The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-07
.B:''ooksssa and! Authors.

Books and Authors.
ENGLISH SYNONYMS AND s AUTO TO !.
NYMs; With Notes on the Correct Use
Of propositions. BY james G. Ferrald,
Editor Of synonyms, Autonyms, and
Propositions in the Standard Dictionary.
New York: Funk & Wngnalls. 12mo.
Cloth =
This is a new volume OF the Standard
educational Series. published by the
| above company. and is. designed for the
use as aztext-bool1 in schools. This work
| treats within 315 pages more than ,,oo9
synonyms, contains more than $3.50 anto-
| nyns and gives indications for the cor:
rect use Of propositions which will be
Of great value TO, the young writer. The
definitions are given in the most con-
else and clear, style, and as the limits Of
this volume would not allow the treat
ment in full OF all the words in each
group, it has been the scheme of the au-
thor to take one, or two contrasted words.
from each group. making their definition
fixed point by which the difference o.
the others are exposed. Definitions of the
most important are given, and the stu
dent is instructedsto find meaning OF the
less important following the most ad-3
vanced
This is good idea, as great trouble
in some other.works of this kind is the
looseness with which the ideas are cor
rected. But acting upon this scheme we
have a definite foundation Of comparison
and can feel around with safety
Much of the synonym Of matter has
been taken from the Standard Dictionary,
but as the author himself has prepared
that work. the matter
is original. All has been thoroughly re.
yised and reconstructed, and much new
matter has been added.
The main object in 6 book of synonyms
is, of course. to show the subtle differ
ences between words OF apparently the
same meaning, but further 1t opens TO
the vision an unsupported rlcFness O.
language, by no means of variety OF
expression. This is the object of this
particular book. 1t teaches you that
synonyms are not Identical. but that
language is largely made up of their dit
ferences, and teaches you how and when
to use them to the best advantage.
Taken as a whole, the work is one OF
great merit, and will prove of inestimab!e
value to those who wish to write OF speak
to the best advantage.
SKETCHES OF LOWLY LIFE IN A
GREAT CITY. By NJ. a. Woolf.
Edited by Joseph Henus. New York,
G. P. Putnam's Sons. Bound in boards.
12x9 heavy paper, 1s5s pages. Price, 81.
Mr.. Henus has brought together the
most characteristic Of Mr.. Woolfs con-
tributions to Life and Judge ana a
number of hitherto Unpublished draw
ings Mr.. Woolf was born in London
in 1887 He was brought to America
when a child, and when q very young
cnptrih1ltiTo to periodicals.,
For several years he turned aside from
draughtsmansfip to pursue an actors
career At the close of the civil war
Mr. Wcolf resumed his original profess
sion. While he was a painter OF merit.
and his painting. How it Happened
which he exhibited at the National
Academy of Design was much admired.
his enduring fame rests upon his delinea-
lions OF child life among the poorer
classes. Mr.. Woolf died suddenly OF
heart disease in Brooklyn, March 4, 1889.
All the world knows Mr.. Woolfs work,
and everyone who has laughed over his
queer little pictures, with the laughter
that was yet SO near akin to tears, can
but mourn the kind heart and cunning
hand that has passed away. This col
lection of his works has been labor or
love to his brother-in-aw, Mr.. Hehius.
who says: ST have eneeavored TO honor
the memory of a good man and dear
friend
Mr. 1yoof's work Is conspicuous for
its tenderness, sincerity and simplicity,
as we'll as for the uni1ue quality OF Its
humor.
A SWEET Little MAID. BY Amy E.
Blanchard, author of .'A Dear Little
Maid" "Eittyboys Christmas etc.
With illustrations by Ida Waugh Phil
adelphia. George W. Jacobs & Co.
Bound in cloth illustrated, 12mo., 215
pages. Price, 81
This is a fascinating story told in Mrs.
Blanchard's delightful style, and it will
be a very queer little maid that will not
enjoy reading about the good times en-
joyed by Florence Dimple and Bubbles
and their dollies. Bubbles is the little
colored maid and dollie rejoices in the
euphonious name. Floridy Alabamy. 1t
is a sweet, simple little story, told in a
fashion to please the children, an art
not SO simple as it appears.
The Magazines.
With the January number APPLE
TONS POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY
enters upon its ffty-sixth volume. Like
good Wine, it improves with age, and
shows itself able to favorably compete
with its younger rivals. The opening ar
ticle is by Sir Robert Bail. professor Of
astronomy at the Cambridge University,
who discusses the Advance OF Astrono-
my in the Nineteenth Century" Scenes
on the Planets" is an important illus
trated article ny Garrett P. Serviss. ':The
Applications of Explosives" is the title of
an interesting paper by Charles E. Mon
roe professor of chemistry at the Column
bian University. Herbert Spencer has
something to say about Professor Wards
recent work "Naturalism and Agnosti-
cism' Mary Mills Patrick, Phi. D., pres
ident Of the American College for Girls,
at Constantinople, writes of 'Woman's