The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-15
SOME VIEW BOOKS.
BY PAUL PRY.

''The Villa Claudia" by John Ames
 Mitchell Life Publishing Co.
 John Ames Mitchell will be remembered as the author of that especially charming little story, Amos Judd which was published some years ago. The fascinat- ing quality of this little story fingers with the reader, although the author has writ ten several others since, notably, That First Affair."" '"The Pines of Lory," and others. MT. Mitchell Is journalist OF New York city. He founded Life in 1883. and has been it's editor from that date.
 Few books are as artistically bound and printed as 'rhe Villa Claudia" As Its name implies, the author goes back to sunny Italy for his scenes, and the publisher has given technical art carte blanche in it's production. 'The Villa Claudia is located at Tlvoli, a suburb of imperial Rome. and rich in historic mem ories and traditions. In the time of Hor- ace it was known as Tibur and was the favorite dwelling place of the jolly Latin poet" His Sa bine farm was near by, and In many of his verses he cele- brates this delightful locality. Nearby, also, is Hadrians villa, with all Its TO- mantic renown, and here are still found the richest treasures of art buried be- heath noble ruins.
 The binding, paper and print of the book are truly exquisite; while the classic spirit is preserved by frequent quotations from and allusions to the poet. A still more classic flavor Is given to the book by numerous engravings of scenes and objects connected with Tibur. The illus trations. which form the chief charm in she presentment of the story, are by A. D. Blashfeld. the well-known American artist, by the author and from ancient scenes. The characters of the story how ever, are all modern and occupy the Villa Claudia.
 In the story Mir Mitchell has embodied new Idea which is undoubtedly unique In its conception. This mystery of course dominates the interest, although a very pretty love story is a close subordinate for the readers interest The first third of the story is consumed with as inane conversation as could possibly take place between three or four personages, even in everyday commonplace existence A hint here and there is given. however of the mystery which follows, which serves as stimulant and later the events of the plot are worked out in a very ingenious and satisfying way. "The Villa Claudia" is an exceptionally attractive gift book. "Self-Help." by Samuel Smiles. Amer
 lean Book Company.
 Somewhat more than fifty years ago Dr. Samuel Smiles, then editor of the Leeds Times" was induced to give a series of talks to some evening classes of young men banded together for mutual improvement. These talks proved so use full that the author conceived the idea of rewriting them for publication in book ft. -..lt |. popular essays entitled "Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character, Conduct and Perseverance"
 The world has moved far since then says MT. Baldwin in the preface-but the lessons of conduct and perseverance con- tained in "Sef-Help" are as applicable now as when first delivered. So the vol ume is today issued in very substantial. attractive form. especially for use in schools. It is divided into some twelve chapters but each one treats of some sub ject of vital interest in the race for suc- cess in life and is so delightfully."- written that 1t is of value and interest to all readers. On the subject Money and It's Abuse.' the author quotes a quatrain from Burns:
 !" Not for to hide 1t fin hedge, Not for train attendant,
 But for the glorious privilege
 Of being independent
 Howa man uses money-makes 1t, saves it, spends it-is, perhaps, says the author, one of the best tests of practical wisdom He then treats in a most helpful and lucid way of this topic and tells inciden- tally the following:
 ''The manner In which many allow themselves to be sacrificed to their love of wealth reminds one of the cupldity of the monkey--that caricature of our spe- cies. In Algiers the Kabail peasant at taches a gourd well fixed to tree, and places within 1t some rice The gourd ha s an opening merely sufficient to admit the monkeys paw. The creature comes to the tree by night, inserts his paw and grasps his booty. He tries to draw it back, but 1t Is clenched, and he has not the wisdom to unclench 1t. So there he stands till morning. when he is caught, looking as foolish as may be. though with the prize in his grasp. The mora of this little story is capable of a very extensive application in life"
 The author quotes Dean Swift as ob- serving We must carry money in the | head. not in the heart" Economy con. | tinues the author, may be styled the daughter of Prudence. the sister of Tem. perance and the mother of Liberty. II also means the power of resisting pres ent qualification for the purpose of secur ing future good, and in this light it rep