Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-01


 families in America. It is a remarkable fact to know that "Marse Chau" was pigeon-holed several years before it was published, for the lack of publisher; but not so remarkable that MT. Page im- mediately forsook law for literature when it was published. "Marse Chau" made an immediate success and has re- mained the favorite of all the stories by MT Page. It was from these stories that the author made his selections when he read before a Birmingham audience several years since.
 One of the most original, plaintive stories in the collection was "Unc Edin- burgh," which has now been published by itself in dainty binding, forming an exquisite little gift-book The illustra- tlons. which are beautiful addition to the story. are the work of B. West Cline dinst, a young Virginia artist, and one who never fails to give to his work earnestness and versatility. His name may be seen affixed to many charming illustrations, but nowhere has he made quite the popular success found in the illumination of the text of Thomas Nel- son Pages "Unc Edinburg."
 Being a native of Virginia, his famil- iarity with the scenes described and thorough appreciation of the old-time ne- gro character, enables him to comprehend the true spirit of MT. Pages story.
 
 "'You couldn spie Christmas den, mo- ways he repeated, refiectingly. while his little mules rugged knee-deep through the mud
 ""Twas Christmas den, sho' 'nough, he added, the fires of memeory smolder- ing, and then as they blazed into sud- den flame he asserted positively: Desc heah free issue niggers don know what Christmas Is. Hawg meat an pop crack CTS don meek Christmas. Hit tecks ole fA DaaIr r6Af- 'nn nE- down Christmas. Cord! Is seen 'em! But de wuss Christmas l ever seen turned out de best in de een,, he added with sudden warmth, an dat wuZ de Christmas me an Marse George an Re- weller all got drowned down at Brax- tens Creek. You's hearn bout dat!
 Here MT. Page has a story to tell. and he makes Unc Edinburgh tell 1t with directness and truth, evincing through it all the humorous gayety and devotlon of the old-time darky, faithful portray al of times that are past, but which bring tender and dear memories of childhood days.
 don't think quite so estimable work was ever written for the young folks as "The Century Books for Young Amerl- cans" by Elbridge S. Brooks. It Is the story of the government for the past 100 years A party of boys and girls, who knew how to use their eyes and ears. travel with their uncle, and by that use of child's prerogative, pertinent ques- tions," found out all about the govern ment of the United States. II also has any number of pictures of people and places that have made America famous. The work is published under the aus pices of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and quite a pretty letter from their president general forms the introduction.
 The text is so concisely, comprehen- sively and pithily written that I know of many "grown-up people" who have found the work vastly entertaining, in- structive and delightful reading, giving the salient points of our country's his tory, as it were, in a nutshell for the readers edification. PAUL PRY.