Chapter XVI: Preface (16)

Mr. De Morgan’s readers know better than to hurry thru one of his novels. Leisure is demanded for acquaintance with his many and varied characters; who, the author wishes fully understood, do not express his views—political, religious, or otherwise—but “just what the character he was dreaming of seemed to say to him.” There are two distinct groups of men and women in this new story. Lizarann—near of kin to Alice-for-Short—is from the slums; she and her father who is a blind beggar, her drunken uncle, and other “submerged-tenth” friends and associates compose one group; in the other, we find a novelist, his drab-colored wife, and a brilliant young woman who plays upon the writer’s affections. From the first interview with this young woman, which offers the stimulant of a “soul-brush,” to an elopement is a long way and involves a “Deceased wife’s sister’s” argument that furnishes the peg upon which hangs the whole tale. The two groups cross paths but once, at the climax of the drama. But the reader will have to peruse these 688 pages for himself. Brevity permits of no attempt at justice to a De Morgan novel.

* * * * *

“These seven hundred pages of ingenious invention are stamped with the truly creative mark as far as character is concerned, replete with the humor that lights up the depths of life, and rich with the fruits of a ripened intelligence brought to bear upon a wide range of human concerns.” W: M. Payne.

+ =Dial.= 47: 384. N. 16, ’09. 1100w.

“In ‘It never can happen again’ he is embarrassed by two distinct themes, or groups of characters, and hardly succeeds in getting them to work together plausibly, though there is one supreme point of contact.” H. W. Boynton.

+ − =Nation.= 89: 532. D. 2, ’09. 3000w.

“Whether it is a better book or a less good book than the others the present reviewer finds himself unable to say. It is closer knit as a story. It is a story—there’s no denying that—a story with a plot as well defined as if it were a French farce.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 779. D. 11, ’09. 1300w.

“We must record our impression that Mr. De Morgan has put together too many and too diverse things for one novel to hold in unison comfortably, and that, while humor, character creation, and human sympathy are all here, the total of enjoyment to be had is less than in ‘Joseph Vance’ or ‘Somehow good.’”

+ − =Outlook.= 93: 829. D. 11, ’09. 440w.

=Denison, George Taylor.=^{[5]} Struggle for imperial unity. *$2.25.
Macmillan.

9–21021.

“An account of the work the author and other Canadians associated with him have done to prevent dissolution of the political ties that bind Canada to Great Britain and to promote British imperialism.”—N. Y. Times.

* * * * *

“From no point of view is Colonel Denison’s book one that can be helpful to neighborly relations between Canada and the United States; but it is one that will not find many more appreciative readers in Canada than it will in this country, for Canadians have long declined to take Colonel Denison as seriously as he takes himself.” E. P.

− =Am. Hist. R.= 15: 192. O. ’09. 470w. + =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 71. N. ’09.

“The personal animosities which appear throughout the work mar a story otherwise well told.”

− + =Ann. Am. Acad.= 34: 179. Jl. ’09. 170w.

“It is an unneighborly book both as regards Colonel Denison’s fellow-Canadians and also as regards the United States.”

− =Ind.= 67: 827. O. 7, ’09. 700w.

“Some passages offend the American reader.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 52. Jl. 15, ’09. 200w.

“The story of his campaigns he tells in his book in a very entertaining fashion, and undoubtedly his story will find many appreciative readers in the three countries with which it deals—that is to say, Canada, England, and America.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 279. My. 1, ’09. 540w. =R. of Rs.= 40: 125. Jl. ’09. 40w. + =Sat. R.= 107: 536. Ap. 24, ’09. 300w.

“We cannot always approve his methods and manner; some of his immediate objects seem to us to be undesirable; but we frankly recognize his zeal and his patriotism, and are glad to have from him this description of his work.”

+ − =Spec.= 102: 702. My. 1, ’09. 1250w.

=Denney, James.=^{[6]} Jesus and the gospel: Christianity justified in
the mind of Christ. **$2. Armstrong.

9–4567.

“Dr. Denney seeks to answer two questions: ‘Is the prevalent conception of Christianity sustained by the New Testament?’ and, ‘Can the Christian religion, as the New Testament exhibits it, justify itself by appeal to Jesus?’ By an elaborate and reasonably critical inquiry, Dr. Denney satisfies himself that both questions must be answered in the affirmative.”—Bib. World.

* * * * *

“The real difficulty here in accepting the author’s conclusions seems to be in supposing that we can have the sort of attitude demanded without the presence of a certain philosophical position which is fundamentally determinative for any further intellectual exposition of one’s thought of Jesus’ person.” S. J. Case.

+ − =Am. J. Theol.= 12: 462. Jl. ’09. 350w.
=Bib. World.= 33: 357. My. ’09. 50w.

“His argument is well put, in clear and popular style, without ceasing to be scholarly in character.” E. S. D.

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 491. Ag. 14, ’09. 270w.

“Taken as a whole, the book is exceedingly interesting, though in argument Dr. Denney is apt to offend his readers by so openly marshalling his evidence in favour of a preconceived dogmatic conviction. It is the more regrettable as he frequently accuses his adversaries of a like error.”

+ − =Spec.= 102: 743. My. 8, ’09. 320w.

=Depéret, Charles Jean J.=^{[9]} Transformations of the animal world;
being the authorised translation of “Les transformations du monde
animal.” (International scientific ser., v. 94.) *$1.75. Appleton.
W9–130.

“Broadly speaking, the aim of the present book may be said to be to show, on the basis of the paleontological data now in hand, the phyletic history of the larger groups of animals existing to-day. Doing this furnishes the occasion for discussing the probable methods through which the observed transformation of animals may be held to have occurred, and also for outlining briefly the history of opinion on these points.”—Dial.

* * * * *

“Somewhat one-sided, but useful for its fresh presentation from a new viewpoint.”

+ − =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 11. S. ’09.

“A book which marshals the data of paleontology and shows their bearing on the problems of evolution is particularly timely in the year when all over the world men are doing honor to the memory of Darwin. Occasionally the translator slips up on a technical detail, but in general the style is accurate and pleasing.”

+ − =Dial.= 47: 76. Ag. 1, ’09. 230w.

“Undoubtedly a general work of this kind is a need of the times, but we fail to see that this volume is an adequate rendering of the factors that accompany evolution. The book suffers from an entire lack of references and illustrations, and in its English dress it contains many serious mistakes.”

− =Nature.= 80: 452. Je. 17, ’09. 650w.

=De Selincourt, Basil.=^{[7]} William Blake. *$2. Scribner. W9–185.

Less a biography than a fair minded work of criticism. Taking for granted the biographical facts presented by Arthur Symons, the author expands such subjects as Blake’s simplicity, force, mysticism, application of symbolism, theories of art, and artistic development.

* * * * *

“Its author has produced on a very hackneyed subject a book full of original suggestion that, with its numerous reproductions of typical drawings, forms a notable contribution to the literature on Blake.”

+ =Int. Studio.= 39: 170. D. ’09. 130w.

“On the whole, we regard these general chapters as the soundest criticism yet published of Blake, and as a desirable corrective to the indiscreet panegyrics of Swinburne, Symons, Yeats, Ellis, and the others who have, to a greater or less degree, lost their common-sense in vaporous enthusiasm. Our main criticism of Mr. de Selincourt is that, having analyzed the imagination so ably and having shown how the grotesque failures of Blake are connected with his systematically false theory of its office, he steps half way and does not apply his analysis to the whole art of Blake.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 355. O. 14, ’09. 1250w.

“It seems likely that his contribution to the appraisal of this extraordinary man will be useful as a check upon the buoyant chorus that is exalting him in recent years.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 417. Jl. 3, ’09. 1100w.

“We now have an estimate of Blake’s life and work more thoroughgoing and balanced than any yet published.” E. F. Baldwin.

+ =Outlook.= 93: 598. N. 13, ’09. 400w.

“Blake’s great gifts are now much too well recognized to need flattery, and we welcome Mr. De Selincourt’s just criticism as a wholesome corrective. He does not hesitate to call nonsense and absurdity by their right names, yet gives praise and admiration generously, where praise and admiration are due.”

+ =Sat. R.= 107: 785. Je. 19, ’09. 880w.

=De Sélincourt, Hugh.=^{[12]} Way things happen. †$1.50. Lane.
W9–315.

The story of Miss Paul, a “gentle lady who has become a specialist in joy despite loneliness and poverty,” (Nation.) one day “met a Stranger in Gray, who made her very happy—until the catastrophe came. She kept her bravery and courage, and after a while her love of life came back and she made others happy, because she was ‘an apostle of joy.’ It is very pleasant to be reminded that things do happen this way, sometimes.” (N. Y. Times.)

* * * * *

“It is a pity that so charming a whole should be marred by a somewhat affected style; Mr. de Sélincourt’s pen picks its way at times with a mincing primness the example for which could never have been set by Miss Paul’s feet.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 407. O. 28, ’09. 300w.

“We are not so much burdened with books of such graceful simplicity and wholesome optimism that we can afford to miss one when it chances to come our way.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 593. O. 9, ’09. 400w.

=Devine, Edward Thomas.=^{[5]} Misery and its causes. (American
social progress ser.) *$1.25. Macmillan.

9–13279.

A sociological study based upon a twelve years’ survey of misery among the New York poor. Contents: Poverty and maladjustment; Out of health; Out of work; Out of friends; The adverse conditions in dependent families; The justice and prosperity of the future.

* * * * *

“The most valuable portion of the book doubtless is the report of the investigation of 5,000 dependent families of New York.” W: L. Chenery.

+ =Am. J. Soc.= 15: 120. Jl. ’09. 480w.
=A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 161. Je. ’09.

“Many valuable additions have recently been made to the literature of the social worker, but none more valuable than this last work of Dr. Devine’s.” F. D. Watson.

+ =Ann. Am. Acad.= 34: 435. S. ’09. 570w.

“Whatever he sets down in this book as the result of observation, or the analysis of facts, goes to show that he is clear-headed, vigorous, practical, and zealous for justice. Written with eloquent simplicity, his book is adapted to teach and to inspire all those who care for the serious things of life.”

+ =Cath. World.= 89: 826. S. ’09. 500w.

“A volume for which all students of the social sciences should be grateful. The work is sane, conservative, and scholarly, yet inspiring in its optimism.” C: A. Ellwood.

+ =Econ. Bull.= 2: 254. S. ’09. 600w.

“Dr. Devine is the first American authority on this subject, and we confidently commend his admirable book to those who wish to be good intelligent citizens.”

+ =Educ. R.= 38: 203. S. ’09. 50w.
=Ind.= 67: 369. Ag. 12, ’09. 350w.

“Through this book Dr. Devine is likely once more to win earnest followers for the cause of a true social betterment.” J. A. F.

+ =J. Pol. Econ.= 17: 480. Jl. ’09. 220w.

“To one familiar with organized charity work the book may let in little fresh light; but it certainly helps clear the air. Professor Devine’s most convincing chapters analyze the disabilities of five thousand families lately assisted by the New York charity organization society; the instances are well selected, and are in themselves persuasive, but they leave open one point of attack. In a few generalities he dismisses the cost of reform; and yet this is precisely the crucial question just now.”

+ − =Nation.= 88: 536. My. 27, ’09. 420w.

“The charm of the author’s treatment is its hopefulness.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 477. Ag. 7, ’09. 700w. + =Outlook.= 93: 292. O. 9, ’09. 1000w. =R. of Rs.= 40: 128. Jl. ’09. 70w.

“Those unfamiliar with the theory and technique of present philanthropic effort may well turn to the text of the lectures before us for a reliable presentation of these aspects. The expert (and how far the most studied of men are from knowing the last word on this subject!) will read the book for the inspiration it affords.”

+ =Yale R.= 18: 322. N. ’09. 1400w.

=Devine, Edward Thomas.=^{[12]} Report on the desirability of
establishing an employment bureau in the city of New York. (Russell
Sage foundation.) $1.25. Charities pub. com.

9–3309.

“This report considers the advisability of establishing an employment bureau on a business basis, but by philanthropic men whose purpose it is to make such a bureau a genuinely effective agency for the remedy of unemployment.” (Ann. Am. Acad.) “The first 34 pages embody the report proper; the remainder of the volume consists of a series of appendices, containing the views of many of the most competent American students, on bad distribution of labor as a cause of unemployment, studies made by the Bureau of social research on some phases of the employment bureau question, and other matters of varying interest and value.” (Econ. Bull.)

* * * * *

“The various appendices furnish very useful material for reference purposes on the general subject of unemployment.” G: B. Mangold.

+ =Ann. Am. Acad.= 34: 618. N. ’09. 280w.

“While this unpretending report deals primarily with a local problem, it has much interest for the economist because of its bearing on the problem of mobility of labor, and for the social reformer because of its many suggestions regarding unemployment. In the absence of any thorough study in this field, Mr. Devine has performed a service in pointing out so many of the problems that need investigation. His usual sound judgment and power of clear statement are displayed throughout the report.” H. R. Mussey.

+ =Econ. Bull.= 2: 241. S. ’09. 520w.

=De Voe, Walter.=^{[11]} Doors of life; or, Little studies in
self-healing. *$1. Funk.

9–28549.

A health-giving book whose key note is activity. Anything that will turn the blood into new channels and arouse brain cells that have been inactive will, the author maintains, restore health, be it a new diet, a new opportunity to earn more, a new benevolence, new scenery, new friends, physical culture, new science, or a new philosophy of life. If the faculties are quickened there comes a new sense “of unlimited life and of infinite progression of wisdom.”

=Dewar, Douglas.= Birds of the plains. **$4. Lane.

8–31848.

About forty sketches of various birds that are natives of the plains of India. The author sets down some new observations as, for instance, the tailor-bird’s method of building a nest; he takes exception to the dogmatism of modern Darwinism, declaring that “the field naturalist cannot but see that natural selection is turning out rather a failure”; he also objects to the position of John Burroughs in regard to the thinking ability of animals.

* * * * *

“For though not severely scientific, the descriptions are accurate, and, at the same time, attractively written with abundant humour.”

+ =Ath.= 1909, 1: 202. F. 13. 900w.

“The style is excellent and there is a pervading sense of humor which is all too rare a quality with writers on natural history. On some topics, he occasionally becomes rather confused.”

+ − =Nation.= 87: 391. O. 22, ’08. 650w.

“Birds’ habits and incidents of their lives are related with all the freshness of the enthusiastic field naturalist.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 48. Ja. 23, ’09. 420w.

“We do not find Mr. Dewar’s frequent changes from lively to severe—or philosophical, as he would probably prefer to have it—wholly to our taste. There is much to commend in the book, and if the author had not been in too great a hurry to give it to the world it would doubtless have been as good as his former work.”

+ − =Sat. R.= 106: 800. D. 26, ’08. 300w.

=Dewar, Douglas, and Finn, Frank.=^{[10]} Making of species. **$2.50.
Lane.

On the side of destructive criticism the authors take exception to “Wallaceism,” “Lamarckism” and “De Vriesism,” “Constructively the authors rediscuss, as the various factors of evolution, variation and correlation, heredity, natural selection, sexual selection and isolation, but without greatly advancing the solution of the mystery how species not only survive but originate. They predict its solution rather on the lines of experiment, especially in breeding, than from the speculative interpretations so common during the past generation and the present time.” (Sat. R.)

* * * * *

“The actual contribution to the sum of our knowledge made by their volume is not great. Their most effective criticism is contained in the chapter dealing with the coloration of animals, where they contend that many naturalists have pushed the various theories of animal coloration and mimicry to absurd lengths.”

+ − =Ath.= 1909, 2: 333. S. 18. 570w.

“It has singularly few of the faults and many of the real virtues peculiar to amateur science. For the general reader its lack of proportion and self-assertive style place it far below such a book as Jordan and Kellogg’s ‘Evolution and animal life.’ As reference books, Plate’s ‘Selections-prinzip’ and Kellogg’s ‘Darwinism to-day’ remain unsurpassed. The professional biologist will receive neither ‘a rude shock’ nor ‘a fresh impetus’ from Messrs. Dewar and Finn; but he will find in their field notes and in their quotations of breeders’ gossip an occasional grain of wheat.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 363. O. 14, ’09. 500w.

“It is to be regretted that Messrs. Dewar and Finn have made this aggressive incursion into the domain of biological theory. The work as a whole will not add to their reputation; with the majority of readers it will probably have the reverse effect.” R. Meldola.

− =Nature.= 81: 481. O. 21, ’09. 1600w.

“The authors are both Indian zoologists—ornithologists especially—and as such bring up not a few fresh observations and arguments.”

+ − =Sat. R.= 108: 110. Jl. 24, ’09. 650w.

=Dewar, George A. B.= Life and sport in Hampshire. **$3. Longmans.

A nature lover’s observations in Hampshire. The volume is “a collection of articles, gathered mainly from contemporary journalism, and so it possesses no more coherence than is possible to such collections.... Various chapters deal with the singing birds, the flight of birds, their migrations, angling, insects, and shooting.” (Ath.)

* * * * *

“In the matter of acute and sympathetic observation Mr. Dewar is fully equal, if not superior, to other writers on nature. This book is characteristic of his faculties and gifts.”

+ =Ath.= 1908, 2: 822. D. 26. 600w.

“One almost feels, after reading the book, as though he had personally experienced something of the charm and beauty of English country scenes and partaken in a certain measure of the keenness of English sport.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 137. Mr. 6, ’09. 480w.

=Dewey, John, and Tufts, James Hayden.= Ethics. *$2. Holt.

8–22532.

Descriptive note in December, 1908.

* * * * *

“Most comprehensive of recent works on ethics. Probably no more convincing effort to construct a system of moral philosophy by a strictly scientific method has ever been carried out.” G. A. Tawney.

+ =Am. J. Soc.= 14: 687. Mr. ’09. 1250w.

“What gives the ‘Ethics’ of Professor Dewey and Professor Tufts a real distinction amid the multitude of ethical textbooks is the fact that it makes the study of ethics appear practical, vital, pertinent to affairs, capable of contributing to the settlement of problems that contemporary mankind is really in doubt about. This is not only a great virtue but also a curiously rare one, in this class of books.” A. O. Lovejoy.

+ − =Am. J. Theol.= 13: 140. Ja. ’09. 1700w.

“The best general introduction in English, representing a point of view toward which the great majority of ethical writers are converging. Its attitude is modern, yet conservative, and the treatment is interesting, vital and practical.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 39. F. ’09.
=Dial.= 46: 146. Mr. 1, ’09. 100w.

“This book, even apart from its content, is of interest to students of sociology and economics.” C: A. Ellwood.

+ =Econ. Bull.= 1: 335. D. ’08. 500w.

“Their treatment of this world-old subject has much originality and power.”

+ =Educ. R.= 37: 210. F. ’09. 30w.

“In conclusion, we would state our conviction that this book promises to be the foremost textbook of ethics for the next decade.” W. T. Marvin.

+ =Educ. R.= 37: 413. Ap. ’09. 950w. + =Ind.= 67: 310. Ag. 5, ’09. 170w.

“This relevancy to present fact and present tendencies is just the very thing we would expect from the pragmatist attitude, and it does not relieve the book after all from the charge of its comparative failure to set up a definite picture of the attitude of the moral man, in our present transitional or would-be constructive age. It would have been even more edifying and more constructive if it had been less practical and less sociological.” W. Caldwell.

+ − =Philos. R.= 18: 221. Mr. ’09. 3800w.

“I cannot close the review of such a book as this without expressing my admiration of the way in which the authors have accomplished their task.” E. B. McGilvary.

+ − =Psychol. Bull.= 6: 14. Ja. 15, ’09. 3300w.

“It represents the most recent scholarship in psychology, sociology, and ethics. It ought to have a wide reading among all classes of citizens interested in the moral problems of our social, industrial, economic, and political life.” I. E. Miller.

+ =School R.= 17: 204. Mr. ’09. 1150w.

“A credit to American scholarship.” Frank Thilly.

+ =Science=, n.s. 30: 89. Jl. 16, ’09. 1200w.

“An unusual amount of material of value to those who are in the thick of social struggles.” F. A. Manny.

+ =Survey.= 22: 217. My. 1, ’09. 480w.

=Dewing, Elizabeth Bartol.=^{[11]} Other people’s houses. $1.50.
Macmillan.

9–28031.

“When the soul of man does battle with the forces of nature, it is the forces of nature which are deathless,” this foreword is perhaps the key note of the story of a girl who is all mind and spirit but is hampered by a weak physique, the petering out of a race of scholars. She loves her great splendid cousin who is good to see, and he, by mere physical greatness, has the world at his feet and chooses for himself a girl of equal physical attainments, while the hampered little cousin refuses wealth at the hands of another man. There is much more in the book than this, there is a minute delineation of various characters, the society woman of a certain type stands before us as she is and it is all drawn with the fearless certainty of one perfectly at home in other people’s houses.

* * * * *

“The scene shifts so rapidly that one’s mental vision is left with that sense of blurred weariness produced in the physical by a cimematograph. This, however, may be the result of literary immaturity, as there is an underlying power in the book that definitely conveys a promise of better things.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 488. N. 18, ’09. 200w.

“A striking and absorbing study of character, and is an effective introduction to a writer whose ability will doubtless place her among the very few American novelists of importance.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 728. N. 20, ’09. 400w.

“A remarkably clever novel in its happy and subtle touching-off to the life of personal traits and social side-lights. One does not expect plot in such a story, but ‘situation’ we should have, and it is here that the story is unsatisfactory.”

+ − =Outlook.= 93: 643. N. 20, ’09. 110w.

=Dewitt, David Miller.= Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and its
expiation. *$2.25. Macmillan.

9–4104.

“Mr. Dewitt has studied the official records of the conspiracy trial, of the trial of John H. Surratt and of the impeachment investigation of 1867, and has sought to sift the actual incidents of the plot from the mass of myth and legend in which they have become involved.... Mr. Dewitt throws doubt upon the shooting of Booth by Boston Corbett. He draws a curious parallel between the death of the assassin and that of Robespierre, and if he does not plainly state that Booth committed suicide, at least leaves the reader to infer that his own judgment is in favor of the theory of suicide. The theory is a crotchet, with nothing to sustain it.”—Ind.

* * * * *

“A thankless task, to which moreover our author is able to bring neither a tolerable literary style nor a sense of humor.” E. S. Corwin.

− =Am. Hist. R.= 14: 860. Jl. ’09. 230w.

“The most valuable part of Mr. Dewitt’s book has to do with the military commission that tried the alleged conspirators. Altogether the manner of this book is as objectionable as its material is valuable. One should not write history in a series of rather tawdry purple patches and thereby make it appear ridiculous.” H: T. Peck.

+ − =Bookm.= 29: 192. Ap. ’09. 600w.

“Mr. Dewitt’s [volume] will appeal more to the student, while Miss Laughlin’s will attract rather the general reader. The one approaches the subject in the mood of the jurist who tests every point; the other in the attitude of the witness who gives a narrative.” E. E. Sparks.

+ − =Dial= 46: 297. My. 1, ’09. 760w

“The care and patience with which the work has been prosecuted are evident. Not so much can be said for its judicial temper; it is in parts extremely passionate and violent in statement; and its account of the conspiracy trial seems rather like an impassioned plea for the defense than an historical account of what happened there.”

− + =Ind.= 66: 265. F. 4, ’09. 180w.

“The volume may be highly commended in particular, for its masterly discussion of the trial.” J. B. Rittenhouse

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 82. F. 13, ’09. 200w.

“His method is neither that of the scientific historian nor that of the criminologist, whose right is as clear as De Quincey’s to horrify his readers. Mr. Dewitt indulges in many inappropriate and grandiose phrases, as well as in an unnecessary and rather tiresome use of the historic present. And yet if English readers were unacquainted with one of the most astonishing crimes, and one of the most astonishing trials, in modern history, they cannot do much better than get to know them in this book.”

− + =Spec.= 102: 580. Ap. 10, ’09. 1700w.

=Dey, Frederic Van Rensselaer.=^{[9]} Gentleman of quality. $1.50.
Page.

9–7950.

An ingenious tale of mistaken identity. “It concerns chiefly a young American who, after some years of sorrowful vicissitudes, finds himself claimed by the servant, wife and friends of an Englishman of wealth and title as that gentleman himself who, unknown to any one except his wife and servant, had disappeared years before on his wedding day and had never been heard of since.” (N. Y. Times.)

* * * * *

“The dialogue is awkward and unnatural, and in consequence it is hard to believe in the flesh-and-blood reality of the speakers. But the springs of action are sound, and the incidents, however strange, have as much plausibility as the nature of the affair demands.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 142. Ag. 12, ’09. 200w.

“A tale of mystery, full of curious events that follow crowding upon one another’s heels and of situations that test the hero’s resourcefulness and the reader’s credulity.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 14: 246. Ap. 17, ’09. 220w.

=Dickens, Charles.= Dickens scenes and characters: scenes and
characters from the works of Charles Dickens. *$3. Scribner.

W9–63.

Printed from the original woodblocks there are collected in this book the eight hundred and sixty-six drawings contained in the “Household edition” of Dickens’s novels published in 1870. They represent the work of eleven artists, among them Fred Barnard, Hablot K. Browne (“Phiz”), A. B. Frost, J. Mahoney and E. G. Dalziel.

* * * * *

“Will prove a source of perpetual delight to all who lay claim, in any degree, to be considered Dickensians.”

+ =Ath.= 1908, 2: 726. D. 5. 200w.

“The scheme was happily conceived, and has been well executed. It is timely too, for there seems to be a decided revival of interest just at present, in the work of Dickens.”

+ =Dial.= 45: 467. D. 16, ’08. 260w.

“To turn over the pages is to see the whole of Dickens in dumb show, so to speak, a rare entertainment.”

+ =Nation.= 87: 601. D. 17, ’08. 80w.

“The book will give pleasure to many readers of the generation that is passing.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 13: 803. D. 26, ’08. 200w.

“The collection before us is a very welcome one, varying, we may say, greatly in merit, but always interesting.”

+ − =Spec.= 101: sup. 810. N. 21, ’08. 300w.

=Dickens, Charles.=^{[5]} Miscellaneous papers and plays and poems.
(Authentic ed.) $1.50. Scribner.

A volume “made up of as much as can be identified and is considered worthy of preservation of his contributions to The morning chronicle, The daily news, The examiner, Household words, and All the year round, together with a few articles from other sources.”—N. Y. Times.

* * * * *

“Dickens’s journalism will attract a wide circle as containing a good many of the ‘piéces justificatives’ of events, figures, and criticisms in his fiction. It also contains a good deal that is now historically interesting; it emphasizes his untiring zeal for reform now largely achieved; and it shows more directly than his famous books the merits and defects of his education and temperament. Dickens was not a great dramatist, and his verse has never been regarded as deserving serious criticism.”

+ − =Ath.= 1908, 1: 636. My. 23. 620w.

“Though there is much good reading between the covers of this bulky tome, there is little of rare quality.”

+ =Nation.= 88: 119. F. 4, ’09. 700w. + =N. Y. Times.= 13: 774. D. 12, ’08. 180w.

“In bulk these two volumes make a handsome addition to the Gadshill edition. In quality there is hardly anything which is really worthy of preservation. Dickens as an essayist had neither thought nor style which gives his work of this kind any permanent value. He wrote good, vigorous, straightforward prose on the topics of the day; and this is the best that can be said of these ‘Miscellaneous papers.’”

+ − =Sat. R.= 106: 49. Jl. 11, ’08. 1100w.

=Dickins, Mrs. Edith Pratt.=^{[8]} Port o’ dreams, and other poems.
**$1. Putnam.

9–7327.

A book of poems whose stanzas distil the clear essence of true melody. “Gettysburg, the desolation of Hagar, an Arab dying of thirst in the desert—these themes are beyond her. But the familiar loveliness of earth; the spirits of the passing months, the dear commonplaces of ordinary loving, the momentary holiness of reverie, are her own to feel and to express. Such things as ‘The queen’s garden’ and ‘Songs of dreams’ are worth many volumes of arid intellection and confused endeavor after passion. They are little, but they are wren songs of real poetry, and very lovely. Let us be grateful for them.” (Bookm.)

* * * * *

“She has neither the mind nor the imagination for rising to the height of great arguments, and her technique fails her except in the simplest measures. But through her little book there runs a thin vein of pure gold.” Brian Hooker.

+ − =Bookm.= 29: 371. Je. ’09. 150w.

“Mrs. Dickins has a happy knack of versifying agreeably the quieter and more sedate appeals of nature.”

+ =Ind.= 67: 1266. D. 2, ’09. 100w.

=Dickinson, Goldsworthy Lowes.=^{[7]} Is immortality desirable? **75c.
Houghton.

9–13618.

The Howard Ingersoll lecture for 1908. It is “a noteworthy contribution to the modern speculative literature on the destiny of man after death. Prof. G. Lowes Dickinson, the author, is less concerned with argument as to the desirability of immortality, per se, than with consideration of what must be the nature of the life beyond the grave to make immortality a thing to be desired by thoughtful men.” (N. Y. Times.)

* * * * *

“A logical dispassionate, yet illuminating presentation of the various conceptions of immortality and of the widely differing attitudes of mind concerning its desirability.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 162. Je. ’09. + =Dial.= 47: 127. S. 1, ’09. 180w.

“It is from the literary standpoint, and with frequent references to literature that he deals with his topic, clothing his thoughts in the clear and charming prose that has delighted readers of his other books, and exhibiting everywhere sincerity and restraint in the expression of his opinions.” J. E. Creighton.

+ =Int. J. Ethics.= 20: 102. O. ’09. 580w.

Reviewed by G. Santayana.

=J. Philos.= 6: 411. Jl. 22, ’09. 1900w.

“This essay has a grace of language and a subtlety of procedure that few other writers to-day, if any, can command. But it cannot be said that the discussion carries one far or is very persuasive.”

+ − =Nation.= 88: 627. Je. 24, ’09. 130w.

“This well-known English writer has added a notable little book to the literature on immortality, written in his fine style and brilliant manner.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 232. Ap. 10, ’09. 20w.

“The essay is finely conceived, stimulating, and, in the main, convincing. It may best be regarded, perhaps, as the ‘non omnis moriar’ of a nature satisfied neither with skepticism nor with accepted beliefs.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 336. My. 29, ’09. 500w.

“‘Is immortality desirable?’ is discriminating but not convincing.”

+ − =Outlook.= 93: 599. N. 13, ’09. 80w.
=R. of Rs.= 40: 256. Ag. ’09. 90w.

=Dickinson, Goldsworthy Lowes.= Justice and liberty: a political
dialogue. **$1.20. McClure.

8–31838.

Descriptive note in December, 1908.

* * * * *

“A more philosophical study than many of its kind, and very readable.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 9. Ja. ’09.

“This book does not seem to us so brilliant or interesting as ‘The modern symposium,’ or so profound as ‘The idea of good.’ A fine book, fit more than most we have perused of its like to arouse the dulled conscience of the comfortable, and breathe hope into the disinherited!”

+ − =Ath.= 1909, 1: 93. Ja. 23. 2400w.

“In one sense, the dialogue cannot be said to make any contribution to socialistic thought. Sometimes we wish Mr. Dickinson were not keeping his English audience quite so strictly in mind. We may merely say, in closing, that we think the book is worthy of Mr. Dickinson; which implies our belief that it deserves to be widely read by thinking people.” F. B. R. Hellems.

+ − =Dial.= 46: 15. Ja. 1, ’09. 1450w.

Reviewed by T. Whittaker.

=Int. J. Ethics.= 20: 99. O. ’09. 1250w.

“One need not accept all of Mr. Dickinson’s doctrines; but, accepted or not, they set one to thinking.” L.

+ =Nation.= 88: 352. Ap. 8, ’09. 4800w.

“Mr. Dickinson has made a successful attempt to compress into a book of moderate dimensions the leading principles, or, rather, the rival contentions, of those who would reform society according to their respective notions.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 13: 780. D. 12, ’08. 500w.

“Presented brilliantly and forcibly.”

+ =Outlook.= 90: 889. D. 19, ’08. 320w.

“We gladly acknowledge the literary ability of Mr. Dickinson’s book, but, as for its conclusions, we find it difficult to find fitting words in which to characterize their folly and futility.”

− + =Spec.= 102: 783. My. 15, ’09. 780w.

=Dickinson, H. N.=^{[10]} Sir Guy and Lady Rannard: a novel. †$1.50.
Duffield.

9–15997.

A study “of a politician’s progressive insanity caused by overwork and suspiciousness. The politician is Sir Guy Rannard, who, by a system of corruption demanding great skill and industry, is returned by an enormous majority as conservative M. P. for a provincial town. After a period of estrangement, his wife has the misfortune to fall in love with him for the first time, with the result that she is present at the exhibitions of tactlessness, rudeness, and political effrontery which precede the collapse of his intellect.”—Ath.

* * * * *

“The mechanism of the story is admirable and the character analysis clever, but it has no touch of geniality or charm.”

+ − =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 90. N. ’09.

“Among frankly pathological novels we do not recall one which surpasses this study. There is much to admire in the story.”

+ =Ath.= 1909, 1: 669. Je. 5. 150w.

“People who find themselves bored by the intricacies of English political campaigns should be frankly warned that ‘Sir Guy and Lady Rannard’ is a volume not to their taste. But to all others it may be commended warmly and even enthusiastically.” F: T. Cooper.

+ =Bookm.= 30: 187. O. ’09. 370w.

“These are familiar enough materials; but the present treatment of them is not without originality.”

+ =Nation.= 89: 279. S. 23, ’09. 300w.

“From first to last the story of this mad baronet is sombre and sad, but it is capitally told. All the characters are well drawn and some of them are very interesting.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 539. S. 11. ’09. 250w.

“If it is impossible to feel liking for Sir Guy and his wife, it is also impossible not to be interested in them, and, if the tedium of the earlier part of their history is endured, not to be absorbed in and impressed by the description of the sinister development of Guy’s nature.”

+ − =Sat. R.= 108: 21. Jl. 3, ’09. 250w.

“One might easily multiply the list of his accomplishments and solid qualities, which amount to a formidable total, and yet, owing to his absolute lack of charm or geniality, fail in their ultimate appeal to the reader’s heart.”

− + =Spec.= 103: 23. Jl. 3, ’09. 830w.

=Didier, Eugene Lemoine.=^{[9]} Poe cult, and other Poe papers; with
new memoir. $1.50. Broadway pub.

9–17539.

Twenty-three papers dealing with the important incidents in Poe’s life, including the real Poe as he moved among his friends, the influence of women in his poetry, the true story of his love for Mrs. Whitman, an exposition of errors prevalent in the more recent biographies, the truth about Poe as attested by people who knew him, the poet as a social lion, his conversational powers and his striking personality, his latter-day recognition, his status here and abroad, and a critical review of the most generally accepted editions of his life.

* * * * *

“Even readers favorably disposed to Poe will wonder how Mr. Didier manages deftly to avoid all mention of certain topics, and will cavil at his superlatives. Nevertheless, there are two reasons for recommending the book. It represents the loving labors of a pioneer student of Poe whose services have not always received due acknowledgment, and it contains anecdotes, poetical tributes, and other material useful to the student and not easily accessible elsewhere.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 206. S. 2, ’09. 270w.
=N. Y. Times.= 14: 373. Je. 12, ’09. 200w.

=Diehl, Alice Mangold.= Life of Beethoven. *$3. Doran.

9–22047.

“In this volume the author is almost entirely concerned with Beethoven’s ‘ordinary human life,’ and besides quotations from Reichardt, Rellstab, Spohr, and other writers, and extracts from letters of Beethoven, includes many anecdotes.” (Ath.) “Though neither scholarly nor complete—the volume tells us little of Beethoven’s compositions, or of their character or technique—gives a picturesque and genial account of his personality, habits and friends.” (Spec.)

* * * * *

“The volume should appeal to general readers.”

+ − =Ath.= 1908, 2: 582. N. 7. 560w.

“This biography can hardly be given an important place in the literature relating to Beethoven. It is written in an easy and rather agreeable style, however, and its fullness of personal details concerning this master will interest many people.”

− + =N. Y. Times.= 14: 42. Ja. 23, ’09. 500w.

“With all its blemishes, the book is readable and its enthusiasm infectious.”

+ − =Spec.= 101: 1104. D. 26, ’08. 330w.

=Dillon, Edward.=^{[12]} Arts of Japan. (Little books on art.) *$1.
McClurg.

W6–351.

Uniform with the “Little books on art,” this exposition “is divided into two parts, the first treating of painting and sculpture in connection with a general sketch of Japanese history, and the second devoted to the so-called ‘minor’ arts, colored woodcuts, metal work, netsuke, lacquer and ceramics, a short bibliography is added and the book is illustrated.” (Int. Studio.)

* * * * *

“The author of this unpretending little book is well qualified to write the volume on the arts of Japan in this series.”

+ =Ath.= 1906, 2: 662. N. 24. 410w.

“These ‘little books,’ within their acknowledged limitations, are something of a triumph in the making of compact treatises.”

+ =Int. Studio.= 39: sup. 24. N. ’09. 90w. + =N. Y. Times.= 14: 690. N. 6, ’09. 80w.

=Dillon, Mrs. Mary C.=^{[9]} Patience of John Morland. †$1.50.
Doubleday.

9–16802.

A story full of fascination and charm which has for is heroine the beautiful, headstrong Peggy O’Neil of Jackson’s administration. The author draws her Peggy, otherwise Kitty, true to history, yielding to the full play of her imagination in dressing up friends and foes of this wilful daughter of an Irish inn keeper. Her unhappy marriage, her indiscretions, her ostracism at the hands of Washington women. President Jackson’s championship of her integrity, and the patient friendship of the heroic Secretary of state are the principal elements in Mrs. Dillon’s story.

* * * * *

“Tale of mild interest and doubtful history.”

+ − =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 26. S. ’09.

“It is certainly readable enough, at least for those who still care for this much-abused type of historical romance, and the central figure of the book is certainly very much alive and very charming and very feminine in her perversity and her contradictions.” F: T. Cooper.

+ − =Bookm.= 30: 69. S. ’09. 420w.

“The result is as to fiction a readable but rather commonplace showing of girlish caprice and long suffering chivalry; as to history, a group of names, a list of policies, a mirror of costumes, and a few scenes.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 256. S. 16, ’09. 280w.
=N. Y. Times.= 14: 492. Ag. 14, ’09. 270w.

=Dimock, Anthony W., and Dimock, Julian A.= Florida enchantments. *$3.
Outing pub.

8–31146.

The sportsman’s Florida is pictured and described in this volume by two authors who have come under the Utopian spell of “Florida the fascinating.” “Accounts of crocodile-hunting, tarpon-fishing, canoeing in the surf, searching for wild honey (and finding it), crossing the everglades in a power boat, capturing a seacow, intercourse with the Seminoles, and other more or less thrilling adventures, fill the volume in a manner acceptable to the reader, adventurous or unadventurous.” (Dial.)

* * * * *

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 39. F. ’09.

“The book would be an excellent one to read before going, or on the way, or even after arriving [in Florida].”

+ =Dial.= 45: 409. D. 1, ’08. 250w.

Reviewed by W. G. Bowdoin.

+ =Ind.= 65: 1463. D. 17, ’08. 140w.

“A most interesting volume.”

+ =Ind.= 66: 815. Ap. 15, ’09. 100w.

“An authentic record of sport.”

+ =Lit. D.= 38: 219. F. 6, ’09. 270w.

“A breezy and generally admirable account of the sport and fun to be had in the home of the alligator and the manatee.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 13: 754. D. 5, ’08. 150w.

“In this book the pictures are the main feature, though the text is far from being unreadable.”

+ =Outlook.= 91: 149. Ja. 23, ’09. 300w.

=Dinsmore, John Wirt.= Teaching a district school: a book for young
teachers. *$1. Am. bk.

8–21614.

Descriptive note in December, 1908.

* * * * *

“A helpful and practical book for everyday use on the rural school teacher’s desk.”

+ =Educ. R.= 37: 210. F. ’09. 50w.

“Gives the kind of help needed by an untrained beginner.”

+ =Ind.= 67: 310. Ag. 5, ’09. 20w.

“Mr. Dinsmore’s book is thoroughly sound and as stated before he has arranged a most complete outline for the teacher and I feel sure that the educational work of our country would be materially benefitted could every teacher have access to this estimable little book. The author and the publishers are to be congratulated on its general excellence.” W. H. French.

+ =School R.= 17: 61. Ja. ’09. 800w.

=Ditchfield, Rev. Peter Hampson.=^{[8]} Old-time parson. 2d ed.
*$2.50. Dutton.

9–29970.

“The greater part of the book deals with the clergy in post-reformation days, and such themes as ‘The parson and his people,’ ‘The parson preaching,’ ‘The parson’s wife,’ ‘Parish clerks and choirs,’ ‘The hunting parson,’ (with Jack Russell as the chief exemplar), and ‘The parson’s dress.’ Other chapters discuss ‘The Elizabethan parson,’ ‘The sufferings of the clergy of the commonwealth period,’ ‘The superior parson,’ and ‘The parson in literature.’” (Ath.) The popular portion of the book is taken up with setting down the eccentricities and the wit and humor of certain clergy.

* * * * *

“Mr. Ditchfield is to be congratulated on having secured a good theme, and treated it in a worthy and entertaining fashion.”

+ − =Ath.= 1908, 2: 468. O. 17. 1200w. + =Dial.= 47: 75. Ag. 1, ’09. 250w.

“It seems to us a pity that Mr. Ditchfield in this book should have given so much space to controversial matters of the reformation, and especially to a rather bitter account of the sufferings of the clergy under the commonwealth.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 52. Jl. 15, ’09. 200w.

“A eulogy, a defense, and a collection of anecdotes.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 497. Ag. 21, ’09. 1200w.

“He has done good service to posterity by this collection, and no one can read the book without many a hearty laugh. The strong point of this book is not its history; its charm lies in its jokes, its racy anecdotes, and its songs.”

+ − =Sat. R.= 106: 672. N. 28, ’08. 900w.

“A most agreeable book this; a second edition will give, we hope, the opportunity to make a few corrections.”

+ − =Spec.= 101: 591. O. 17, ’08. 1650w.

=Dixon, Clarissa.= Janet and her dear Phebe. †$1. Stokes.

9–3332.

The chronicle of the devotion of two little girls who are separated thru family differences but who go on loving each other with an unalterable affection. Their hopes, their sorrow, their young-wise philosophy, their letters to each other, their stories and poetry—all reveal the heart of the child.

* * * * *

“A sweeter, truer picture of childish philosophy and childish feeling has not been made in a long time.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 142. Mr. 13, ’09. 160w.

=Dixon, H. Claiborne.= Abbeys of Great Britain. (Cathedral ser. no.
11.) *$1.50. Scribner.

9–6981.

Abbeys built by early monks in England, Scotland and Wales pass in review before the reader. “Mr. Dixon prefaces his accounts of the historic buildings with a brief résumé of English monastic history. The monks were the great civilizers of ancient days, and wheresoever they settled agriculture, learning, and the arts began to make their appearance. As they grew rich and powerful they became deteriorated, and with the reformation were swept away. But the ruins of their great houses make the British Isles lovely, and the simple, straightforward, and, withal, loving descriptions of them contained in this little volume cannot fail of attracting many.” (N. Y. Times.)

* * * * *

“A book of an agreeable and gentle charm.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 86. F. 13, ’09. 280w.

“The book was probably intended to be stronger on the religious than on the æsthetic side. The index could be improved. The book as a whole, however, is a singularly concise and valuable statement of interesting facts.”

+ − =Outlook.= 91: 587. Mr. 13, ’09. 320w.

=Dixon, Thomas, jr.=^{[8]} Comrades: a story of social adventure in
California. †$1.50. Doubleday.

9–2040.

A novel dealing with the establishment of a socialistic colony upon a deserted island off the coast of California. The band is headed by the son of a wealthy San Francisco business man who deplores his son’s socialistic proclivities and foresees a cure for his folly in allowing him full bent, secretly donating a million dollars to the cause. The way of disillusionment is the course over which Mr. Dixon conducts his reader.

* * * * *

“In his story of social adventure he conjures up an absurd situation, builds a mighty man of straw, and then thrashes it with all the enthusiasm of a Don Quixote charging a windmill, no man, not even an irresponsible Dixon, has any right, just for the sake of creating a sensation, to so falsify a great social movement as has this irrational teller of tales.” R. E. Bisbee.

− =Arena.= 41: 509. Jl. ’09. 450w.

“Although there is a good deal of mere talk in the story, it sweeps along with a nervous rush, starred with superlatives, and enjoying constantly a high emotional temperature. Mr. Dixon makes his characters do surprising stunts. They develop unexpected and illogical traits without warning, turn summersaults of temperament, and do whatever is necessary to keep the story moving according to the author’s plan. But doubtless there are a great many readers who like the rather bewildering breeziness of style which results from such an unrestrained method.”

− + =N. Y. Times.= 14: 76. F. 6, ’09. 470w.

“Especially interesting are the interrogations of one human question-mark whose genius for putting awkward queries is something more than diverting.”

+ =Yale R.= 18: 109. My. ’09. 80w.

=Doctor= says: a book of advice for the household with practical hints
for the preservation of health and the prevention of disease. **$1.
Jacobs.

9–9256.

A book on medicine for the household which places before the reader in an intelligent and interesting form the chief facts of medicine and surgery, with which it is proper and useful for him to be acquainted. It is an emergency book, a popular text-book of medicine as well as a reference work. It is based upon sound principles of physiology, pathology; treatments are outlined and rules are given for health preservation.

=Dodd, Walter Fairleigh.=^{[12]} Government of the District of
Columbia; a study in federal and municipal administration. $1.50.
Byrne.

9–20125.

“While primarily a description of the federal and municipal administration of the District, this volume also contains in its opening chapters an historical review of the various governments to which the District has been subjected from 1791 to the present time.”—Am. Hist. R.

* * * * *

“The historical portion of the book is confined to forty pages, but is accurately and clearly written.”

+ =Am. Hist. R.= 15: 190. O. ’09. 70w.

“Students of political science will welcome it while regretting that the work should not have been shorn of some of its crudities. With some exceptions, the task of research has been carefully and thoroughly done, and the narrative, if dry and unadorned beyond that of most monographs, is at least clear and orderly.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 184. Ag. 26, ’09. 250w.

=Dodd, Walter Fairleigh.= Modern constitutions: a collection of the
fundamental laws of twenty-two of the most important countries of
the world, with historical and bibliographical notes. 2v. *$5. Univ.
of Chicago press.

9–2008.

While of importance to lawyers and public men the aim of these volumes primarily is to furnish constitutional texts for use in courses on the subject of comparative constitutional law.

* * * * *

“The collection as a whole is excellent and will prove to be well-nigh indispensable to that large and growing body of students who desire to compare the governmental systems of states so as to gain thereby a clearer knowledge of the underlying principles of political development.” J. Q. Dealey.

+ − =Am. Hist. R.= 14: 828. Jl. ’09. 480w.

“These criticisms, or rather suggestions, are not meant in any way to disparage the work of Mr. Dodd. The collection will prove of inestimable benefit to teachers and students of constitutional law and they owe the editor a debt of gratitude for making it. Especially is he to be commended for giving the documents in translations. Not one scholar in a hundred is acquainted with half the languages represented.” D: Y. Thomas.

+ =Am. J. Soc.= 14: 845. My. ’09. 480w.

“This scholarly work is the first of its kind in English and will have a large value in the study of comparative constitutional law.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 76. Mr. ’09. + =Ann. Am. Acad.= 34: 180. Jl. ’09. 160w.

“The book of Mr. Dodd is a little wooden.”