The age-herald., 1899-12-17

of these gifted people read like veritabe romances, and in very truth they are often more absorbing than the pages of fiction. Of "Paganini," the famous violnist, the author gives the following anecdote: "Paga- ninl was notoriously parsimonious, and it was related that one evening in Florence he left his hotel rather late. jumped into a coach and drove to the theatre. The dis tance was short, but he did not want to keep the public waiting. He was to play the prayer from Moses on one string. On arrival at the theatre he asked the driver 'how much?' For you replied the Jehn, ten Francs What? Ten Francs? you joke replied the virtuoso. Tt is only the price of a ticket to your concert was the ex- cuse Paganini hesitated a moment, and then handed to the man what he consid- cred to be a fair remuneration, saying, I will pay you ten francs when you drive me on one wheel In addition to q most readable, interesting and profitable text the author has added a chronological table of famous violinists in addition to the mas ters of the art treated in his volume.
 "The Poetry of American Wit and Hu. nor"
 This attractive little volume of verses has been compiled and edited by R. l.. Paget and it contains an innumerable number of favorlte bits of American humor In the preface the editor says that American hu-
 
 Holmes and Sake, In their hands it became a highly polished and in it's way, most ef- feetve literary instrument" "The new School" he continues of prose humorists, represented by Twain and Artemus Ward, was accompanied or immediately followed by a corresponding school of humorous poets whose work smacked strongly of the native soil.''
 The collection contains many notable and familiar poems by the best known writers, and will make an exceedingly acceptable little gift-book to lovers of popular rhymes.
 "The Exchanging East'-By Robert Barr.
 W. L. Alden, the London correspondent of the New York Times, has said of Robert Barr, the popular author, that he is one of the brightest conyersationalists that he ever knew.
 One can very readily believe this state ment who has read Mr. Barrs very de- lightful books; and nowhere has MT. Barr been brighter, more spicy and charming than in his books of travel entitled "The Unchanging East" In the opening pages the author makes many humorous remarks, as when he says: q did not count the win dows myself, nor did I visit the rooms. but there is no use of possessing an "Ency- clopaedia Britannica if you do not use it, and thus throw glamour of learning over articles written about travel;" and later, "I toured all day along the southern coast of Spain, travelling by means of the roads which skirt the seashore, my conveyance being a bnocular glass. It is a most charm ing method of travel seated in a steamer chair. and bringing the road right up to the ship with the assistance of a strong pair of glasses
 In fact, Mir. Barr is an optmist of the happiest kind and around everything he sees during his delightful voyage towards the East. is thrown atmosphere of hu- nor and jocularlty.
 This spirit of mirth so pervades his work that the reader is simply charmed, and reads and reads enchanted 'The Unchang- ing East" comes in two volumes in box They are exquistely bound and most fully illustrated The two books are so thor oughl charming in every way that when finished the reader really feels that he has enjoyed little journey into this, quaint old far-away land.
 Some of the most delightful little volumes published for the young folk are to be found in the "Cosv Corner Series" These books are beautifully published with dainty bind ing, perfect paper and print and the best of illustrations
 "A Little Daughter of Liberty" is by Edith Robinson, a Boston novelist who has written some charming books for youth ful readers. It is story of Revolutionary times; the scenes are laid in Boston and Nanny" the little Daughter of Liberty is a charming little miniature of those stately danes who entered into an agree ment to drink no tea till the obnoxious measures were repealed. Such books give young readers an accurate and vivid insight into this interesting period. In the same series is Little King Davie." by Nellie Helis: as the name implies 1t is the story of a little boy. but, one of equal interest to boys and girls The scene is laid in London and the story is we'll written and interesting, and best of all a perfectly wholesome and profitable story 1.-The Making of Zimri Bunker" by William J. Long. is another most readable story in this charming juvenile series. It Is a story of Nantucket in the early days with a sea- salt flavor that is sure to charm the reader. For good stories of the sea and brave ad- ventures are just as fascinating to youth fnl readers as to grown-ups.
 Walter Camp. a writer of prominence on athletic matters and all outdoor sports, has collaborated with Lllion Brooks. and the result is decidedly one of the most cap tivating books of the season. "Drives and Puts" is not specially designed as a book for youthful readers. it is, nevertheless one which will be equally enjoyed by young and old. "Drives and Puts is a book of Golf Stories; but. aside from the enjoyable text the book itself is a perfect gem. The artistic beautiful binding will in itself sell the book.
 
 From the house of Frederick A. Stokes Company come several very delightful books for the young folk. F. Nesbit is one of the favorite English writers of fiction and now from his pen we have "The Story of The Treasure Seekers" one of the best books of the fall publications. The story contains the adventures of the Bastable children in their search for fortune: 1t Is told in the first person by one of them.
 Primarily written for young readers 1t is also a readable book for adult readers. This is an agreeable quality when parents de- sire books to read to their children. Hu- nor, novel incidents and situations pro- nounced originality and sprightly style are the chief features of this-really en- joyable book. It is, in addition, fully and splendd.y illustrated
 Jack the Young Ranchman," by George Bird Grinnell, is another good story The author is an enthnologist and the editor of "Forest and Stream of New York City. He has enjoyed a long and friendly &C., quaintance with the Indians of the Great Plains; and has given from the abundance of his experience many stirring tales of life in the far west.