New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-30

A curious coincidence has occurred IN the
sphere Of publishing only a week ago we an
nounced that Mr.. Sidney Lee had undertaken 10
edit for the Methuens, in London, a colleo-
ton OF classical literature TO be issued under the
title Of ''Methuen's Universal Library" and TO
contain. IN well edited reprints. the best books
not only Of England but Of all other nations.
This announcement has led to the disclosure OF
a similar plan which Mcclure. Phillips & Co. OF
this city have been maturing for three
years. Within the last year the project Of the
American firm has taken definite shape. and
Professor George E. Woodbury. has agreed to
serve as general editor of what has Professionally
been called ''McClure's Universal Library" He
is at present abroad, and next summer, when he
is in England. will devote much of his time to
this enterprise He will have. Of course.
the assistance of other men OF letters in the
preparation of this series. which is expected
ultimately TO to more than a thousand vol
umes. Fiction is to be included (there viii be.
for example. complete sets of such novelsts
Scott, Dickens and Thackeray). but classics Of
every kind will also be given. classics of poetry,
history, biography. travel, science, and so on.
Each text will be completes: 1t will be accompa-
MED by such editorial apparatus may be
needed to explain obscure points and passages,
and by a critical and biographical Introduction.
either with the designs that have long been
identified with the works printed, or with
drawings especially made for the occasion. The
books though carefully manufactured. will be
published at very low price. A full prospec-
tus will be issued next fall and the first volumes
Of the series will appear early in 1908. 1t Is
pected that at the outset, about twenty-five
volumes year will be printed. The American
scheme is admirable. and so is the English one.
deed. the one cannot help but duplicate the
other to a certain extent the rival publishers
might we'll consider the idea of joining forces
and concentrating all their energies upon a
plan for producing a single Universal Library
for both countries.
Professor william c. Morey. OF the University
Of Rochester. has published through the Ameri-
Book Company a historical work Out
lines of Greek History" This is designed
primarily a textbook to form. with the same
authors Outlines of Roman History" COM
plete elementary course in ancient history. Each
chapter is supplemented by selections for read
ing and subject for special study.
Admirers OF the work of Turner will be pleased
TO learn that Cassell & Co have published a.
volume, 1.-The Water-Colour Sketches of ]. NJ w.
Turner, r. A. in the National Gallery" illus
trated with ffty-eight facsimile reproductions
in color. This is an edition de luxe" limited to
twelve hundred copies. of which but three hun
bred have been placed sale in the United
States. The drawings reproduced include the
whole of the Seine series. and the famous Rivers
and Ports of England series. Theodore Cook
NJ. A, f. S. A. has contributed the descriptive
text.
Mr.. Albert Bigelow Paine is writing biOg-
raphy of the late Thomas Mast which the Mac
milan Company will bring out in a lavishly
illustrated volume. A really representative
lection Of the cartoons will be given, the repro
auctions being made a generous scale. Mr..
Paine enjoys the advantage of having had many
consultations with Mr.. Mast the subject Of
this book. The two went all of the car
toons together. Mr.. Mast supplying information
on every one OF them and Mr. Paine taking