The Detroit times., 1908-04-20
BOOKS


THE Barrier" by Rex. Beach. This
remarkable book is full OF the rough
strength of the Alaskan frontier,
where the unusual plot works itself
out 10 happy end These rude mia
ing settlements furnish fascinating
scenery for the novel writer. and the
author Of The Barrier" knows them
as no other novelist. His types are
real; he handles his material with Il
thorough understanding OF his reader.
whose interest in the story never
flags. A girl who thinks herself the
daughter or a white trader by an In.
dian woman is loved by young Unit
ed States army ofacer sent out TO an
Alaskan post The barrier is her
Indian blood. but this Is removed
when the mystery OF her parentage is
revealed. A French Canadian, who
makes good use OF the habitat" dia-
lect, plays a pleasant part IN the tale,
which has merit far above the average
None OF Mr.. Beach's many disciples
will be willing TO miss this charming
tale.
(Harper Il Bros, New York: Ma
cauley Bros, Sheehans and Hudson's,
Detroit.)
Stories OF Wagner Operas Told for
Children" by Elizabeth NJ. Wheelock.
The Master Singers OF Nurem-
berg The Flying Dutchman,"
'Lohengrin." The Rhinegold." The
Walkyries." "Siegfried" and The
Dusk OF the Gods" are the seven
operas included In this entertaining
volume. The author believes that
every child ought TO become acquaint-
ed with the stories told In these operas
before they have become grownups.
and she has related them with the
simplicity and effectiveness with
which she has told them from time
to time 10 children OF all ages. The
authors work is admirable. and II is
impossible 10 conceive OF any intelli-
gent child who will not be charmed
both by the stories themselves and the
manner in which they have been set
down in this volume
(Bobbs-Merrill Co., Indianapolis;
Macauley Bros. Sheehan's and Hud-
sons. Detroit)
Widow Gardening" by Herman
B. Dorner. This book gives clear and
concise directions as to selection, soil.
potting and watering OF plants in a
window garden or conservatory. Ii
suggests causes OF success and failure
to the amateur in their culture and
tells how to treat the parasitic en-
emies and diseases OF plants. For
those who contemplate the care and
pleasure OF keeping beautiful and
healthy plants In the house this vol
ume will pc found practical and help
fnl. .
(Bobbs-M Merrill Co. Indianapolis:
Bros. Sheehan's and Hud-
sons, Detroit. s1.50)
The Belle Islers," by Richard Brin-
sley Newman. This Is a story OF the
lives OF certain type OF villagers
and is replete with illustration OF how
they talk and do business, but even
more il displays their point OF view
in the most brilliant fashion. There
is clean-cut drawing of individual
traits. many incidents OF what hap
peaed and how the natives took IL.
love AFFAIRS which are always abun.
dant as crops in societies not yet so
The study OF these peo-
pie is made by the author with clear
perception of their natures and their
and with deep sympathy
for them. The author. the artist. Wal
lace Goldsmith. and the publishers
have made a really delightful book.
1t is sweet and fresh and wholesome.
(Lothrop. Lee q Shepard Co., Bos-
ton: Macauley Bros. Sheehan's and
Hudson's, Detroit)
Il think that some OF the colored
leaders are making a great mistake
by opposing Taft" says Walter Stow
ers, colored attorney and director OF
the new Michigan club. They are
in doing so. His record
shows him to be a strong man, and
the race will gain no benefit by oppo-
sition."
Mothers in israel" by J. s. Fetch
pr. This is a rollicking story OF Eng
Iish village life, amusing In the full
est sense, and IL one OF the bess hu
morous pieces OF fiction which has
In a long time. Two Cos
siplng old women in Yorkshire par
Ish assume TO dictate the policies OF
the community, especially concerning
the church, In whose affairs they are
very particular pillars. In young
from London they finally
meet their match. and the book Is the
tale OF their confounding. In a word.
the book Is delightful.
(Moffatt. Yard & Co., New York;
Bros. sheVhan's and Hud-
sons, Detroit.)
Priest and Pagan" by Herbert NJ.
Hopkins. This novel is sure to at
tract further attention to the author.
I he scenes are laid In lonely por-
ton OF the Bronx. in the suburbs OF
New York city, and many surprising
things happen here in the shadow
Of the great metropolis. Mr.. Hop
kIns Is the rector of church in that
region. and he has utilized his sxper-
Ience az a setting for the tale. II Is
an interesting piece OF Action.
(Houghton. Mifiin & Co.. Boston -
Bros, Sheehan's and Hud-
sons, Detroit)