Morning journal and courier., 1892-03-15
RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

"Purgatory," the second volume of the Divine Comedy of Dante Alfehieri, trans lated by Charles Eliot Norton. Like its predecessor, this volume is literal or prose translation, in conformity with the authors we'll known opinion that, in a metrical translation, sub tance is necesss- rily sacrificed to form and the archetype destroyed; view that seems also to have been held by James Russell Lowell, under whose supsrintendence the first volume was prepared. Certainly few who have read and compared the prose and metrical versions in existence but will acknowledge an intrinsic force and beauty in the literal method that are deplorably lessened in even the best attempts at rendering the great poet in verse. Perhaps of no other writer is it 80 true that his work scarcely bears translation at all. A free or careless handling is fatal to it. To MT. Norton then, who is bringing to his difficult task touch as reverent as his labor is unspar- ing, gratitude as well as appreciation is due, honor as we'll as fame. Houghton, Miftiin & Co.,, Boston and New York. For sale by E. F. Judd.
 Life in Ancient Egypt and Assyria. " From the French of G. Maspero. Author ized edition It was the authors intent to portray in this volume the daily life of the two most civilized nations that four ished upon earth before the Greeks. The best known epochs have been chosen, that of Harnesses II. for Egypt and of Assur- banipal for Assyria. As an Oriental schol- ar NJ. Maspero stands in the front rank and his descriptions may be relied upon as accurate, while they are written in style 80 admiral as to delight the reader, who almost believes himself to be visitor in the ancient cities, watching with interest the occupations of the people, noting and comparing their customs, enjoying the feast or the hunt, and sharing the excite ment of preparation for war. The present tense, which is used throughout the work, gives to it vivid interest rarely to be found in volumes of ancient history. The research of the author is apparent but never obtrusive, and his lucidity of style gives to the subject the interest. and all most the excitement, of a work of high class fiction. The numerous illustrations, by M. Faucher-Gudin, in the Egyptian and Assyrian styles, have been executed, says the author, with remarkable fidelity, and add greatly to the value of the work. D. Appleton & Co.,, New York. For sale by E. P. Judd.
 "The Garston Bigamy," by Albert Ross, author of "Thou Shalt Not," etc. One of the series known as the Albatross nov els. Like all the series, "The Garston Bigamy" is sensational in that it is daring ly plain-spoken and deals with emotional life, but though the imagination is excited, it Is compelled to busy itself in the au- thor's own way, which is, upon the whole, to the full the allurements of wrong-do- ing, MT. Ross sets in the foreground the retributive results with realistic dreari- ness that must Tepel and revolt. G. w. Dillingham;, New York. For sale by E. P. Judd.
 Pretty Michal." A free translation of Maurus Jokai's romance, "A Szep Mix hal," by R. N Bain. Whether tho trans lator's quaint and old time style confers upon this volume a fictitious value, or whether there is something in the weird and extravagant Hungarian tale to com mand interest of itself, is point difficult to determine. but it is certain that "Pret- ty Michal" will find readers. The events date about 1850, when Hungary was par titioned among three quarrelsome rulers, @ period to invite adventure and to legiti- matize it in imagination. Cassell Publish ing Co.,, New York. For sale by E. F. Judd.
 ''Helene Sainte Maur," by Luman Al len, author of "Pharaoh's Treasure" etc. An historical romance of French life in the reign of Louis XVI, dealing with personages of the highest rank and intro ducing Mirabeau as one of the most prom inent A highly sensational work show ing little or no research, and like so many of the so-called historical novels of the day, far more entertaining than instruc- tive. Donohue, Henneberry & Co.,, Chi cago. For sale by E. P. Judd.
 'The Golden Idol: A Tale of Adven- lures in Australia and New Zealand" by M. c. Walsh. Like hundreds of other novels-hurried and choppy in style, lack ing in both thought and originality, but entertaining enough to supply a want in the market created by schooling without education. Donohue, Henneberry & Co.,, publishers, Chicago. For sale by E. P. Judd.
 "The Nameless Castle," by Maurus Jo. kai. Translated from the German by NJ. Dassel. A bulky tale of mystery and in. l trigue; French in character, highly ssnsa'