Evening star., 1898-09-17

ance which Is blocking the way to many
material betterments, from which Egypt
would permanently profit
THROUGH CHINA WITH CAMERA By John
uities of Cambodia." illustrations Of China
and and Its People With nearly 100 iIustra,
pany. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company
Although the title of this work might
Indicate that the illustration of its pages
mad been the principal object of the author,
the volume proves upon perusal to be far
more than a collection of beautiful photo
graphs, handsomely reproduced. 1t de-
describes many phases of Chinese life and
some portions of the empire which have
hitherto escaped notation by previous tour
lists. 1t assemblies with admirable system
gre OF facts and disclosures into chapters
devoted to specific lines of research, and thus
as exhaustively as its space will permit 1t
becomes summary of Chinese ways and
means. The political situation is discussed
from the standpoint of close inquirer into
national affairs, one who understands the
temperament of the people and appreciates
the difficulties which have attended the
gradual yielding of China to the inevitable
lnHuenceS of civilization. The illuStrat tons
are worthy of the closest study They were
prepared by the old fashioned but excel
lent wet plate process, which handicaps
the operator materially in far-away lands,
but which produces eminently satisfactory
results In consequence of the faithful
care of the author of this work the il
Illustrations are among the most artistic
that have ever been published in any work
of travel.
OVER THE ALPS ON 4 BICYCLE. By Elizabeth
Robins Pennell; Illustrated by Joseph Fennel
London: T. Fisher Unwin. New York: The
Century Company.
This work has become very popular in
England, and it would seem that English
bicyclists were likely in consequence to
become more numerous on the Alps here
after than formerly. Mrs. Pennell says
that in her five weeks of Alpine wheeling
she met no English cyclists but saw many
Americans thus mounted, greatly enjoying
the opportunity for combined pleasureable
spinning and the observation of matchless
scenery. The writer pedaled, coasted
and pushed over nine passes in less than
week. There is much valuable informa-
ton in this little volume which Will be
appreciated by any cyciist who thinks of
attacking these heights some vacation peri
cd, and there is plenty of refreshing read
Ing for those who never expect to see the
Alps from wheel.
THE MEN OF NEW YORK. A Collection of
Biographies and Portraits of Citizens of the
Empire State Prominent in Business Profess
sional, Social and Political Life During the Last
Decade OF the Nineteenth Century In two
volumes. Buffalo: George E. Matthews " Co.
umes. In them are preserved the portraits
and biographies of the foremost men of
the empire state, men whose names are in
most cases well known far beyond the
bounds of the state itself, and who are con-
tributing to the material prosperity of one
of the richest commonwealtns of the re-
public. The work has been beautifully
done from every point of view. The por-
traits were in most cases taken especially
for this publication, and the letter press
bears evidence OF careful preparation, con-
densing much information in the compare
lively brief space permitted by the limits
of the work The volumes were assem-
bled in ali their features entirely within
the building occupied by the Buffalo Ex-
press, whatever that organization did not
turn out being done by its associate, the
MISUNDERSTANDING Company. They are,
therefore, striking evidences of the excep-
tiCnally complete and modern plant of that
enterprising newspaper.