Chapter XXXVII: Part 2: , Three Boston object lessons in taxation; Part 3, Private (17)

“It is even better than some of his very early productions. But the present tendency is to proclaim it as a sort of masterpiece, a crowning glory around the pinnacle of his recently achieved fame. A good many people of fair average intelligence will take this contention seriously. And that will be an infinite pity.” Philip Tillinghast.

+ =Forum.= 41: 180. F. ’09. 2500w.

“His creations are whimsical to a degree, the situations bizarre, yet we love them too much to laugh at them; his people are eccentric in their goodness and in their weakness, but they are not absurd, and we succumb at once to the elusive but very enchaining charm of Septimus.’”

+ =Ind.= 66: 699. Ap. 1, ’09. 300w.

“It all makes up a pleasant fantasia, perhaps, rather than a novel in the ‘strenuous’ sense now commonly attached to the term; and for this, one is inclined to say, so much the better.”

+ =Nation.= 88: 117. F. 4, ’09. 440w.

“An achievement which marks him as the successor of Du Maurier and the heir—along with that other wise man, William de Morgan—of the mantle of Thackeray.” H. I. Brock.

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 36. Ja. 16, ’09. 970w.
=N. Y. Times.= 14: 376. Je. 12, ’09. 200w.

“Once more Mr. William J. Locke has given us one of his slight, but very engrossing, tales.”

+ =No. Am.= 189: 783. My. ’09. 180w.

“The book as a whole is perhaps a little lighter and less thoroughly worked out than ‘The beloved vagabond,’ but it is a rare romance, most delightful even when closest to the fantastical, abounding in cheerfulness, surprising in its turns of wit and action, and quietly optimistic in its kindliness and its recognition of the unselfish side of humanity.”

+ =Outlook.= 91: 107. Ja. 16, ’09. 300w.

“‘Septimus’ affords so much real entertainment that the reader will hardly be inclined to cavil at some disappointments.”

+ − =Sat. R.= 107: 211. F. 13, ’09. 950w.

“We find Mr. Locke an unequal artist. He is an idealist, but he is afflicted with spasms of unnecessary realism.”

+ − =Spec.= 102: 135. Ja. 23, ’09. 900w.

=Lodge, George Cabot.=^{[8]} Herakles [dramatic poem]. **$1.25.
Houghton.

8–33151.

A poetic drama constructed about Herakles, his madness, his labors and the deliverance of Prometheus. “It is not so much a stage-play, but rather a poem, which the poet has chosen to cast in dramatic form.” (Dial.)

* * * * *

“The poem as read is satisfying to the lover of noble thought and lovely imagery. Whether it be really a dramatic development, I cannot be so sure; but still the drama is a remarkable achievement, and one of which we may well be proud.” E: E. Hale, jr.

+ =Dial.= 47: 69. Ag. 1, ’09. 650w.
=Ind.= 65: 1174. N. 19, ’08. 30w.

“Here also is the smell of the academic lamp. The blank verse moves with dignity, but the poet is stirred by memories of Hellenic legends, not by life. The Hellenic dramatists felt life in the legends—we in this piece get the glamour only.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 13: 801. D. 26, ’08. 80w.

=Lodge, Sir Oliver Joseph.=^{[6]} Ether of space. **75c. Harper.

9–13944.

A new volume in Harper’s “Library of living thoughts” which gives in compact form the conclusions of Sir Oliver Lodge’s investigation of the nature and properties of the ultra-material luminiferous medium. His chapters scientifically lead up to and justify the idea of the reality and substantiality, and vast though as yet largely unrecognized importance, of the ether of space.

* * * * *

“A clear, succinct account, written for readers having a knowledge of the elements of physics.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 78. N. ’09.

“Nobody can write in a way better suited to the popular comprehension than Sir Oliver Lodge, when he chooses, and the little book before us is a model of clear exposition.”

+ − =Ath.= 1909, 2: 158. Ag. 7. 580w.

“It may be unreservedly commended.”

+ =Educ. R.= 38: 206. S. ’09. 70w.

“A most entertaining book on the fascinating branch of physics he terms ‘The ether of space.’ The book furnishes much material for thought, and has been handled in an entertaining as well as scholarly manner.” Mary Proctor.

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 397. Je. 26, ’09. 1400w. + =Sat. R.= 107: sup. 5. My. 22, ’09. 70w.

=Lodge, Sir Oliver Joseph.= Immortality of the soul. (Eng. title, Man
and the universe.) *$1. Ball pub.

8–29637.

Descriptive note in December, 1908.

* * * * *

Reviewed by St. George Stock.

=Hibbert J.= 7: 451. Ja. ’09. 1600w.

“We believe that the average man, in whose throat the dogmatism of both sides has begun to stick, will read the book with gratitude, not as offering a solution of the difficulty, but as letting in light.”

+ =Spec.= 101: 996. D. 12, ’08. 1050w.

=Lodge, Sir Oliver Joseph.= Science and immortality. **$2. Moffat.

8–28409.

A group of essays which discuss the persistence of personality after death proving the immortality of the soul by scientific evidence. The book is divided into four parts: Science and faith; Corporate worship and service; The immortality of the soul; Science and Christianity.

* * * * *

Reviewed by D. C. Macintosh.

=Am. J. Theol.= 13: 632. O. ’09. 600w.

“His opinions are of much interest and will afford help and inspiration to many.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 17. Ja. ’09.

“There is nothing notably new in the way of argument, and much of it comes suspiciously near to what may be termed special pleading.”

− =Dial.= 46: 22. Ja. 1, ’09. 400w.

“His complete failure to exemplify the ideals of scientific method, and to satisfy the cravings of the intelligent among the audience to which he appeals, must be evident to one who reads the book itself, even without careful analysis and without special search for the basis of the author’s conclusions.” H. R. M.

− =Nation.= 87: 657. D. 31, ’08. 1700w.

“It very promptly appears, of course, that the author is prepared to accept as evidence in the case certain so-called ‘occult experiences’ which most other scientists reject offhand. The book as a whole is stimulating to the thoughtful and open minded, and if it fails to appeal either to orthodox scientist or orthodox religionist it is in the nature of these two that they should be deaf to appeals.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 13: 569. O. 17, ’08. 2100w.

“An extremely valuable contribution to the literature of the present important crisis in modern thought.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 13: 627. O. 24, ’08. 40w.

“The value of Sir Oliver’s admirable volume ... does not lie in any striking originality of thought, but in the fact of its existence as a rational mediation between science and religion.” G. C. Mars.

+ =No. Am.= 189: 458. Mr. ’09. 2100w.

“The book is throughout suggestive, and ought to be of real help to those who are puzzled how to preserve their spiritual faith in an era whose advancing knowledge has done so much to destroy their old creeds.”

+ =Outlook.= 91: 151. Ja. 23, ’09. 770w.

=Loliée, Frédéric.=^{[11]} Life of an empress (Eugénie de Montijo);
English version by Bryan O’Donnell. *$4. Dodd.

9–8738.

A biography of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, facts for which have been gained from people who knew her, from letters and diaries.

* * * * *

“The claim to original information that the French author makes in his preface must be viewed with a critical eye. A great many mistakes are to be noted; and about many other passages there is much to be said by way of doubt.”

− =Ath.= 1908, 2: 678. N. 28. 1150w.
=N. Y. Times.= 14: 657. O. 23, ’09. 40w.

=Lombroso, Cesare.=^{[11]} After death—what? Spiritistic phenomena and
their interpretation; rendered into English by William S. Kennedy.
**$2.50. Small.

9–28193.

In entering the field of spiritistic and psychic phenomena after an “honorable career” in criminal anthropology that placed him to the forefront of social pathologists, the author’s momentary hesitation, due to prejudice, gave way to candid conviction that there was truth to be revealed and that it was his duty to reveal it. He surveys the whole field of spiritistic phenomena from their first appearance in savage tribes and early civilized races down to present-day races. He treats of telepathy, clairvoyance, auto-suggestion, mesmerism, premonition, identity, doubles, haunted houses, tricks and biology of the spirits.

* * * * *

“He is deservedly regarded as a singularly original and independent thinker, of absolute intellectual fearlessness, and possessing a happy facility for rendering his views in a language understandable by the untrained mind. All these traits are in evidence in his latest book, dealing with a subject of more universal interest than any of which he has formerly written. The more carefully one reads his book, the stronger must the impression grow that the marvels which he recounts with such boundless enthusiasm are in reality the work not of an intermediary between this world and the next, but of an uncommonly clever and resourceful trickster.” H. A. Bruce.

+ − =Bookm.= 30: 258. N. ’09. 1350w.

“A volume which, considered logically or charitably, should receive the solace of neglect. Presents through three hundred and fifty pages an amazing exhibition of credulity, which it is difficult to reconcile with the author’s unassailed reputation, and his recognized contributions to complex aspects of modern science.” Joseph Jastrow.

− =Dial.= 47: 284. O. 16, ’09. 1600w.

“It is unfortunate that a lack of logical connection characterizes the book—the chapters following one another in no definite order; while the translation is mediocre, and there are a number of errors noticeable in the spelling of proper names. These faults aside, the book has very decided interest. The book is filled with ‘cases’ that are of interest, and will repay a careful perusal.”

+ − =Lit. D.= 39: 538. O. 2, ’09. 450w.

“Without any prejudice one wonders after a reading of this book whether the author did not give undue credence to many of the stories here set forth. The reviewer is sorry that after a careful reading of this latest contribution to spiritistic literature he fails still to be convinced that many or most of these extraordinary happenings are not clever tricks of deception.”

− =N. Y. Times.= 14: 621. O. 23, ’09. 1100w.

“The book is interesting, entertaining, even at times amusing, but it is not convincing.”

− + =Outlook.= 93: 830. D. 11, ’09. 390w.
=R. of Rs.= 40: 763. D. ’09. 120w.

=London, Jack.=^{[10]} Martin Eden. $1.50. Macmillan.

9–22752.

When twenty-one, Martin, uncouth and untutored, a sailor round the world before the mast, rescues a San Francisco society man from a street assault, he is brought into this man’s home and there learns of books, poetry, and the ideal things of life. Held to his task by his love for a girl who seems the embodiment of taste and culture, he battles against all odds, wrests from the world an education and tries to wrest from it a living by writing of the things which life has shown him and with which his brain is seething. But the way is hard and his tools are crude, his friends, his tradesmen, and at last even his love turn from him because he cannot become a conventional money getter. Then comes a dazzling literary success. At once they flock about him and offer all they refused him in the days of need. But his disillusionment is complete and in his bitterness he weakly throws away all that his strength has won.

* * * * *

=A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 92. N. ’09.

“This lack of comprehension of his own limitations is the conspicuous fault of his latest volume. The fault lies not so much with the plot, which is of the thinnest, as with a distorted perspective of life.” F: T. Cooper.

− =Bookm.= 30: 279. N. ’09. 1100w.

“It is unfortunate that Mr. London could not invest his hero with the attributes that awaken sympathy, so that we might at least mourn the abrupt termination of his career.” W: M. Payne.

− =Dial.= 47: 386. N. 16, ’09. 630w.

“It seems best to accept this story not as real history, but as an earnest and truthful record of what Mr. London might have been if he had been Martin Eden instead of being limited by himself. Whatever the readers of this story may think of Mr. London’s views of life, the passionless courage with which he sets down the failure of such views to satisfy the eternally human heart commands respect for him.”

− + =Ind.= 67: 980. O. 28, ’09. 1650w.

“Such of the reading mob that may be attracted to his history are likely to discern a good deal of autobiography therein, and to be stirred piquantly by its daring adumbrations of various well-known proper names.”

− =Nation.= 89: 406. O. 28, ’09. 650w.

“Aside from any value in this connection as a human document, what the book chiefly shows is that Mr. London, who writes so eloquently about the ‘primordial beast’ and seems to our far from primordial eyes to understand something about the beast in question, is quite at sea when he tries to write about that ordinary society which is variously described as decent, as respectable, as cultured, or as good, and, in his language, as bourgeois.”

− + =N. Y. Times.= 14: 631. O. 23, ’09. 750w.

“It is not a very sane or well-balanced book, but there is much wholesome truth in it.” H. W. Boynton.

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 14: 633. O. 23, ’09. 250w.

“Is, to be entirely frank, tedious.”

− =Outlook.= 93: 361. O. 16, ’09. 40w.

=Long, Charles Massie.=^{[5]} Virginia county names. *$1.50. Neale.

8–36778.

An analysis of the county nomenclature of Virginia showing how its one hundred counties were named.

* * * * *

“Dr. Long has written a very entertaining story in tracing the names of the Virginia counties.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 285. My. 8, ’09. 180w.

“Dr. Long shows in an interesting way how these names reflect to a certain extent the thoughts and feelings of historic Virginians.”

+ =R. of Rs.= 40: 383. S. ’09. 80w.

=Long, John Luther.= Felice. †$1. Moffat.

8–28990.

A story of the Italian quarter of Philadelphia in which the father of hungry children steals bread, is arrested, and in time finds a friend and champion in Martinos, a barber, who secures the prisoner’s release and becomes his patron saint.

* * * * *

“It is told with much delicacy and sympathy, and has a pleasing foreign atmosphere.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 25. Ja. ’09. ✠

“We do not recall that the word Christmas is employed in the story of ‘Felice,’ but the atmosphere of that blessed and somewhat emotional season is about it.”

+ =Nation.= 88: 67. Ja. 21, ’09. 200w.

“Mr. Long has evidently been at some pains to make this a dialect story, and that this fact is evident rather mars an otherwise delightful piece of work.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 14: 8. Ja. 2, ’09. 190w.

“The bare outline of the story does not convey in the least an idea of its moving pathos or its entertaining humor.”

+ =Outlook.= 90: 750. N. 28, ’08. 160w.

=Longueville, Thomas.=^{[5]} Curious case of Lady Purbeck: a scandal
of the 18th century; by the author of The life of Sir Kenelm Digby.
$2. Longmans.

“The author of ‘The life of Sir Kenelm Digby’ has made a very vivacious tale out of the woes of the first (and last) Lady Purbeck, the wife of Buckingham’s brother, and the daughter of Sir Edward Coke and Lady Elizabeth, his spouse.... Poor Lady Purbeck, who was a very mild sinner with great excuses, was fated to become a public sacrifice to the moralities when notorious offenders walked about unabashed.”—Spec.

* * * * *

“The doing of this piece of investigation must have been a pleasure, the reading of it is not uninteresting. But there are many questions better worth while.”

+ − =Am. Hist. R.= 15: 178. O. ’09. 360w.

“It must be confessed that his later chapters are somewhat lacking in personal interest.” F. C. M.

+ − =Eng. Hist. R.= 24: 617. Jl. ’09. 200w. + =N. Y. Times.= 14: 304. My. 15, ’09. 400w.

“Fascinating volume.”

+ =Sat. R.= 107: 536. Ap. 24, ’09. 420w.

“The slight tale was well worth telling when the writer possesses such a gift of crisp and precise English.”

+ =Spec.= 102: 578. Ap. 10, ’09. 300w.

=Loomis, Charles Battell.= Holiday touch, and other tales of undaunted
Americans. †$1.25. Holt.

8–29333.

Descriptive note in December, 1908.

* * * * *

“They touch life lightly and at queer angles, but always with good humor and optimism.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 55. F. ’09.

“They are little tales of life all the year around, warranted to please the most unpleasant man at any season. Mr. Loomis has a cork genius that floats his imagination high above the weariness of this world while laying his scenes in the midst of it.”

+ =Ind.= 66: 639. Mr. 25, ’09. 250w.

“He who reads them will laugh many times.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 7. Ja. 2, ’09. 110w.

=Loomis, Charles Battell.= Just Irish. $1. Badger, R: G.

9–10469.

An account of Mr. Loomis’s travels in Ireland, intended as such, not as amusement. Considerable local color is given by incidents, but the book is more a recital of facts than readers of “Cheerful Americans” might expect. The facts given pertain chiefly to the social, rather than the industrial condition of the Irish of to-day. There is no attempt to exploit Irish ways for the amusement of the rest of us—the tone being thoroly sympathetic and appreciative.

* * * * *

“Slight, humorous sketches of travel experiences.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 17. S. ’09. ✠

“He makes no profession of serious dissertation; he writes only to amuse. The various scenes of Irish life which fell under his notice, the people with whom he came in contact, the experiences which befell him, are told in his breezy, jocular style with good effect.”

+ =Cath. World.= 89: 395. Je. ’09. 600w.

“Mr. Loomis had a perfectly good time in Ireland, and he loves to talk about it. Moreover, every one who gets the book will love to read about it, for though the author complains that he did not find that ready wit and repartee in the Irish which he had expected, he keeps his own sense of fun.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 303. My. 15, ’09. 670w.

=Loomis, Charles Battell.=^{[12]} Little Maude and her mamma. †50c.
Doubleday.

9–28267.

Three humorous, bedtime stories in which little Maude and her mamma figure respectively in a runaway, a shipwreck and a fire. Poise on the part of the child, together with the mother’s ready acquiescence, to a point approaching imbecility gives the story its humorous touch.

=Lorenz, Rev. Edmund Simon.=^{[8]} Practical church music: a
discussion of purposes, methods and plans. **$1.50. Revell.

9–10979.

“A compact, well-written encyclopedia which can be made of practical value if studied by pastors, choir leaders and music committees. Members of choirs might profit by reading such chapters as treat of church solos, choir rehearsals, and the serious import of the service which they lead. The first appendix gives a list of books helpful in the study of church music and of hymns, the second devotes more than a dozen pages to titles of chosen music for choir and solo use, and the third gives outlines and subjects for song sermons and services.”—Ind.

* * * * *

“Is specially praiseworthy because, from cover to cover, the author never forgets that church music should be an act of worship; at the same time he is broad enough, while discriminating against rubbish, to value in its place the ‘gospel song.’”

+ =Ind.= 67: 145. Jl. 15, ’09. 200w.

“Mr. Lorenz knows very well what he is talking about. He is not troubled with many artistic scruples in his discussion of church music, and he has taken pains to clear himself of any old-fashioned ideas about dignity and ideals. From the author’s point of view his book is highly successful.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 464. Jl. 31, ’09: 670w.

“If we disagree with every position Mr. Lorenz takes up as regards church music it is by no means to assert that his book might not have a value for others who would agree. We can only say that we should carefully avoid the church which should adopt it as a handbook.”

− =No. Am.= 190: 267. Ag. ’09. 150w.

=Lorenzini, Carlo.= Adventures every child should know: the marvellous
adventures of Pinocchio; ed. by Mary E. Burt; from an original
translation by Augustus G. Caprani. (Every child should know ser.)
**90c. Doubleday.

9–4295.

An immortal Italian classic for children which relates the adventures of the little wooden puppet, Pinocchio. “The book is an allegory, and an incentive to action and thought, a guide to self-control, self government, self-determination.... It is a child’s book, a teacher’s book, a parents’ assistant, a guide to common sense, a book of fun, a serious book, a fairy-tale, a treatise on ethics.” (Translator’s note.)

* * * * *

“Its concise style and picture words are well calculated to hold the attention of children. A few scenes in the book, however, might be considered too gruesome for the child mind.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 14: 192. Ap. 3, ’09. 270w.

=Lorenzini, Carlo (C. Collodi, pseud.).=^{[10]} Pinocchio: the
adventures of a little wooden boy; tr. by Joseph Walker. †$1.
Crowell.

9–24941.

A new translation of this captivating Italian juvenile story, for which the translator has prepared a brief introduction including a word about the author and an outline of the allegory.

=Lorraine, Rupert.=^{[7]} Woman and the sword. 75c. McClurg.

A swashbuckling romance set in the times of the Thirty years’ war in which the action centers about the rescue of a spirited English girl from the clutches of a villainous Austrian count who had taken advantage of her moment of pique to abduct her. Her rescuer is a middle aged soldier of fortune who traverses nearly the half of Europe to end the girl’s misery and to punish the crime-sodden count.

* * * * *

“A stirring tale.”

+ =Ath.= 1908, 2: 538. O. 31. 120w.

“The story as a whole, like so many of its school, is read with interest, and—perhaps ungratefully—ridiculed in the cold light of later judgment.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 238. S. 9, ’09. 180w.

“While it is frankly written to pass the time for the idle reader, it is neither common place in workmanship nor negligible in material.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 451. Jl. 24, ’09. 250w.

=Louis, Henry.=^{[9]} Dressing of minerals. *$8.50. Longmans.

GS9–359.

“Gives an account of the theory and practice of the dressing of minerals (including coal), which will prove useful to mining engineers and metallurgists, to manufacturers who supply the necessary appliances, and especially to students who are preparing for either of these professions. The author has drawn upon the very large amount of practical work which has been done by manufacturers of apparatus, and numerous excellently illustrated descriptions of standard machines and devices are included.”—Engin. D.

* * * * *

+ =Engin. D.= 6: 55. Jl. ’09. 250w.

“An excellent treatise on this very important subject, and on which the literature is so meagre. The work should commend itself as a reference both to the student and the practical worker in ore dressing and coal washing. The book offers many valuable suggestions to its readers, and while it is not complete, it is of sufficient scope and sufficient detail to commend itself readily and to merit the attention of any one interested in mineral dressing operations.” W. G. Haldane.

+ =Engin. N.= 62: sup. 26. S. 16, ’09. 800w.

“A book which will prove of much value to students of mining engineering.”

+ =Engin. Rec.= 60: 503. O. 30, ’09. 600w.

“The book is well written and interesting, more especially, perhaps, in those parts that deal with theoretical considerations which relate to the construction of the machines.”

+ − =Nature.= 81: 91. Jl. 22, ’09. 1000w.

=Lounsbury, Thomas Raynesford.=^{[10]} English spelling and spelling
reform. **$1.50. Harper.

9–26304.

The author bids his readers take issue with the state of mind that recommends the old spelling only on account of custom and prejudice, that defends it thru ignorance, that makes it an object of veneration thru superstition. His volume is a plea for spelling reform in which he collects, combines and “puts in a form easily comprehensible by the general reader, the widely scattered facts that go to show the character and characteristics of English orthography,” and brings out “with distinction the deep-seated disease under which it labors.”

* * * * *

“The tone of the book is aggressive and the author’s temper far from judicial, but it is, nevertheless, a learned, spirited and amusing work.”

+ − =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 120. D. ’09.

“We have said that Dr. Lounsbury’s volume is contentious, aggressive, destructive. It is certainly one which no opponent of simplified spelling can afford to ignore. But it has value and interest quite apart from its contention. It is full of construction. And there is not a dull page in it.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 644. O. 23, ’09. 720w.

“The entire subject is treated consecutively and with great clarity of style.”

+ =R. of Rs.= 40: 639. N. ’09. 100w.

=Lovell, Ingraham, pseud.=^{[11]} Margarita’s soul: the romantic
recollections of a man of fifty. †$1.50. Lane.

9–26806.

The story of a young savage and her training. “Our author has shown himself ingenious in providing a special sort of savage, a girl of mingled Italian, New England, and Virginia blood, who has been kept sedulously ignorant of civilization by a recluse father. The real interest of the story lies, of course, in the totally unexpected things which Margarita does in circumstances in which civilization provides a formula which everybody else obeys with mechanical precision. Margarita does not know the formula. Therefore, when Margarita is kissed—or when Margarita is lonely—or when Margarita is hungry or angry—Margarita is worth watching.” (N. Y. Times.)

* * * * *

“Altogether, however, ‘Margarita’s soul’ is a book for which we ought to be grateful. It is off the beaten track, refreshingly new and earnest and tenderly strong. The best thing about the book is its originality. It owes no conscious debt to any other author.” F: T. Cooper.

+ − =Bookm.= 30: 384. D. ’09. 850w.

“Makes unusually pleasant reading for those who do not mind a discursive and reminiscent treatment.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 636. O. 23, ’09. 470w.

“Just because it is discursive and easy-going the book is emphatically enjoyable. We should be hard put to it to name a better American novel of the month.”

+ =Outlook.= 93: 514. O. 30, ’09. 140w.

=Low, Alfred Maurice.=^{[11]} American people: a study in national
psychology. **$2.25. Houghton.

9–28143.

The author traces the development of the American national consciousness from the earliest times to the revolution, showing the relation of historical facts to psychological progress in order to prove that the American people “have not sprung from the air but are, similar to all other highly developed races, the product of evolution”; in their case political and sociological. He observes that American is not merely a geographical expression, but the name of a country whose people present distinct. coherent, and highly individual traits and characteristics distinguishing them from all other people.

* * * * *

“From a Catholic point of view, Mr. Low’s work presents agreeable aspects.”

+ =Cath. World.= 90: 390. D. ’09. 600w.

“His spirit is admirable. His style lacks a little in sobriety, and still more in simplicity and logical order. There are minor errors or defects, regrettable only as interfering with the effect of careful and valuable work.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 14: 692. N. 6, ’09. 870w. + =Outlook.= 93: 649. N. 27, ’09. 150w. =R. of Rs.= 40: 764. D. ’09. 90w.

=Low, Will Hicok.= Chronicle of friendships. **$3. Scribner.

8–30913.

Reminiscences of painters and men of letters associated with Paris and Barbizon forty years ago which reveal especially the friendship of Robert Louis Stevenson, his cousin, R. A. M. Stevenson, and the author.

* * * * *

“A work of unusual interest and great charm.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 79. Mr. ’09.

“Mr. Low writes with admirable discretion and taste, and he writes extremely well to boot.”

+ =Ath.= 1909, 1: 125. Ja. 30. 920w. + =Lit. D.= 37: 902. D. 12, ’08. 60w.

“Many efforts have been made, both in fiction and in reminiscences, to paint the life of artists and of art students, but we know of none so successful as this.”

+ =Nation.= 87: 662. D. 31, ’08. 440w.

“Delightful book of reminiscences.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 13: 686. N. 21, ’08. 1450w. + =Spec.= 102: 668. Ap. 24, ’09. 70w.

=Lowe, Paul Emilius.=^{[12]} Electric railway troubles and how to find
them. $1.50. Drake, F: J.

9–22202.

“Innumerable practical points, brought out only by the experience that a repairman or a motorman would be expected to gain, are combined in this volume with what an engineer would call bits of very elementary theory.... It may be best briefly described as a guide to the proper inspection, testing and repair of motors, controllers, lightning arresters, substation apparatus, and the minor electrical fittings of an electric car.”—Engin. N.

* * * * *

“The author has compiled in this volume considerable instructive information that will furnish the student with a guide in motor operation.”

+ =Engin. D.= 6: 247. S. ’09. 70w.

“The book is intended for mechanics and seems admirably to fill their needs. It is a welcome addition to books of this class, which in times past have too often been loosely compiled, or disjointedly written.”

+ =Engin. N.= 62: sup. 47. N. 18, ’09. 100w.

=Lowell, Percival.=^{[12]} Evolution of worlds. *$2.50. Macmillan.

In substance, a course of lectures delivered before the Massachusetts institute of technology. In his eight chapters Professor Lowell traces the course of heavenly bodies from the darkness out of which they spring to the darkness to which they return. It is with the cycle of birth, growth and decay that he deals in chapters under the following headings: Birth of a solar system; Evidence of the initial catastrophe in our own place; The inner planets; The outer planets; Formation of planets; A planet’s history; Death of a world.

* * * * *

=N. Y. Times.= 14: 757. D. 4, ’09. 190w.

=Lowell, Percival.= Mars as the abode of life. *$2.50. Macmillan.

8–36795.

Eight lectures delivered at the Lowell institute in 1906. They “outline a new science, which the author calls a science of planetology, the history of the career of a planet considered as such, dealing as it does with the genesis and development of what we call a world.” (R. of Rs.) He makes application of the law of evolution as it has been and is operating on our own planet; he shows that the action of the sun in decreasing oceans and the density of air results in canals to utilize the “failing resources of water. In such a state as this Mr. Lowell believes the planet Mars now to be; the ‘canals’ seen there he thinks to be evidences of the handiwork of intelligent beings.” (Dial.)

* * * * *

=A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 45. F. ’09.

“It would be impossible to condense what is said on the subject in the work before us, but we would strongly recommend those interested to read it for themselves. Personally we feel with Mr. Bryant—(‘History of astronomy,’ p. 215) that ‘the assumptions involved are so great that Prof. Lowell’s very plausible explanation can hardly be called convincing.’”

− + =Ath.= 1909, 2: 186. Ag. 14. 220w.

“The outward appearance of the book is just as delightful to the eye as its subject matter is to the mind.”

+ =Dial.= 46: 87. F. 1, ’09. 430w.

“A book which will prove to readers of intelligence more fascinating than any novel of the year.”

+ − =Ind.= 66: 260. F. 4, ’09. 880w.

“In the volume before us, which may be looked upon as a delightful essay on the birth and development of worlds, Prof. Lowell has presented us with a vein of thought which will appeal to a very wide circle of readers.”

+ =Nature.= 80: 212. Ap. 22, ’09. 1000w.

“It is only fair to say at once that Mr. Lowell’s book at once stirs the imagination and clears the subject marvelously of the clouds of misapprehension with which hasty discussion of his sensational seeming announcements has fogged it.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 13: 781. D. 19, ’08. 2300w.

“The book is fascinatingly readable, and to the lay reader little short of convincing in its conclusions.”

+ =Outlook.= 91: 336. F. 13, ’09. 580w.
=R. of Rs.= 39: 253. F. ’09. 340w.

“It may be said that this book has not the dignity of a grand speculation. Possibly some of Professor Lowell’s quips and his cuts at the enemies of his theories are inappropriate, judged by the usual academic standard, but for ourselves we do not profess to lament the junction of raciness and profundity. There is room for men who carry their learning lightly.”

+ =Spec.= 102: 303. F. 20, ’09. 2100w.

=Lowes, Emily Leigh.= Chats on old lace and needlework. *$2. Stokes.

W9–1.

An informing book on the subject of laces giving historical, artistic, utilitarian and commercial points of interest. “Many of the book’s illustrations are derived from that wonderful storehouse of treasures, the South Kensington museum.” (Ind.)

* * * * *

“Not so valuable or satisfactory as the older, more expensive works, but will fill the needs of the average library both for history and identification purposes.”

+ − =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 79. Mr. ’09.

Reviewed by W. G. Bowdoin.

=Ind.= 65: 1460. D. 17, ’08. 80w.

“Is timely as well as filled with a recondite learning and a refinement of taste equally rare.”

+ =Lit. D.= 37: 904. D. 12, ’08. 200w.

“Its style is colloquial and its text is arranged with an eye to easy assimilation. The book belongs to the get-wise-quick class, but its size and arrangement make it a convenient handbook for household use, and as such it may be recommended.”

+ − =Nation.= 87: 586. D. 10, ’08. 200w. + =Spec.= 101: 414. S. 19, ’08. 280w.

=Lowndes, Mrs. Marie A. Belloc-.= Pulse of life: a story of a passing
world. †$1.50. Dodd.

9–2771.

“The story deals with the tangle of evil and good within a small social circle, in present England. A group of men and women belonging to the Roman Catholic nobility are the actors, and the action is complicated by the introduction of a Russian element. The tale is of the world, emphatically worldly and of doubtful profit.” (Outlook.) “Like most women, the author is happiest in her portraits of women. The slight portrait of the trained nurse, with her professional interest, and real indifference, is one of the best things in the book, which shows throughout refinement and distinction.” (Ath.)

* * * * *

“This book has dignity and a certain amount of remote interest, but it is almost inhuman in its curious lack of spontaneity.”

+ − =Ath.= 1908, 1: 318. Mr. 14. 260w.

“Never was a book more unluckily named; the title serves as a perpetual reminder of just what this long, solid, carefully written novel lacks—the pulse of life.”

− + =Nation.= 88: 199. F. 25, ’09. 350w.

“An admirable example of what may be called well-bred fiction. It has elements of tragedy, of pathos, and of humor, but something of technical ability is wanting to give these various elements their proper emphasis and place. No lover of good fiction will fail to find enjoyment in its clever pages.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 14: 128. Mr. 6, ’09. 340w.

“There is much to interest the novel-reader but there is nothing to amuse him. The atmosphere is somber and the effect is unhappy, leaving the reader to ask, Of what use is it all?”

− + =Outlook.= 91: 533. Mr. 6, ’09. 120w.

“In spite of its many good points the book is not successful as an artistic whole. It is disjointed, the style is often diffuse and clumsy, and the realism is not the natural effect of lifelike description, but a quality consciously striven for by the author, even at the expense of some lapses from good taste.”

− + =Spec.= 100: 304. F. 22, ’08. 260w.

=Lowndes, Mrs. Marie A. Belloc-.=^{[9]} Uttermost farthing. $1.25.
Kennerley.

A keen, self-controlled American diplomat and the cultured, neglected wife of an English millionaire have loved for years but repressed their feelings, then give way to them and leave Paris together for a week of secret happiness. En route the woman dies of heart disease and the complicated consequences which follow this tragic end tax to the utmost the resourcefulness of the diplomat, who lives an incredibly clever lie to save the woman’s honor.

* * * * *

“The passionate conventionality underlying this novel is justified by careful art and strong human interest.”

+ =Ath.= 1908, 2: 361. S. 26. 120w.

“The story is remarkably well written, with grave, restrained power and pathos and an emotional tensity that is sustained with no little skill at a high pitch to the end.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 523. S. 4, ’09. 300w.

=Lownhaupt, Frederick.= Investment bonds, their issue and their place
in finance: a book for students, investors, and practical
financiers. **$1.75. Putnam.

8–36725.

Descriptive note in December, 1908.

* * * * *

“Compares very favorably with Greene’s ‘Corporation finance,’ the standard work on this subject, and its less technical treatment adapts it better for the general reader, though it is of value to the trained man as well.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 105. Ap. ’09. ✠

“In his discussion and illustrations the author displays a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the facts of financial history.” T: W. Mitchell.

+ =Ann. Am. Acad.= 34: 210. Jl. ’09. 270w.

“It will make a strong appeal to that large class of young men who during the business hours of the day are busy with the routine of office and financial work, but who through reading are seeking a broader view and a better basis for the exercise of judgment—the young men who will fill a large part of the important business positions of the future.” F: A. Cleveland.

+ =Econ. Bull.= 2: 44. Ap. ’09. 300w.

“The treatment given to the subject in some parts is less effective than it would be if the textual matter were better organized; that is, it does not readily yield to analysis. These, however, are not serious defects. The informational value of the contribution must give it a permanent place in the literature of finance.” F: A. Cleveland.

+ − =Engin. N.= 61: sup. 6. Ja. 14, ’09. 310w.

“It is probably the best general treatment of the subject available, but it is to be regretted that the author has not attempted a more thorough discussion of some of the general principles involved.”

+ − =J. Pol. Econ.= 17: 168. Mr. ’09. 100w.

“Mr. Lownhaupt’s excellent little book is not comparable with competent financial advice—which includes much hardly to be put into print—and yet it may fill a useful niche in the library of a student, whether he is pursuing his course in academic shades or in the haunts of bulls and bears.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 136. Mr. 6, ’09. 200w.

=Lucas, Sir Charles Prestwood.=^{[5]} Historical geography of the
British colonies. 6v. v. 5, pt. 2. *$1.10. Oxford.

8–14683.

=v. 5, pt. 2. Egerton, Hugh E.= Canada: historical.

9–8767.

A history of Canada treated in three parts: Book 1 covers the pre-Union period to 1841, closing with a chapter on the early history of the Maritime provinces; Book 2 deals with the practical realization of the union of the two Canadas, now Ontario and Quebec, and the early operation of responsible government; Book 3 considers briefly the Dominion of Canada from 1871 to the present day.

* * * * *

“Professor Egerton has maintained an admirable proportion in his treatment of the field assigned him. A number of maps are distributed through the volume; but those purporting to represent the railways of the Dominion are most misleading. According to these there is in Canada but one railway and its connections—the Canadian Pacific railway.” Adam Short.

+ − =Am. Hist. R.= 14: 349. Ja. ’09. 800w. (Review of v. 5, pt. 2.)

“In his previous writings Mr. Egerton has been far from exhibiting close adherence to the received British view. In his book he is driven to a somewhat colourless statement of the orthodox Canadian view.”

+ − =Ath.= 1908, 2: 237. Ag. 29. 450w. (Review of v. 5, pt. 2.)

“He has written by far the best history of Canada available. It is clear, scholarly, comprehensive and well-informed. From a literary point of view, his general abstinence from comment and speculation is a distinct failing, while if the work is to be judged as a school-book, we imagine that boys would prefer the more glowing and discursive style of ‘picturesque’ historians of the old school, to that of these austere and encyclopædic pages.” T.

+ − =Eng. Hist. R.= 24: 409. Ap. ’09. 140w. (Review of v. 5, pt. 2.)

“To one who has a general idea of events in Canada in the last century and a half it will be an excellent guide.”

+ =Sat. R.= 106: 372. S. 19, ’08. 160w. (Review of v. 5, pt. 2.)

=Lucas, Sir Charles Prestwood.=^{[7]} History of Canada, 1763–1812.
*$4.15. Oxford.

9–16814.

“Deals with selected phases of North American history, from the inauguration of British government in Canada, after the treaty of Paris of 1763, to the close of Sir James Craig’s administration in June, 1811.” (Am. Hist. R.) “It is not so much a narrative of Canadian history as an analysis, exceedingly acute and scholarly, of the causes and consequences of certain events that mark the period.” (Nation.) “There are a couple of appendices: the first of which contains the text of the Treaty of 1783, and the second, which is a natural sequel, contains a summary of the proceedings connected with the settlement of the boundary between Canada and the United States. The volume is enriched by a number of excellent maps.” (Am. Hist. R.)

* * * * *

“From a literary point of view the volume is quite successful, the author is careful as to his facts and the narrative of events is simple, direct and interesting.”

+ =Am. Hist. R.= 14: 840. Jl. ’09. 820w.
=A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 120. D. ’09.

“His ‘History of Canada’ not only deals adequately with a critical period in colonial history, but is also enlightening and convincing.” G. B. Hertz.

+ =Eng. Hist. R.= 24: 812. O. ’09. 760w.

“His work is sharply defined from all previous attempts to write a history of this period; it corrects a number of errors into which previous historians had been led, because they lacked the original documents now available.”

+ =Nation.= 89: 17. Jl. 1, ’09. 400w.

“Sir C. P. Lucas has enjoyed advantages in his official capacity which, even though he wrote less well than he does, would make his colonial histories valuable. Occasionally he packs his pages so full of facts that they leave little more impression on the mind than the reading of a dictionary of dates or a summary of geography.”

+ − =Sat. R.= 107: sup. 3. My. 22, ’09. 470w. + =Spec.= 102: 347. S. 4, ’09. 30w.

=Lucas, Clarence.= Story of musical form. *$1.25. Scribner.

9–35335.

An untechnical treatise. The author “begins by showing the necessity for form in music, and then treats of rhythm, melody, and scale, including exotic scales, tonic and dominant, and their implications, cadences, phrases, and sentences, which last involve a word on leading motives. He explains counterpoint, imitation, canon and fugue. Curiously enough, then, equal temperament is the next subject; it is a prelude to a brief discourse on harmony. The more detailed exposition of form is preceded by remarks on purity of style. Then Mr. Lucas describes song form, variation forms, rondo and sonata forms.” (N. Y. Times.)

* * * * *

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 5: 80. Mr. ’09. ✠

“Most books on musical forms are, unfortunately, so technical, so dry, so crammed with details, that the general reader shuns them. For this reason one must welcome Mr. Lucas’s volume.”

+ =Nation.= 88: 96. Ja. 28, ’09. 450w.

“He rambles on more or less entertainingly or suggestively, and says many interesting things; also, not unnaturally, some on which issue might be taken with him.”

+ − =N. Y. Times.= 14: 48. Ja. 23, ’09. 270w.

“It is written with such sprightliness and vivacity that it entertains while it instructs the reader; at the same time, it is so clear that it can hardly fail to direct the reader to paths in the domain of music which he never trod before.”

+ =Outlook.= 91: 292. F. 6, ’09. 240w.

=Lucas, Edward Verrall.=^{[10]} One day and another [essays]. *$1.25.
Macmillan.

9–35861.

The twenty-six kindly little essays upon everything under the sun which fill this little volume will make good pick-up reading for odd moments. You may choose what you will; roses, men and affairs, old tales, pigeons, dogs, literature or, now and again a bit of pleasant moralizing, the author has a word for every mood.

* * * * *

“Good for reading aloud.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 78. N. ’09. + =Dial.= 47: 390. N. 16, ’09. 300w.

“Excellent as these exercises in fancy may be in themselves, a whole volume of them brings satiety.”

+ − =Nation.= 89: 546. D. 2, ’09. 350w.

“Mr. Lucas is at his best when he is chatting about some quaint book or character which he has met and delighted in, and which he is pretty sure that the reader has not met.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 706. N. 13, ’09. 500w.

“Most pleasantly humorous and friendly, is his new volume of essays.”

+ =Outlook.= 93: 514. O. 30, ’09. 70w.

“Censure would be beside the point, as there is nothing to censure. Serious appreciation would be equally out of place, as it would spoil the effect of these essays to take them too seriously. We have here pleasantness quintessentialised. It is a book to keep upon the table. If it were put up on the shelf, it would probably never get taken down, which would be the greatest of pities.”

+ =Sat. R.= 108: 510. O. 23, ’09. 120w.

=Lucas, Edward Verrall=, ed.^{[11]} Some friends of mine: a rally of
men. *$1.25. Macmillan.

9–27283.

A companion volume to “The ladies’ pageant.” Mr. Lucas assembles for his “rally” men whom he groups under the following heads: Chance acquaintance; Urban humorists; The country gentlemen; Good servants; Two cricketers; The simple minds; Two borrowers; Human divines; The law; The healers; Nimrod’s heroes; The champions; The adventurers; Wild Irishmen; The masters; Monk and lover; Six painters; The poets; The talkers; Two book worms; Collectors; The patriots; Teachers of youth; The gentle; Last of all. Under each head he introduces sketches of men taken from the writings of literature from Plutarch’s time to the present.

* * * * *

“A large part of this material will be absolutely new to the average reader, who will find this volume, if the least witty, far from being the least interesting of the Lucas anthologies.”

+ =Dial.= 47: 465. D. 1, ’09. 160w.

“Mr. Lucas’s modest volume contains a fine collection of pages apt for reading aloud.”

+ =Nation.= 89: 576. D. 9, ’09. 230w.

“Full of amusement and instruction.”

+ =N. Y. Times.= 14: 659. O. 23, ’09. 10w.

“Is as pleasant a book as has come from the press for many a day. There is not a dull extract in it. It is like a gathering of entertaining and odd people, with every one of whom the reader would like to make acquaintance.”

+ =Outlook.= 93: 851. D. 18, ’09. 1250w.

=Lucas, Edward Verrall.=^{[9]} Wanderer in Paris. *$1.75. Macmillan.

9–24643.

The unrestraint of the title is everywhere apparent in Mr. Lucas’s entertaining book. His impressions are those of an outsider in the recording of which there has been preserved the freshness of the first sensations; while from the point of authenticity, his wanderings afford material that will interest and instruct tourists who know their Paris well. The art galleries, curio shops and the external beauties of the city call his best descriptive powers into use.

* * * * *

“It presupposes some knowledge of history, literature and art, but is redeemed from guidebook aridity by the graceful personal touch.”

+ =A. L. A. Bkl.= 6: 78. N. ’09.

“In spite of too much quotation of Carlyle’s ‘French revolution,’ the book is readable, though defaced by a terrible number of misprints, French and English.”

+ − =Ath.= 1909. 2: 180. Ag. 14. 350w.

“To grasp and retain the very essence of the charm of the places he visits, and to convey an intimate sense of that quality to his readers,—this is the difficult task Mr. Lucas accomplishes. His books are not for the specialist, though the specialist should enjoy them; nor for the tourist’s valise, though they are in a sense guide-books, idealized guide-books. The catholic interests of their author embrace the diverse tastes of a multitude of readers.” M. A. Havens.

+ =Dial.= 47: 508. D. 16, ’09. 1650w.

“Mr. Lucas is the best possible guide for the super-traveler. He seems never to have forgotten anything that he has once read, and he has all his resources on tap at the right moment; yet one never feels a sense of suffocation from his profusion.”

+ =Lit. D.= 39: 636. O. 16, ’09. 250w.

“Here is joined to many of the useful services of the guide, the charm which belongs to mellow style and regnant humor.”

+ =Nation.= 89: 353. O. 14, ’09. 30w. + =N. Y. Times.= 14: 596. O. 9, ’09. 200w.

“Is a bit dull and insular and perfunctory and compares not well with, for instance, the ‘Walks’ of M. Georges Cain.”

− =No. Am.= 190: 840. D. ’09. 170w.

“He has keen insight, and his frequent ‘hittings off’ of French traits and French character and his occasional comparisons of Gallic and British are apt and telling.”

+ =Outlook.= 93: 514. O. 30, ’09. 250w. + =R. of Rs.= 40: 760. D. ’09. 140w.

“The cause of the book’s shortcomings may be perceived at a glance. To modern people there is nothing so strange in modern Paris that a mere description should entrance us. Paris Mr. Lucas has never ceased to look at as an outsider looks; he has not got to the secret of its charm, fascination and enchantment.”

− =Sat. R.= 108: 259. Ag. 28, ’09. 1250w.

“Of course there are passages which will provoke any Englishman who knows Paris at all well to dissent, but it is to be remarked that all these deal with matters of opinion, not of fact. We have read a good deal about Paris, but nothing in the not too scientific spirit which has given us so much pleasure as this book. The illustrations by Mr. Dexter are very effective, in our opinion because they combine extreme clearness with a certain pallor in the brightness of the lighting in a manner truly characteristic of Paris.”

+ − =Spec.= 103: 239. Ag. 14, ’09. 2400w.

=Lucas, St. John.= Rose-winged hours. *$1.40. Longmans.

“An anthology intended as “a garland of familiar flowers.” Out of some two hundred and fifty pieces, forty-four come from Shakespeare, eighteen from Donne, fourteen from Sir Philip Sidney, thirteen from Campion, eight from Herrick, five from Michael Drayton, and four from Samuel Daniel. Of the moderns, the two Brownings are represented by twenty, W. S. Landor by nine, Shelley by seven, Wordsworth by five, and Tennyson by four pieces.” (Spec.)

* * * * *

“As an anthology the book is far above the average.”

+ =Ath.= 1908, 2: 815. D. 26. 160w.
=Dial.= 45: 464. D. 16, ’08. 90w.

“Many of the best things are here and none but the best. It would have been better to exclude altogether so small a handful of living poets if it was necessary to exclude a dozen others whom we could name.”

+ − =Sat. R.= 107: 144. Ja. 30, ’09. 100w.

“It is a very attractive selection.”

+ =Spec.= 101: 786. N. 14, ’08. 100w.

=Lucy, Henry W:=^{[7]} Sixty years in the wilderness: some passages by
the way. *$3. Dutton.

9–22718.