The Portland daily press., 1891-11-10

ing Is beyond criticism. The Illustrations
are photographers, the designs for which
were made by e. ii. Garrett. AS illustra-
tions these sketches are more than usually
appropriate. Noticeable among the bits
OF New England scenery In winter are two
strongly contrasted faces. one Of Harriet
Livermore, the "not unfeared, half wei.
come guest" and one Of the dear old moth
er, with hands upllfted in prayer.
Seeking to express
Her grateful sense of happiness.n
One looking for pleasing holiday gift
for New England friend could do no bet-
ter than to select this edition of n noem
which will always be dear to the hearts of
those who. like Whittier, have known the
pleasures OF winter among the snow-clad
hills. (Boston and New York: Houebton
Miffiin & Co; Portland: Loring. Short 3,
Harmony
Huckleberries, Gathered From New Enp-
land Hills. By Rose Terry Cooke. (Bos.
Houghton, Mifin s. Co. Portland: Loring
Short q Harmon. Price $125) The rea.
son Mrs. Cooke gives for taking 'sHuckle-
berries" as the title of her volume of sto-
ries Is that 1t seems to her typical of the
New England character. As she bapnilv
expresses 1t: Hardy, sweet vet spicv
defying storms Of heat or cold with calm
persistence, clinging to a poor soil, barren
pastures, gray and rocky hillsides, vet
drawing fruitful issues from scanty
sources" From the first story, Grit, to The
last one, A Town Mouse and a Country
Mouse, these eleven stories are faithful pic.
lures Of every day country life, with its
varied phases amusing, pathetic and trag-
ic. The dialect is perfectly rendered, and
the stories are simply and charmingly told.
They will appeal strongly to the hearts of
those who have lived in the country and
who retain their affection for 1t.
Honore de Balzac, translated by Kathar-
inc Prescott Wormeley. An Historical
Mystery (Une Tenebreuse Affaire.) Rob-
erts Brothers have made this edition of
Balzac's novels in every way satisfactory
so far as the publishers art extends. Rus
sia back and mottled sides. convenient
outer cover Of paper and ribbon book
mark, with excellent page and print COM
bine to present an attractive book for the
library shelf. Miss Wormeley's transla-
lation of Balzac is exceptionally good. a
difficult thing done with mastery and taste.
Some writer speaks Of the attempt to pre-
serve the thought of an original Mss. in
translation as like trying to decant spark
ling champagne. ALI the same 1t Is accom-
plished to degree In such capable hands
as in the present case. An Historical
Mystery is less strikingly intense and per-
sonal than many of Its companion pieces
AS Its title implies 1t deals rather more
with political matters as leading incidents.
not simply environment. Four young men
Of the French nobility are supposed to be
involved In plot for the abduction of the
Count de Gondreville Senator of the EN-
pire. Much mystery hangs about the af-
fair. The date Of the story is 1903, with
Bonaparte consul, The love story of this
historical novel turns upon the fact that
twin brothers are desperately in love with
one and the same woman. There is not
much use In talking about Balzac. The
one thing to be done Is to read his writings.
Then whether you approve of the horrors of
dissection. whether you are won by the
tales told or not. you can be no broad Judge
Of literary genius unless you at once ac-
knowledge that here is the hand of an ex-
pert. Enough material is crowded into any
one novel of Balzac's to furnish plots for
dozen active minds in as many separate
stories, and brilliancy. power and condensed
energy are demonstrated from the opening
to the close, Boston: Roberts Bros. Port
land: Loring, Short & Harmon. Price:
81 so per volume.