St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-12-07
NEW BOOKS.

The "QuinteSSence of Ibsenism' Is
the most lucid exposition of that philos-
ophy that has yet appeared. It is a
series of essays. neither critical, de-
fensive nor offensive, on Ibsen's plays
and the lessons they teach. 1t simply
tells what IbSeniSm is. The most inter
eSting of the papers is "Unwomanlv
Woman" in which Marie BaShkirtseff
is defended. Emancipation of woman
is strongly advocated by the essayist,
although just how she is to be entirely
freed, and what will become of society
III that event, he does not clearly state.
1t IS well-written, thoughtful and
readable book, and will be greatly en-
Joyed by all disciples of the author of
peer Gynt."
On sociological topics, but in Ouiie a
different vein, is Hearth and Home"
Mrs. SpotfOrd clings firmly to the ideals
when lDSenISm.ln its dedication of the
lll,dethroneS. She writes in graceful,
Glstinctively feminine fashion, and is
not at all afraid to look the truth in the
race. On the marriage question she adj
v0cateS reformation - not revolution.
She says: ITS not claimed that woman
should he rapturously happy in the
present state of marriage. All that is
claimed is that it is the best state she
has yet enjoyed, and in order to im-
prove 1t very greatly both man and
woman must themselves improve, and
marriage itself must be improved in
stead Of abrOgated." The advocacy Of
the abolition of binding marriage that
lbSen would seem to advocate is thus
unconSclOuSly answered.: Suppose
legal marriage had ceased IN society
what would be the ultimate result? HUI
not no
and appetiteS would remain the same.
The race would still continue, and chill
dren would be born. What would be-
come of the children? In some cases, of
course, paternal feeling would appear
and maintain itself, but in others 1t is
possible that the Indifference to Off
spring common to the male animal in
state OF nature would intervene; in still
others the father, being free to choose.
and finding one inclination stronger
than another, would tire of the sick and
fading or uncongenial mother, and be
OFF to fresh fields and pastures new.
We should soon have a generation of
children depending chiefly upon their
mothers for support, and women would
find themselves with burdens heavier
than they dream of bearing noW' The
essays are interesting, and in connection
with THE QUInteSSence of IbSenSm"
especially so, ana showing two phases
of a development which must ultimately
tend to one end-the equality of the
sexes and the reformation of marriage
abuses.
A more delightful book could not be
imagined than Brander Matthews
edition of Charles Lambs dramatic
essays. Lamb is humOriSt of peren-
NAL popularity i'll the United States,
and Mr.. Matthews classes him as an
American who was unfortunately born
in England. The essays are for the
most part delightfully."- reminiscent, and
have suffered nothing from Mr..
Matthews intelligent and kindly edit
ing.
Amelia E. Barr is always a faVOrite,
and the dainty edition of her sweet and
wholesome love story, "A Rose of
Hundred Leaves" Will be welcomed as
one of the most acceptable OF recent
publications.
DR.. BsseII's book on Physical Dew
elopement and Exercises for Wom-
en-" IS a timely volume, and is
cOmprehended style that will make it
dOubly popular. 1t IS not numbered by
technical terms, and is a book that
should be read by all young girls and
women.
The Makers of America series is in
creased by two admirable biographies,
those of Cotton Mather and John Win
thrOp, which are of especial interest to
students of early American history.
''Recent Tendencies in the Reform of
Land Tenure" is the title of pamphlet
lately published by the American Acad-
envy OF Political and Social Science.
The author is Prof. Z. p. Chenyey, of
the University of Pennsylvania, who
has written several other essays on the
land question.
The monograph shows what influence
the law fOrbidding the entail of prop
erty. which was part of the code Ma
poleOn, had in starting a revolution in
Europe in regard to land tenure5. This
movement toward the indIvidualistic
conception of land was very steady up
reaction away from individualism, and
we are coming to recognize that land is
not like other property, but has intrin-
sic pecniarities which necessitate GER
tain degree of communiStic control.
The work is a valuable contribution to
the veXed land question.
"Uncle Toms Cabin" illustrated bV
Kemble, can hardly fail to be book OF
remarkable interest, and the Riverside
Press will insure book of great beauty,
1t will be in two volumes, and will have
two fine portraits of Mrs Stowe, sixteen
full-page and nearly one hundred and
thirty text illustrations by Kemble, who
seems to have been predestined to i'm
mOrtaliZe in art the attitudes, faces, and
peculiarities Of the Southern negro.