Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-16

the vague seni-myths OF the earliest days
OF Venice, when the Goths and the Huns
came sweeping down and the people of the
mainland Of Italy fled to the islands in
the lagoon and there awaited the passing of
the cloud of destruction. Some of these
ancient tales are instructive, some merely
diverting. All contribute to better I'M
Outstanding Of the manner in which Venice
began TO rise from the sea.
MIR. Crawford takes issue with some COM
mentators upon Venetian history who have
criticised It's system of government and
who credit the flctions of hideouS happen
ings strange even to the strenuous times
of early Venice. He AYERS that Venice has
suffered from over-exploftatiou and under
study and seeks to set forth the exact truth
IN terms which permit clear view of the
true Venice to arise.
In this delightful work IT. Crawford is
ably seconded by Mr.. Pennell, whose
sketches in black and white, Dds In num-
Der. form one of the most attractive col
lectlons extant. Whether atmospheric eff
fects or architectural bits, they breathe the
spirit of the lagoons and the canals. The
full-page plate In volume II, THE Last
RAYS" falling on st. Marks, is one of the
gems of the series, while another ful-page
plate in the same volume. ''Ponte Canon
tca," is exquisite rendition in black lines
OF the subtle quality of the Venetian air,
as effective as though in colors. So faith
full are Mr. Pennels renditions that one
does not miss the tints in which books on
the gorgeously hued city of the seas are
usually Illustrated.
MRS. BROOkFIELD AND HER CIRCLE.
BY Charles and Frances Brookheld. In
two volumes. Illustrated. New York:
Charles Scribner's Sons. Washington:
William Ballantyne & Sons.
The Brookaelds were the center of lit
srary and intellectual set which led the
culture of England during the greater part
OF the second and third quarters OF the
~ frHp.y of
exceptional character and their friends
were legion, including ministers OF state,
poets, authors. artists. philosophers. pre-
lates and princes. Mrs. Brookield, wo-
man of exceptional beauty and fineness
OF intellect was adored by the men and
women who were privileged to meet her.
She reigned indeed. as queen over their
hearts and minds modestly, unassuminsiy
and by force OF her own grace and indi-
viduality alone. Her husband, n Cam
bridge man who took holy orders, was
equally beloved by the occasionally shift
ing circle OF bright men and women who
formed the BrooklIeld set. The Brookfields
virtually set an intellectual pace, although
they aid not themselves contribute mate
rally 10 the literary output. Such men
as Thackeray Browning, Tennyson, Dick
ems and Carlyle We're frequenters of the
Brookiields drawing room and were faithful
cOFreSp ondeDtS OF THIS interesting couple,
whenever separated from them. The edi-
tors OF tho present volumes have assem-
bled great sheaf OF such letters and have
wrought from them an absorbing account
OF the Brookhelds and their friends. In
this Intimate fashion are disclosed the
passing thoughts and the hopes and fears,
the inspirations and projects OF England's
greatest minds. The gentle, charming Mrs.
Brookheld and her attractive husband are
presented through this medium perhaps
more effectively than by the deliberate
Glimpse5 are afforded of some Of the po-
htical events OF the stirring periods, the
rise and fall of ministries whose members
were fortunate enough to be admitted to
the charmed circle Letters that passed be-
tween husband and wife reveal the beau-
tiful relationship they enjoyed and bring
out IA effective relief the personal quail
ties OF both. The volumes are attractively
illustrated with portraits, reproduced from
the paintings and drawings of the contem-
poraries of Mr. and Mrs Brookfield.
i. n. II. l.; a Prisoners Story Of the Cross
BY Peter RoSegger. translated by
Elizabeth Lee Illustrated in color
from paintings by Corwin Knapp Lin
son in the Holy Land. New York: Nc
Clure, Philips & Co. Washington:
Woodward & Lothrop
A poor young German carpenter impris-
oned and sentenced to death for a crime
committed in moment of passionate en-
thusiasm for the cause of socialism, was Wis
tied In his cell. where he awaited the sum-
mons to the gallows. by a vision OF Christ.
He was inspired to write the life of the