New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-11-14


wonderful moonlight revel Of the East.
The first section of Louis Fagans splendid His
tory of Engraving in England is ready. Sec
ton ii Is to be issued in December. and Section III
next April The work is Illustrated with 100 typical
examples reproduced from and unique prints
In the British Museum. and has a rich store of
biographical sketches and critical notes
Mr. Frank Stockton is one of the authors whose
fanclcs in their wanderines sometimes fall upon a
hidden truth. 'In one story" Mr. Stockton says
Gin "McCure's Magazine'). Il had character whose
occupation that Of an anayzer Of lava speci-
mems being sent to him from all parts of the world
In this connection a foreigner inquired OF him II
there any volcanoes Boston to which
city he his way. This prcposterous idea
OF course, quickly dismissed in the story. But
received a letter from a scientific In New
England who thought l would like to know that
not far from Boston but in spot now covered by
the ocean. there existed in prehistoric times an
active Volcano
Several important drawings and studies by Ros-
setti reproduced for the first time in the book
on Dante G. Rossetu and the Pre- Raphaelite
Movement which is coming out in London
The second and concluding part of the diary de-
scribng the journey OF Napoleon to St Helena APP
pears in the November Century" 1t is much more
interesting than the first part giving more or less
significant details of Bonapartes conversations and
presenting the exile supremely selfish ana
particularly vulgar little man. During the first two
months Of his detention in the island he lived in
small detached building the cottage of Mr..
Balcombc. who had two young daughters in their
early teens ''These Young ladies'" says Mr.. Glover.
"in a few days became perfectly familiar and the
General seemed highly pleased with their naivete.
particularly that of the younger "a pretty GIRL ana
a most complete romp when out OF sight OF her
father. He occasionally completely laid aside
his imperial dignity to romp with these young
ladies'. who during such diversions as 'Bl!nd-mans
Buff" etc, called him by the familiar appcaton of
"Boney' indeed the younger. who appeared his
favor;e said anything and everything TO him her
lively Imagination dictated, asking every possible
question and he answering without the slightest APP
parent reserve" There is not much trace of the
grand. gloomy. and peculiar captive about this
picture
The next number of THE Century is to contain
an essay left by Lowell THE Five Indispensable
Authors" In the selections on humor, wit, fun and
satire in the current number of the magazine we
find these characteristic passages
1.-The advantage of the humorist is that he cam
not be a man of one idea-for the essence of humor
lies in the contrast Of two He is the universal
disenchaner. He makes himself quite as much
the subject OF ronical study his neighbor.
This duality In his mind which constitutes his in
teilectua advantage is the defect of his character
He Is futile in action, because in every path he Is
confronted by the horns of eternal dilemma.
and is apt to to the conclusion that nothing
Is very much worth the while. If he be indie
pendent of exertion his life commonly runs 10
waste. II he turn author, it is commonly from
necessity; Fielding wrote for money. and Don
Quixote' was the fruit of debtors prison. !
The sense of the humorous is certainly closely
allied with the understanding. and no race has /
shown much of it the whole the English, /
and next them the Spanish-both inclined to /
gravity. Let not be ashamed to confess that. If /
find the tragedy bore, take the profound /
est satisfaction in the farce. 1t is mark Of
sanity. Humor. in its highest level. is the sense
OF comic contradiction which arises from the per- |
pe;ual comment which the understanding makes |
upon the impressions received through the imagina-
tion"
DR.. George Macdonald is a sick man. but,
theess a busy one. He has not been able TO lect- |
ure or preach for many months but he has nearly !
finished another novel. He is obliged to spend his |
winters In Italy.
The poetical works of Samuel Butler. edited by
MI Brimey Johnson, will be published shortly as
the volume of the "Aldine Poets" The text OF
'Hudbras' has been thoroughly revised and re-
printed for the first time from the last editions
published during the authors life Mr.. johnson
also supplies biography and photography.
new edition Of Mr. H. W. Mable's literary es-
says Is coming from the press of Dodd. Mead e Co.
That this is the fifth edition proves that the four
volumes have been uncommonltsi dccessful The
books have been revised and eNarg ed and each
will be illustrated with three photographers
The second volume of the new edition Of "Pepys's
Diary contains drawing of his wife from the
bust in the British Museum. Master Pepys 1t
will be remembered, highly praised the beauty Of
his helpmeet. though it would hardly be considered
remarkable in these days.