Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-02-27

JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN By Hendrix bsen
Translated by William Archer New York
Stene 4 iAimball Washington: Woodward &
Lothrop.
A nerce controversy has ragged between
the Ibsontes and the Bjcrnsenites over this
tragedy, which is in the well-known pessi-
mistic style of the Scandinavian dramatist.
1t has been charged that the character OF
"Borkman" is a caricature upon that of
Bjornsen. Whatever the inspira ton, the
work is strong and in a certain degree alb
sorbing. Borkman is a former bank d.
rector who has served a term of imprison-
ment for enlightenment, but retains his
own great faith in himself, faith mount
ing even to insanity. There is love mo-
tive none too pure or attractive. but trea:-
ed in IhSons powerful way. that brushes
conventionality aside without remorse. Ib-
sen claims of late to be mere recorder
Of society he finds it around him, in
his depcticns of the irregularities of the
Norwegians in the matter of marriage. and
he disavows all notion of reform or OF
making remedial suggestions. The play OF
Borkman teaches at least one lesson that
the belief in ones own virtue is not in
compatible with the most unworthy and
even criminal acts. But the value of such
lesson is questionable.
PURCEIL's MANNING" REFUTED. Life Of
Cardinal Manning. with Critical Examination
OF E. C. Purcell's Mistakes. By Francis de
PresseDse French PrStesta Mt Translated by
Jos. McVey Washington: Woodward 10
threp.
Purcelrs Life of Manning has aroused a
great cloud of criticism, and the sensa-
ton which it created is far from subsi-
dence. NJ. de Pressense's '.Refutation" is
not the first that has appeared in defense
Of the great English cardinal from his own
biographer, but 1t is unique In being the
work of Protestant. son of a Calvinist
minister. The translator writes In his
preface: mo Catholic could write more
alphabetically of his subject than does
NJ. de Pressense, who. even in his COM
ments on religious questions, says very
little, almost nothing indeed, to which a
Catholic can take exception. while his
book presents the advantage of being not
only a refutation. but at the same time a
biography as well. Perhaps the only seri-
Gus fault that one can find with him Is his
apparent disparagement of Newman. when
he contrasts the characters of the two
princes of the church. This. however does
not d.tract from the value of his work.
which well deserves to retain a perma-
nent place in biographical literature"
PHR0sO: A Romance By Anthony Hope. author
Of The Heart Of Princes, Osra.| The Pris-
New York: FrsdericE A. Stokes company
Washington: Brentano's.
Anth0ny nope mas written nlmSeH INTO
the favor Of q very large number Of read
ers. who hang devotedly upon his words
and hunger between stories like starving
men. ''The Prisoner of Zenda" was a great
achievement, a complete victory that es-
tablished Mr.. Hopes fame far beyond in
jury even through subsequent poor work
''Phroso' is not calculated to operate as
such handicap. but rather as a rival to
tha ofher hank Serial pufIica tiop IN
''McClures" aroused attention, and 1t is
destined to receive marked success In
book form. 1t is a stirring tale, with the
principal events laid in the Island of Neo-
palia, off the coast Of Greece. Four times
at least does the author lead his heroes to
the point of defeat and threatening DEATH
and then with a skill that marks the true
genius he discovers means OF escape. The
love story is strong and judiciously de-
yeloped, SO that the book has a charm for
all classes of readers.
HOW TO LIVE LONGER AND WHY WE DO
NOT LIVE LONGER. By J. II. Hayes, Md,