The age-herald., 1899-12-17

Christ in Art'-by Joseph Lewis French. There are six books in the series known as the Art Lovers Series" These volumes are uniform in binding and will make an acceptable set.
 Christ in Ant is one of this new famous series. These volumes are most superbly published with strong, attractive binding and the heaviest of fine paper and type that proves constant delight to the reader. The text is Illuminated with thirty-three beauti- ful full-page reproductions in photogravure and half-tone from paintings by the great masters.
 In the preface the author says, "The slb- ject or the Christ is thus undoubtedly the greatest that has ever entered into the do- main of Art. As proof of its importance. and of the high service to religion of its hand-maiden, Art, in the Christian cycles, there has never been and never can be, a greatest picture of our Saviour one on which the verdict of all time will be united, but a series of them. Those representations which have best satisfied the ideal of their time belong in this cate gory."
 In treating the Life of Christ as repre- sented in Art, the author has very ap- proprlately divided the subject into head 1ngs, such as "The Christ Child" "Christ as Teacher and Healer" "Christ as Mar tyr, and "Christ Dead and Arisen" As each chapter is treated, the most famous picluIes or the masters which bear on that part of the life of Christ are given; the re- suit Is more complete and vivid under standing of the matchess works of Art than could be obtained, possibly, in any other way. The author proves himself per tecty competent for the work; for he writes keenly critical knowledge of sacred art With a charming and graceful style. No more appropriate gift-book could be found than "Christ in Art"
 Saints in Art'-by Clara Erskine Gle ment.
 To the same Art Lovers series'' belongs Saints in Att which is an equally beau- tiful gift-book.
 This volume is written by Clara Ersxine Clements, Mrs. Waters, of Boston; a writer well qualified to treat the subject in the fullness of knowledge and tender apprecia- tion Mrs Waters has written a number of books on Art subjects; most notably. "A Handbook of Legendary Art" Painters, Sculptors, Architects, and Engravers," and Artists of the Twentie h Century"
 1t Is difficult to write of these volumes and not be eXtravagant in ones praise of them. They fill so charmingly the need. of the reader whether it be as the author says, that
 9Th unlearned their wants may view, The learned reflect on what before they
 knew
 The author begins her work by treating with a keenly critical knowledge of her subject. the Evangelists as they are DOT trayed in Art This Is followed by the aspostles then the Fathers of the church as they are portrayed in Art contendng through great sorrow and suffering, for what they conceived to be the only creed that embodied the true faith of the Chris tan church.
 Then follow the Virgin Patronesses and the great Virgins of the Latin church, and here is found the most tenderly beautiful part of the book.
 To read of these lives, historical and legendary, is to acquire an acquaintance with a great number of holy and intrepid men and women. Their lives and famous deeds, with their individual symbols, have been lovingly and faithfully depicted in many of the most famous canvasses of the world The reproduction of so large a num- Der of these lends an added value and in terest to a volume that is in every way a charming possession.
 Famous Actors" and Famous Actres- ses"-by Lewis C. Strang.
 Two companion volumes which are in every way approprilte for gift-books are Famous Actors" and Famous Actresses" by Lewis c. Strang.
 The subjects chosen are the men and women who are most prominent on the American stage of today.
 The author says in his preface that the biographical facts, interviews, and anec- dotcs were obtained from various sources and except in cases where credit is given the criticisms and estimates are the au- thor's own. IL is often true that one knows almost nothing of the history and the personality of even those artists who are best known in their professional careers. Consequently it is a real privilege and pleasure in these two delightfully."- written .noks, to learn something of the inner of ip oh 9r hpl1 clear: To hear, too, personal "reminiscences and anecdotes. told in the actor the tresses own words. Very often they tell of hardshps and trials overcome which give added value to the victory won; for a career before the footlights is-not an easy one by any means. Both of these volumes are full of delightful reading mat ter. and each chapter contains an excellent ful-page portrait of the actor or actress treated, generally the picture gives the artist A his or her most successful and characteristic role.
 National Music'-by Louis c. Bison.
 This little volume belongs to a series known as Music Lovers Series" and is of great interest to the reader who would know the intimate details of the National Music of America and its sources. The au- thor, Louis c. Elson, is a journalist of Bos- ton. and the editor of NoX Humana.- He has published "History of Music" "TIs- tory of German Music" and "Curiosities of Music" This volume upon our "National Music is much more comprehensive than the name implies; for, the author, com mences with a most interesting account of congregational singing during the time of Luther and Calvin, and continues with the music of the Roundheads.
 He next takes up the beginnings of Amer ican Music and tells of the difference be- tween Pilgrims and Puritans. Then the author speaks briefly. but most entertain ingly of European National songs, before he begins with own national songs. While the author. by no means, claims to have cleared the visits which surround many of the national songs we love best; vet, wherever there are conflicting tales he has presented both sides of the question without prejudice.
 "Dixie" he says, was first written as a "walk-around'' by Dan Emmett, and was first sung at Dan Bryant's minstrel show on Broadway New York. year or two be-