO the pleasure OF
reading it.
The title is a peculiar expressive one,
and readily suggests that we may expect
something i'll the line OF comparisons OF
contrast, of the countries and peoples
between the Niles. OF course, as a
volume of travels, descriptive in its
nature. our friend necessarily occupies a
field that has been thoroughly gone over
by scores of other writsrs who have pre-
ceeded him, and who have wholly. or in
part described the same places.
peoples and countries. In fact the
long list OF books written upon
European travels has so enor-
mously increased within the last decade.
that the ordinary reader scarce knows
where to select from, supposlng that all
who may undertake such Journeys would
produce volume with decided merits
III one or more respects. But however
well this held has been occupied before,
the present volume contains many points
OF peculiar interest and merit. The
author has taken facts, that are COM
monty dry, and historical facts that may
be SAID to be more Or less commonly
known, and has succeeded in clothing
them in such language that they pre-
sent themselves TO us with new and liv-
ing interest. The descriptions OF places
are vivid pen-pictures, and the reader,
without conscious effort, can See
in imagination the places and points
of interest, and. in short, it may
that peculiar merit that it can
J 10
tle:' yet, while it possesses this charac-
terlstic in an eminent degree, it cannot
be said that the author has omitted
necessary details, for he has indeed the
happy faculty of selecting points of in
terest of such importance that when
touched by his magic pen they impress
themselves SO firmly within the grasp of
the readers comprehension as TO consti-
ture the lasting elements Of a complete
and pleasing picture. Thus when the
reader closes chapter he consciously
knows that he has been benefited, be-
cause, while he retains information for
permanent use, he possesses that great
factor Of educational development and
requirement which is Of IntrinsicaUy
real and permanent value.
In selecting what the reader feels con-
stitutes necessary detail, and in omitting
entirely what seems unnecessary details,
the author indeed displays a literary
taste and Judgment that are both of
very good order. He SOON learns 70 feel
no hesitancy in taking up each succeed
ing chapter. knowing that he will not be
wearied with unInteresting matter. for
when a subject of less interest than some
other has been treated in brief details we
suddenly find ourselves IN the midst Of
one more interesting. Who, after read
ing this volume. cannot see the green
fields Of old Ireland; the highland cliffs
of bonnv Scotland; England's London
Town, and the grandeur and magnifi-
cence of yhe courts. castles, palaces
and cathedrals Of all three? And who,
that ever had desire to see these. does
not now find that desire satisfied to a
material degree: Sometimes we feel that
We 20 closely resemble Mother England
that the tourist finds much that is pos
sessed by England and the United States
in common. but In the present volume II
IS an impressive fact that in England.
as well as IN all Europe, the Tourist con
stantly comes u contact with points OF
interest that increase IN value and inter
est az the centuries continue 10 roll by.
Space forblds Us giving any details by
chapters; suffice il 70 say that the inter
Ell does not flag throughout the book
The description OF his travels through
the holy land VIII prove interesting.
especially To bible students. by throwing
much light on the literal Interpretation
and understanding Of events and customs
OF bible times
In concluding the brisf review we have
maze OF TINS sUl-ndId volume. we can
only say Il VIII ind a conspicuous and
permanent place In many libraries of
treasured volumes; viii be read. and re-
read. - a volume Of lasting interest. and
vi entitls It's author 10 the distinction
and consideration o. gifted, thoughtful
and able writer.