The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-09-22

depicting the epochs OF the states
growth. Maps showing the geograph-
ical chan. :cs in the state were drawn
by Carl p. Bolmar. State Journal art
| list. The embossed cover design, con-
| tanning a picture Of the capitol, 10 the
| work of Albert T. Reid.
| Among authorities who have en-
dorsed the new Kansas history are
James L. King, state librarian, who
endorses the work for it's literary mer-
| it, and F. d. Coburn, ex-secretary OF
agriculture, who likes the book but
| in his characteristic way views with
alarm all illusions to the agricultural
drawbacks, such as drout--s and
grasshoppers, which are really q part
of the states history. Mr.. Coburn
also gives his candid opinion, which
is not complimentary. Of the press
work on the volume. He says:
# am delighted with Miss Arnold g
History of Kansas, and barring such
minor defects Gin this instance very
few as seem inevitable in all compila-
tions. and which scan be remed1ed IN
later editions, 1 scarcely see how any
author could make one more compre
hensive or complete within the same
space. That the coming generation can
have available work so convenient
and authentic from which to learn OF
our states beginnings and development
is a happy circumstance. Miss Arnold
certainly has shown an admirable apli-
tude for such an undertaking.
My chief criticism IF the work is for
giving such undue prominence to Kan
sas as the sporting ground of 'drouths.
Billiards. 'grasshoppers' and like har-
assments. It is to be regretted. too.
that a volume otherwise so mechanical
ly creditable should have such abom-
inably printed illustrations-for which
the author, of course, is not response
ble"
This is Mr.. Kings appreciation Of the
volume. He sticks to literary and his
tcrical values, and side-steps the print
ing question:
I'm her new History Of Kansas Miss
Arnold has produced a text book that
will prove to be a valuable addition to
the equipment of the Kansas schools.
She writes clearly AMI concisely of men
and events, choosing topics with which
the youth of the state should become
familiar. and presenting them in lam
guaEe easily comprehended. The his
tory is in narrative form, with a we'll
sustained interest from chapter ~
chapter. It tells of things that were as
well as CT things that are, and sho--s
the Kansas of the long ago as well al
the Kansas of today.
"A strong feature of the book is it~
description of early scenes and pioneer
modes of living. An teresting chap
ter is given on The Kansas Spirit
what it has accomplished and what it
aims to accomplish. OF .qual interest
are articles in the appendix on Indian
missions. early day defenses, notable
Kansans and Kansas writer's. Numer-
Gus illustrations Of Kansas landmarks.
Kansas scenery and Kansas characters
explain the general story and quicken
the readers interest. Bearing in mind
the purpose for which it was written
a text book for school rse-the work is
to be commended for its careful prepar-
alton. plain Typography, graphic pic
lures and general attractiveness. It is
the annals OF Kansas in condensed
form, embodying what e-ery boy and
girl should know about the state of
which they are to become citizens and
cO-WOrkerS.'