New-York tribune., 1908-07-04

verse in the matter of style. or feels that the
exieencies of edif1cation make mere proof an
fmpertinence, or whether. with Oliver Cold
smith, he can argue best by himself, his chap
ters maintain magisterial complacency which
never quivers. One rarely comes across such
a bookfui OF staccato passages and indicative
moods
As portrayed by Mr.. Stanton. The Essential
Life is built on the belief that all great events
happen in the mind. and that IL we did nothing
but think beautiful thoughts the worlds reform
would be at once accomplished. In such
world view there is. Of course, nothing for tears
AS the author assures u.s. the forces of nature
are against evil, and will sweep US clean OF 1t
IL we but let them enter. Even to readers who
cannot be persuaded that We need no longer be
girt about by "the ringed flxity Of fact" Mr..
Stanton's moral generalizations may prove use
full They are put in unusual way, and they
serve to reinforce the lesson involved in Bacons
fine saying, THE souls of the living are the
beauty of the world"
There is to be a new book about Thomas
Beckett, Archbishop Of Canterbury. It Is being
written by Father Hugh Benson, member CT
writing family He has hitherto been known
as a contributor to romantic fiction
DR.. A. T. Robertson's "Epochs in the Life of
Jesus" (Charles Scrbners Sons) is offered as
presentation 'fn the light of modern knowl-
edge yet 1t takes serious account OF recent
research in New Testament problems. The steps
by which the Cross and triumph OF Jesus were
achieved are, however reverently traced. and
their lessons cogently applied
Apropos of the birthday celebration which GER
tain admirers Of Tolstoy have been seeking to
arrange Mr.. C. K. Shorter printed inquiry
to whether the Russian novelist knew anything
Of the writings of half dozen living English
men. Tolstoy's friend and translator, Mr. Ayl-
rner Maude responded with letter. which Mr..
Shorter thus summarizes:
He tells me that Tolstoy once praised Mr., W
D Howells. saving. All that know Of Howels is is
Ruskin. olive schreiner's Dreams" he did not
some g sa ngs he arranged % TO
have translated into Russian. ITO complete the
Mr. Mr. Maude hs continues his daughter S o IN @ letter
s5 sst % anS tells a hr had tso asvea sas
fainting fits and he abstans as much as he can
bernard Bern shaw's Major @ Barbara" eii e'' -''''
DR.. Robertson Nicoll has for time been
engaged upon biography OF the Rev. John
Watson, better known Ian Maclaren. and
one of the pillars Of the Kailyard school of fic
ton. The book is nearly completed. and will
soon be published.
Few foreign travellers in italy are acquainted
with the country of the Abruzzi, that region
which lies TO the east about the centre Of the
peninsula Miss Anne Macdonell has written
book on it's picturesque aspects, its monuments.
its people. and its manners These last are
rather lawless, by the way and should yield
some interesting material. The illustrations.
made by Miss Amy Atkinson, will be reproduced
in colors.
Mr.. John Bumpus has written History Of
English Cathedral Music" in which he critically
discusses the work of all the great church COM
posers from the Reformation to practically the
present time. His illustrations include not only
portraits but facsimile scores.
The tercentenary celebrations at Quebec are
to be marked by the publication Of new book
by Mr. A G. Bradley, author Of The Fight with
France" It IS called The Making Of Canada
1763-1S14."
The death of FRANCOIS Coppee has. of course
led to the printing Of many anecdotes about
him It Is said in the Figaro" that he lived
surrounded by cats Of all kinds. So much did
he love these pets that, fearing to leave them
uncared for when he died he took pains in his
last years to give most of them away to his
friends At the end there were only two left
a Young black and white cat and venerable
creature named Isabelle Both of these are
being well looked after by his old servant.
Alfred H Miles, author Of "One Thousand and
One Anecdotes" has prepared q new volume
along similar lines. This, THE New Anecdote
Book" is published by Whitaker.
Mr. w. E. Norris is novelist from whom we
hear only too seldom. and are glad to
note the early publication OF a new story by
HIM called Pauline" The heroine IS a beau
tiful actress who shows great unselfshness
toward the young Englishman who unwisely
falls in love with her. The book contains tragic
incidents. The latest novel written by Mr.. Eden
Phillpctts and soon to be expected Is called THE
River"