The Portland daily press., 1888-11-29

io"Oi noHO tnuH uiiloLiue IOI Tue ttluo VI
Prudhomme, since his title The Pagans is so
much more comprehensive than the over
worked word Bohemian. Especially in the
earlier novel, the two parties are sharply de-
fined, without recognition of left right, and
centre. The Pagans are aggressive, brist-
ling with epigram. enthusiastic in their pes
simism. The Philistines are, frankly and
ioylessly, worshippers of money and of con-
ventonality. In the later novel, possibly
a decided advance in literary quality and a
more consolidated and sympathetic act. Mr..
Bates-and this is good sign-appears to
like his imaginary acquaintances OF both
groups the better the longer he lives among
them. He concerns himself more with their
tendencies and less with their demonstra-
tions; he allows the strong natures to vindi-
cate themselves and the weak to prepare
their own downfall. While neither of the
two novels leaves behind it hopeful inn
preston, the Philistines, at least. is very
wholesome. The character of Fenton-with
his intricate and systematic illusions, his
fatal responsibility, his dangerous gifts of
ready passion and dramatic speech--is adj
mirably ascertained and handled with power.
Perhaps Mr.. Bates talks somewhat too much
about Fenton-who was quite able to charac-
terize himself; at all events, the figure is
clearly defined, and one need not cavil at the
method chosen. A genuine triumph of YER
ity is theepisode of Fenton's audacious and
quibbling defence before the club committee.
That passage alone should make the fortune
of the work. Mr.. Arlo Bates. then, is to be
credited with an honest, refined and strong
arraignment of certain social phases, ar
rayed in the form of extremely clever fiction.
Perhaps later he may choose to write ro-
nance whereas in that Incompatible Span
ish novel, Maximina-there may be at least
one halcyon's nest among the bitter waves of
social enmity and fraud. Boston: Ticknor
& Co.: Portland: Loring, Short & HARMONY
Casimir Maremma, Sir Arthur Helps
thoughtful novel, which includes with its
agreeable story some keen considerations of
modern English life, is reprinted in Messrs.
Roberts Brother Handy Library Of standard
literature. 1t belongs to the Kingsley school
of fiction, is suggestive, wholesome and
charming.-in every way to be recommended
to American readers. Portland: Loring,
Short & HARMONY
A Gallant Fight, by Marian Harland, is a
novel with singular plot-one which, al
though handled with this favorite authors
refinement and rightmindedness is not
quite adapted TO the young girls who form so
large part of her affectionate constituency.
1t is not wholesome story, nor one which
needed to be written. Such theme, disa-
greeable as it is, might have been brilliantly
and subtly developed by novelist of the
new school, writing for persons experienced
in the tangles of existence. But from Marian
Harland, one expects story that shall be
spicy in style, full of interest and movement
but dealing with the less complex conditions
of life and suited TO help rather to confuse
the ideals of the reader. So popular an au-
thor cannot afford to make so serious mis-
take in choice of material for her work
(New York: Dodd, Mead & Co.; Portland
Loring. Short & Harmony
Ireland Under Coercion. By W. II. Hurl
but. In this volume, Mr.. Hurlbut record.
his observations and studies of the condition
of Ireland, dominated by England and de
moralized by mistaken patriotism on tn,
part of her own people. This false patriot
ism is fostered by politicians abroad, ant
will yet-in the brilliant words of Mr.. Hurl
but-diversify with Its blood-red flowers ant
explosive fruits the social order of othe
countries. He observes and records will
the trained eye and hand of apractised jour
nalist; and while the temper of his work Il
of the best, his conclusions are decided. ii,
finds the conditioned affairs grave indeed
but not unmanageable were the Irish nation
used to self-rule. though complicated by ma
| terial as well as by moral interests. He ha
SEEM peasant landowners in Brabant AM
Flanders "who could give the ideal Iris
agent of the Nationalist newspapers lesson
in rack-renting." He notes that Ireland
like most agricultural countries, has latel
suffered from the fall in prices following
time of great prosperity; and he has con
] vlction that serious attention on the part Q
the British government, before the yea
1879, to the Currency Question could hay
prevented the formation of the Lam
/
| the Coercion so DANGEROUSLY descani
ed upon by Nationalist speakers an
writers; he finds the press entirely free
and incisively remarks that If this state 0
| things be coercion from the British or Iris
| point of view, he is content to be an Amer
can citizen. "Ours," he declares, sis go,
eminent not of emotions, but Of statutes
and most Americans, think, will agre
with me that the sage was right who d.
clared it to be better to live where nothin
is lawful than where everything is lawful
Each new edition of the works of the hon
ored and beloved John Greenleaf Whittier
fresh wave of benefit to flow across ii
world. What a noble chorus of testimon
would arise in praise of the poet,
everyone whom his verse has uplifte,
directed and comforted could find ii
fit words to thank himl One of ii
occupations of his eighty-frst year hs
been to oversee the publication of a beal
tiful new edition, flexible and convenieI
to hold in the hand. print and paper choiS
| to touch and eye; an edition perfectly adap
ed for enjoyment and use. 1t will be con
| prised in seven volumes, of which the fir
two, Narrative and Legendary. and Poem
of Nature, Reminiscent and Religious, ar
now ready. Mr.. Whittier has permitted tb
| publishers to include some early poem
which he had discarded, in order that tn
edition may present complete series of h
works. The volumes are graced by portrai
of the poet at various periods of his lif
May the publishers find it needful to ad
many more volumes to the series, and hay
engraved frontispiece which shall repr
sent Mr.. Whittier strong and beautiful
the majesty of hundred years of youtl
Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co.; Por
land: Loring, Short & HARMONY
Messrs. Houghton & Miffin publish dali
ty little volume. entitled Flowers and Frui
composed of selections from the writings
Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe The beautif
imagery and the compact thoughts of tn
wonderful woman lend themselves well
choice of extracts. The volume is CAREFUL
indexed according to books and topic
portland: Loring. Short & Harmony
Scotch Cap. By j. A. K, is an admiral
book for boys. The scene is laid in plea
ant ana picturesque town, where woods al
the shores of river flowing into the S,
afford noble play ground for the boys of 9