New-York tribune., 1900-10-13
BOOKLSHNESS.
GOOD GUIDANCE FOR LOVERS OF LIT
ERATURE

BOOK FOR ALL READERS. Designed as an
Aid to the Collection, Use and Preservation Of
TSbraIa su e Ry AinsWoTtb Rand spofford Svo
pp 500 G. P. Putnam's Sons
COUNSEL UPON THE READING OF BOOKS.
r aadIey' Se Brander r'' Mafthews' Bliss Perry
Hamilton Wright Mabie With an an lntToduSton
Mifitn Co.
DR.. van Dykes advice in his preface, not to
read too many books about books, is sound
No doubt, however he would include Mr.. Spot
ford's book as we'll the one he contributes to
among those which may be excepted from the
strict application of his precept For Mr.. Spot
ford has written a really useful. practical and
at the same time, in its way, stimulating book.
There is little in the way Of concrete knowledge
about books that he does not possess and he
has drawn literally for this compact volume
from the manifold and we'll filed recesses of an
active and alert brain. He is concerned not
so much with the spiritual significance and re-
lationship of books with their physical at
tributes. Whenever he touches literary criti-
csm, as in the first chapter THE Choice of
Books" the result goes to show that knowledge
and culture are distinct. There are those who
will find his maxims to the choice of books
too inexorably conservative. Admitting the
truth of much of his depreciation Of current lit
would soon become extinct If his advice were
universally and literally followed. On the other
hand his views to skipping are Of the most
radical nature. He commends it as necessary
means of self-defence for students, thus:
To one in jealous pursuit of knowledge, to
read most books through is paying them too
travagant a compliment He has to read be-
tween the lines. it were, to note down fact
here, or thought there or an Illustration else
where, and leaves alone all that contributes
nothing to his special purpose
BY far the largest part of the book however,
is devoted to a more technical consideration of
books things, and especially, is natural.
from the librarians point of view. Here Mr..
Spofford speaks with the highest authority and
with a geniality and a resource Of varied and
recondite knowledge that are simply delightful.
When he talks of book buying, for instance,
how 1t may be carried and how he himself
has carried it on; or of libraries and librarians,
or Of rare books, and of photography, he makes
every page interesting. Even such matter of
fact topics as the processes of binding the
restoration Of damaged books, the enemies of
books the best sort of library buildings and
furnishings, managers and trustees reports and
advertising, the classification and copyrghting
Of books made not only useful to persons
who may have to do with such things, but en-
crossing to those whose interest in them is only
ford's book. in fact appeals to everybody who
has the least interest in books.
The counsel that is offered upon the reading
OF books by DR.. van Dykes six writers was
originally embodied in six lectures that were de-
livered in Philadelphia two years ago in the
course arranged by the American Society for
the Extension of University Teaching The
judgment that found them worthy of preserva-
ton is confirmed by a reading of the little vol
ume in which they contained. They
are well considered and suggestive essays. There
is no cut-and-dried agreement between them;
DR.. van Dyke points out in his preface there
two methods representative scientific by
which Professor Stevens, President Hadley and
Professor Brander Matthews have treated his
tory, economics and sociology, and fiction; and
the more aesthetic, that Miss Repplier Bliss
Perry and Hamilton Wright Mabe have given
to memoirs and biographies poetry, and essays
and criticism. Professor Stephens for instance
argues vigorously for the scientific view of his
tory, as distinguished from the literary; history
to his mind. is an accurate and impartial state
ment Of facts as disclosed by conscientious
scrutiny of ultimate original authorities. un-
colored by the prejudices or theories of the
writer. Carlyle had not the faintest idea of
what scientific investigation, accurate criticism
impartiality objectivity implied; so his
French Revolution" is as far as possible from
being history. The literary excellence or charm
of his writing SHOULD not preoccupy the his
torian; still less should the exploitation of anv
philosophy OF his own.
On the other hand Miss Repplier finds no
biography good without the personal equation
Of the biographer Enthusiasm" is necessary
partisanship lies at the bottom Of every human
heart and what we lose in accuracy we gain
in interest and IN the dear delight of enthusiasm
and animosity." Miss Repplier makes out
plausible case. and there be no doubt that
she will win the sufrrages of the electorate that
ultimately decides the fate OF books by large
majority however disastrous her theory may be
to the eternal verities of history. President
Hadleys essay on the work OF the sociologist