The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-06


she fragrance of bunch Of roses For
that is what these seven chapters are.
Sonny" is the petted little boy of two
plain old country people, and he is traced
in separate chapters from his birth to-
marriage. The caption of these chap
ters may give some idea of the treatment
Here they are: A Christmas Guest; The
Boy; Sonny's Christenin'; Sonny's
schooiin': Sonny's diploma; Sonny's
Keepin' Company; Weddin' Presents.
That Sonny is what might be called
misehievous boy; we grant; but that
sonny is anything worse than mischiev-
Gus we fatty deny. And even his mis-
chief in the light OF his old Dads irresis-
tiblc explanations and apologies is some
thing we are made to feel is distinct
gain instead Of thing to be disparaged
in Sonny.
There Is something indescribably hui
man under the exquisite touch Of the
author in watching this old man follow
so fondly his little boy with al his
FRANKS. 1t is an Arkansas story and the
glow OF the South goes along with it.
The pathetic CLEANS pervadc with that
naturalness OF which only art is master,
and in the reading of these stories, which
ought to be read winter nights, one must
have much Of evil in him, who does not
feel the gentler warmth Of those
smiles and tears that belong so naturally
TO the ideal sweetness and purity Of
domestic life.
"Captive Memories" James r. White
& Co. Publishers, New York. This is
one Of the most beautiful gift books of the
season. 1t commentaries in original and
charming verse, the various affection days
of life. which are arranged TO portray in
natural order, the awakening, progress
and perfection of love throughout a life
time. 1T also aims to show that true love
raises to heights of spirituality, from
which the soul perceives that Love is the
all of life and God.
The pages are embellished with Cali
fornia flowers, which are works " art in
their harmony Of tone and breadth of
style. They are exquisitely drawn, and
make an admirable setting for the
beautiful poems. which are as rare as are
the flowers.
There are also fifty fullpSge Cupids-
Iovable little feilows-who repeat the
story one never tires Of hearing All the
world loves a lover, and on ideal one will
be found in this beautiful volume w&ch
might appropriately be called The Me-
lnoirs of a Lover"
1t is difficult to say whether Captive
Memories" is most delightful for the
deicaey of its verse or for the beauty Of
it's illustrations Both are unusually fine,
and the book cannot fail to recall to every
one delightful memories, which will be
held forever captive between its leaves.
The author plays upon the chords of
tenderness with rare touch and has made
a book which will be welcomed by all
lovers of genuine poetry. 1T is full OF
quotable lines which are applicable to
every ones experience. aud one cannot
read this lovely book without being carri-
ed back to youth with a delicious tide OF
feeling from which he viii return to
every day life with a sigh. IL is the
most beautiful book published in years,
and one which everybody will wish to
own, for it is a lovely gem in an exquisite
setting.
For Christmas gift it is particularly
appropriate. having special Christmas
Greeting expressing the elimination Of
love, to which the rest OF the book is a
beautiful introduction. The book is got
ten up in sunptuous style at $500. There
is also a wedding edition for $3.50
Shakespeare's Sonnets: The Macmillan
Company, Fifth Avenue New York,
price 45 cents.
This little book would be gladly well
coined, If for no otherTeason, because it
completes the series known as the Tenn
pie Shakespeare.
The Sonnets are appropriately prefaced
with an analysis of the plan and purpose
Of the Sonnetss together with helpful
historical discussion. The glossary and
notes, too, in the back complete ones
preparation for scholarly reading of
the contents.
Complete sets Of this little pocket edi-
ton can be had put up in handsome
board cases in two styles, limp cloth at
$1,000 and paste grain morocco, strong
and flexible at $4,000, while any volume
can be had singly in the same styles at
Is cents or 60 cents respectively. They
are printed on handmade paper manu-
featured especially for the series and
great care has been devoted to every de-
tail of production.
The size Of these little volumes is
charmingly convenient, and the text
lucid and elegant. The paper is q delight
TO the Scn0ldr sense, ana the aFtlslC
simplicity of the whole makeup is some
thing that should make pets Of these lit |
tie books among those whose love OF the |
great poet, to the credit of the people, |
seems to be daily growing.
From Whose Bourne: by. Robert Barr I!
Frederick A. Stokes Company, Publish !
ers, New York and London.
This is a fanciful story, suggestive |
somewhat OF the Frank Stockton humor |
that pervades his terrible, if impossible, |
situations. If ones sense of the ridi-
culous did not keep the plot under con-
troll, it might be painful. As it is, the |