"The City of Is and Other Poems." By Frederick M. Willis (Mercury Press). This book is dedicated "To California, California the beautiful, California the potentially surpassingly intellectual and spiritual, does the author, looking with awe into the dim future, lovingly dedicate these his first glimmerings of feelings of beauty and gropings of thoughts of rational interpretation of Outer and Inner . . . this Western Greece, which shall be more than Greece California." After this, the reader gets what he expects. A sample "poem " gives an idea of the whole:

"RICH AS THE FALLING NIGHT

A token of love - ah, me!-- and of joy,
As if through a heart ajar."

It is tempting Providence when one family, be it ever so brilliant, attempts to tell "New England History in Ballads" (Little, Brown). But this, according to the title-page and preface, is what Dr. Edward Everett Hale and his family do in this book. There are "a few additions by other people," and the book is illustrated by Ellen D. Hale, Philip L. Hale, and Lilian Hale. The historical notes and the subjects of the ballads are interesting, and Doctor Hale's preface is clever and delightfully confidential. It is also disarming of comparison, should one feel tempted to compare these ballads with the old ones. The book is readable, and valuable for young people who are "getting up" on New England history.

In "A Little Booke of Poets' Parleys" (just why, considering it is all modern verse, it is spelt "booke," and why the incorrect use of "parley," is not plain), Miss Charlotte Porter and Miss Helen A. Clarke, those well-known poetical ladies, have hashed up a lot of good poetry into bits and mixed it together, to carry out the figure, in little dishes, labelled "Music," "Music," "Rome," Poetry," "Mother-wit," and the like. The poets are said to be discussing, and the book is printed as a series of dialogues, but, as the quotations are purely general, and there is no connection, save in subject, this elaborate arrangement misses fire, and one feels sorry for so much wasted energy of compilation. The book is elaborately and badly made.

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"Songs from the Hearts of Women" is a collection of one hundred hymns written by women (with short biographies of the writers), selected and arranged by Nicholas Smith. Any general collection of English hymns is depressing enough, and the fact that these. are all by women does not make the collection any more enlivening, or alter one's opinion that the English language is not rich in even respectable poetry of this kind.

Another volume of selections from the poets is called "The Fruit of the Spirit Poetically Interpreted" (Revell). The selection is made by Alice Jennings, and there is an Introduction by Edwin Markham. The selections under the various headings, "Love," "Joy," "Peace," "Gentleness," "Meekness," are admirable, are admirable, showing a wide range of familiarity with the poets and a careful and discriminating taste. The wordy introduction by Mr. Markham does not help the book, though, of course, no one need read his vaporings. HERBERT COPELAND.

Books of Religious Interest

of this autumn is that of a joyous, natural theology THE prevalent tone of the so-called religious press basis of conviction rather than of a Christocentric and of the acceptance of a consciousness as the ultimate formula. Foremost among such volumes are the "Essays on Man and the Divine Order" (G. P. Putnam's Sons), by Horatio W. Dresser, whose style and teachings are familiar to those inclined to believe in phases of Mental Healing. The present book differs from its many predecessors in its increased empirical treatment; ideas are to be accepted "in relation to the realities and ideals of individual experience." In postulating his philosophy of religion, Dresser reviews. Greek, German, and English idealists, the critique on William James's "Varieties of Religious Experience being the keenest chapter of the work. Yet the distinction of the book lies in its unifying thought of the Idea of God and of the Larger Faith.

Of peculiar beauty of language often compressed into epigrams is "The Being with the Upturned Face," by Clarence Lathbury (Nunc Licet Press). which, however, will appeal most to those who need it least. It deals with "The Divine Humanism," for we are "Savages in Training for Angels." The pages on Woman as "the exordium of what we commonly denominate man," are rhetorical and youthful, to be pardoned, however, because of the general emphasis on personality, a truth that could save organized philanthropy from many of its futilities. More than usually is the case with any volume will "One Religion, Many Creeds," by Ross Winans (G. P. Putnam's Sons), be judged from each reader's previous point of view; for the self-contradictions and improbabilities of the Gospels' accounts of Christ are not to be ignored in a search for truth, conducted by reason. The first edition was issued thirty years ago, and is now republished by the author's grandson, Walter Winans, with an introduction by Rev. Charles Voysey, of the Theistic Church of London. The length of the book hurts its earnestness, and from a critical aspect is unnecessary, as much is now discarded even by the Evangelical Churches which not long ago was accepted by them. The climax of all arguments and of consciousness rests on the fact that access to God is direct and not through priest, Bible, or church.

In the same line of natural religion is a small volume. on "The Virgin Birth of Christ," by Professor Paul Lobstein, of Strasburg University, translated by Vic-. tor Leuliette and edited by W. D. Morrison, LL. D. (G. P. Putnam's Sons). It is refreshingly startling in showing how the Orthodox world is now stirred up over a dogma which cannot bear the test of historical criticism, and is of value only from its religious import, as a myth no longer is construed as evidence. Consoling to those who believe, however, in the unique preeminence of the Bible, and that monotheism and the name Jahve belong to Israel alone, will be a brochure by Eduard Koenig, professor at Bonn University, entitled "The Bible and Babylon " (German Literary Board). The theories of Delitsch are set at naught, as Koenig has faith neither in the Babylonian epic as a purer form of the Biblical narrative, nor in the Canaanitish origin of the Israelitish tribes.

On the biographical side of the religious life are five volumes of varying worth. In "The Warriors " (Merrymount Press), Anna Robertson Brown Lindsay

discourseth rhapsodically, though wisely, of Kings, Prelates, Sages, Traders, Workers, each "Marcher " having a special word of encouragement. Very black capital letters are profusely scattered over the pages. In "Witnesses of the Light" (Houghton, Mifflin & Co.), Rev. Washington Gladden finds an underlying unity in the purpose for which lived with equal fidelity to himself Dante, Michelangelo, Victor Hugo, Fichte, Wagner, and Ruskin. Pleasant reading as are these six short biographies, one wonders that the "Noble Lectures" at Harvard University, on which foundation these were given, should not demand less popular treatment and more original research

Twelve Years in a Monastery," by Joseph McCabe, lately Father Antony, revised edition (G. P. Putnam's Sons), free as it is from virulence, still affords cumulative evidence of the limitations and perils of monastic life. Celibacy is cruel; the confessional is often encouragement to sin, since a sinner can do penance and begin to sin again. Asceticism, dogmatism, elaborate ritual, and the papacy . . . will either disappear or be transformed."

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The Methodists are treated more biographically by John Alfred Faulkner than other sects have been in the same series, "Story of the Churches" (Baker, Taylor Co.). The chapter on "Eighteenth Century Heroes," including Coke and Asbury, is notable. Perhaps because of Wesley's assertion, "The World is my Parish," this volume became peculiarly geographical and statistical rather than full of a growing unity of conviction. The organization of the Church and its troublous times anent slavery are truthfully presented. "Princely Men in the Heavenly Kingdom," by Harlan P. Beach (United Society of Christian Endeavor), briefly presents the heroic lives of the missionaries, Morrison, Mackenzie, Gilmour, Nevins, and Mackay. The sufferings of the "Princely Martyrs of China's Spiritual Renaissance" in the Boxer Uprising make most painful reading, though their faith was sublime.

Passing from biography to philosophy, there will be found a great wealth of noble statement in "Ultimate Conceptions of Faith" (Houghton, Mifflin & Co.). Whether liberal or evangelical, one gladly follows the author, Dr. George A. Gordon, from his establishment of "The Individual Ultimate" personality to the Social, Historical, Religious, and Universal Ultimate, and finally to "The Absolute Ultimate," God; though one may demur at accepting the doctrine of the Trinity on the ground that "the consistent use of man as the guide to God necessitates a God with society in himself." Doctor Gordon accepts evolution from God, reads the Bible in the light of modern science, and speaks with a simple dignity that seldom lays hold on personal anecdote for its enforcement.

K. G. W.

THEODORE LESCHETIZKY. By Comtesse Angèle Potocka. (New York: The Century Company. $2.00.) THE life of Leschetizky, the great piano teacher, is as entertaining from the standpoint of the general reader as it is interesting from the musical point of view.

As is the case with almost all great musicians, his talent developed early: at four he taught himself to play by working the hammers underneath the keyboard of an old-fashioned clavecin, which was kept locked for fear the boy should injure it. "Seated on the floor under the keyboard, I thus made my début and earned my first applause; for my mother's heart

was filled with joy at recognizing the airs that her little 'Dorcio' soon learned to pick out in this novel fashion." From that time on, Leschetizky's talent was trained carefully, and his progress was so rapid that his first public appearance was made at the age of nine, when he played Czerny's Concertino, with the orchestra led by Mozart's son. At eleven Leschetizky studied under Czerny, himself a pupil of Beethoven. Czerny taught that Beethoven should be rendered "with freedom of delivery and depth of feeling. A pedantic, inelastic interpretation of the master made him wild. He allowed me to play Chopin just as I pleased, and, though he appreciated the great Polish writer, he sometimes said his compositions were sweetish."

Once Czerny was so pleased with Leschetizky's public playing of a Beethoven sonata that he told the boy that he would grant him anything that he asked. Leschetizky said: "I beg of you one favor, only this, tell me the truth. Is it a fact that your master, Beethoven, ever boxed your ears?" After a moment's hesitation, Czerny answered: "It is true, and it is not. This is what happened. I was playing a Beethoven sonata. The master ordered me to make a cadence, which I endeavored to do. My attempt was evidently inadequate. I tried again with no better success; this time it was too short. Finally I let my fingers run in three octaves of brilliant passage work. At that moment I felt a violent shock. Beethoven gripped my shoulder with all his strength, and was screaming, 'That is too much!' For weeks I suffered severe pain in the spot where the iron hand had borne down on me."

The reminiscences of Liszt, Rubinstein, indeed, of all the more notable musicians of the day, are most interesting. Leschetizky's career as pianist brought him into touch with all the greatest musicians and music lovers of his generation. Extremely fond of society, and romantic, the story of his younger days. cannot but remind one of Goethe, and the Countess Potocka, his sister-in-law, has disclosed his heart's secrets in a fashion which is more entertaining than discreet. A certain naïveté, however, saves the situation, and a lack of self-consciousness which may well make Americans marvel and envy!

The famous Leschetizky school is described vividly, and, while a veil is drawn over the absurdly terrific scenes which often occur there, its main characteristics are well brought out.

Leschetizky's character is so marked that, as a study alone, the book would be worth reading, but when we add to its human interest its historic value in a musician's eye and its entertaining and romantic quality, we get one of the most charming biographies published in recent days.

The translation by Miss Genevieve Seymour Lincoln is so good that we must regret such vulgarisms as "rig for carriage and horses, and "grip" for handbag.

E. G. F.

Books of General Interest

THE SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLICS. Part I., Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. By Thomas C. Dawson, Secretary of the United States Legation to Brazil. Illustrated. Illustrated. (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. $1.25.)

THE question why there are so many revolutions in South America may find its answer, our author thinks, in the political heritage and experiences of the people. He believes, however, "that militarism has already

definitely disappeared from more than half the continent, and is slowly becoming less powerful in the remainder."

The history of each of the four countries here included is told in succession, probably as a clearer method than a chronological relation of events in all four.

There is very properly an introductory chapter on the Spanish discovery and conquest. But little is said of the Portuguese until the division of the book devoted to Portugal's great colony, Brazil.

Argentina possesses the metropolis of South America in Buenos Ayres, founded in 1580 by Juan de Garay, and now of over eight hundred thousand people, and the capital of the most progressive of the republics whose fortunes are here related.

Uruguay, as the buffer State between the Argentine and Brazil, has been the victim of hostile attacks from Spaniards on one side and Portuguese on the other. It is the smallest and perhaps the most fertile of the South American States.

In the history of Paraguay, the most remarkable figure is that of the strong, resolute, almost mysterious and dreaded dictator, Doctor Francia.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the work is that about Brazil. It has twice been the scene of foreign invasion during the seventeenth century by French and by Dutch adventurers, the latter holding at one time a long stretch of coast territory. Brazil is imposing in its vastness. Of its attractiveness and its resources some suggestion is conveyed by the remark attributed to Amerigo Vespucci that, "if Paradise did exist on this planet, it could not be far from the Brazilian coast," and in the opinion cited from Agassiz that "the future centre of the civilization of the world would be in the Amazon Valley."

We incline to think the author is somewhat better in description than in narration. His English is occasionally a little faulty. The work, as a whole, seems painstaking and instructive. Mr. Dawson takes a decidedly hopeful view of the future of South America.

By

THE COMPROMISES of Life, and Other Lectures and Addresses, Including Some Observations on Certain Downward Tendencies of Modern Society. Henry Watterson. (New York: Fox, Duffield & Company. $1.50 net.)

HENRY WATTERSON belongs to the old school of famous editors, men of personality and power, who dominated their respective newspapers, so that readers turned to the editorial page, not to find out what the Tribune, the Times, or the Sun had to say, but what were Greeley's, Raymond's, or Dana's views on the questions uppermost in the public mind. But these three have passed away, and Henry Watterson remains to voice through the Louisville Courier-Journal his mature opinions, which are ever read with profound interest, not only in his own State but throughout the country.

While Mr. Watterson has shunned public life, having in his younger days been warned by the mistakes of Greeley and Raymond, he has occupied a conspicuous position in the councils of the Democratic party, largely as a platform-maker from 1876 to 1892, and he has ever maintained high ideals, while charity and tolerance have been the dominant note of his public utterances. The lectures and addresses, which he has been called upon to deliver on various occasions, and which were naturally prepared with more care than some of his trenchant editorials, are indeed worthy

of preservation. The volume opens with his memorial to George Dennison Prentice, whom he succeeded as editor, delivered upon the invitation of the Legislature of Kentucky in 1870, and includes his lecture on "The Compromises of Life," in which he says: "I would compromise war. I would compromise glory. I would compromise everything at that point where hate comes in, where love ceases to be love, and life begins its descent in the shadow of the valley of death. I would not compromise Truth. I would not compromise the Right. I would not compromise conscience and conviction in any matter of pith and moment involving real duty. There are times when one must stand and fight, when one must fight and die. But such times are exceptional; they are most exceptional. One cannot, without making himself ridiculous, be always wrapping the flag around him, and marching down to the footlights to display his extraordinary valor and virtue." Surely this is not spread-eagleism!

Then, too, we have his dedication of the Columbian Exposition in 1892, the Cross-swords speech of 1877 in the National Cemetery at Nashville, his lectures on Abraham Lincoln and John Paul Jones, and his address at the Emerson centenary of the present year. A great variety of themes have led Mr. Watterson to express his positive convictions, not the least interesting or timely being his more recent strictures upon the so-called "smart set" of Newport and New York, which attracted widespread attention. We may take issue with the astute and scholarly editor on some points, but we always respect his views. His has been an active life, extending over one of the most momentous eras of our country's history, and he has had exceptional opportunities for obtaining first-hand information concerning great events. He is of the South, but not spokesman of the radical Southerner. He has stood for sound money, for the rights of negro citizenship in his own State, and for many other principles dear to the Northern heart. His collected lectures and addresses are sure of a wide and respectful reading.

A HISTORY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY: From its Discovery to the End of Foreign Domination. By John R. Spears and A. H. Clark. Illustrated. (New York: A. S. Clark. $5.00 net.)

THIS large and splendid octavo volume of 416 pages, dedicated dedicated "to the Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, as a Representative American and Historian," comes very opportunely at a time when all eyes are turned toward St. Louis and the commemorative exhibition to be held there. Though the authors bring their history only up to 1803, it is this part of the history of the Mississippi Valley which is least known, especially since the movement began for the celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. The authors say in the preface: "This work is to give an account of the things done in the Mississippi Valley during the period of foreign control. It is intended to be a narrative, not a critical history. . . . to tell about the achievements of the men who traversed the Great Lakes in birch-bark canoes, or walked through the passes of the Alleghanies to reach the Mississippi Valley, and, when there, turned the mighty wilderness into the Garden of the World." The rest of the introduction is not pleasant reading in many ways, for the authors have allowed themselves more intemperance of speech than seems quite consistent with a dignified historical work. However, when they once get to writing history, their style is serious and clear.

The work, of course, is written chronologically, and begins with Etienne Brule, who was passed over as a sort of hostage to the Indians after a victory by Champlain. This man lived with the savages and heard of the great river. He inspired Champlain to send others to the discovery and settlement of tradingposts. Other early adventurers precede the coming of the Sieur de la Salle, the greatest of the French explorers. Chapters are devoted to the early French settlements, the founding of New Orleans, the quarrels with the Indians, the Spanish, French, and English difficulties. A chapter is devoted to the native Indians and their condition at the time of the advent of the foreigners. And the book is finished with the Louisiana Purchase.

It is a long and careful narrative, interestingly told, and worth the reading of all who are interested in our country's early history. The many illustrations and maps are excellently reproduced, and form a most pleasing commentary on the text, and there is a good index.

LIFE OF LEO XIII. From an Authentic Memoir Furnished by His Order. By the Right Rev. Bernard O'Reilly. (Philadelphia: The John C. Winston Co. 2 vols., $6.00.)

THESE two octavo volumes, numbering over 900 pages in all, are the fullest, one might say the only complete, record in English of the life of Leo. XIII. Monsignor O'Reilly was summoned to Rome to prepare an official life of his Holiness some years ago, and into his hands were placed, with the full sanction of the Pope, many private documents and other valuable aids toward making this life absolutely complete and authoritative. Monsignor O'Reilly has performed his task eminently well, and this life will undoubtedly always be the standard one in English.

Very many excellent portraits of his Holiness, at all stages of his long career, lend great interest to the volume. Also there are numerous other interesting pictures of places and people connected with the life. The volume is prefaced with official sanction of the Church, with commendatory letters from those in high places, and an introduction by Cardinal Gibbons.

CONQUERING SUCCESS; OR, LIFE IN EARNEST. By William Mathews, LL. D. (Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Company. $1.50.)

FOR thirty years Doctor Mathews has been writing articles of encouragement and advice to young people, - platitudes, undoubtedly, yet good, sensible ones that cannot be too often repeated since there's a new set to read them each year. This volume is made up of these various magazine articles, amplified and revised, and the result is a book that will certainly be very helpful to the average young man or woman. A genius may not need it, and some are not to be inspired by any amount of good advice, but for the great mass of people essays of this kind do much good. In his later years he is enabled to repeat with emphasis much of what he said as a young man, and that goes to prove the soundness of his advice, which, to be sure, the reader may take or not, as he chooses.

THE MOUND BUILDERS: THEIR WORKS AND RELICS. By Rev. Stephen D. Peet, Ph. D. THIS is a new edition of a work issued some years ago, giving, more exhaustively than any other publication, the description of the mounds left by that

strange race known only by its monuments. It is one of several volumes issued by the author, who has devoted his life to the exploitation of prehistoric America. While his theories are not universally accepted, his work remains the most careful and reliable presentation of the subject in its various branches. The Mississippi Valley was the principal home of the Mound Builders, and Doctor Peet has examined almost every foot of it in his researches. Already the tide of civilization has swept away almost all traces of these ancient people, and the coming generations must rely upon the observations made by such students ere it was too late. The book is copiously illustrated and well indexed.

THE THEORY OF ADVERTISING. By Walter Dill Scott, Ph.D. (Boston: Small, Maynard & Company. $1.50.)

THE sub-title of Professor Scott's valuable work comprehends its contents, -"A Simple Exposition of the Principles of Psychology in their Relation to Successful Advertising." Most of the chapters have appeared in magazine form, but are here revised and rewritten for continuity.

The book is of value as an office reference, and interesting alike to the student and general reader. The matter on Suggestion, Coupons, Illusions, and Relevance is particularly readable, and the cuts which illustrate the author's points are of real practical impor

tance.

THE LIFE RADIANT. By Lilian Whiting.

(Boston:

Little, Brown & Company. $1.00 net.) IN "The Life Radiant," Miss Whiting has practically followed out her series of "The World Beautiful," with thoughts and aspirations toward the higher life. To the many who like this sort of book (we can hardly call it a devotional book, nor is it exactly a series of essays on moral subjects), it might be a great help and comfort.

In her parallels drawn between inorganic life and the spiritual, she has attempted the daring, and, we must confess, it does not seem to us always apt or quite reasonable, this supposed likeness. In one case, however, she has been eminently successful and clever in her illustration. When she compares radium, which apparently radiates heat, light, and power infinitely, and yet is undiminished, with the spirit, which "can radiate love, sympathy, sweetness, and inspiration with no diminution of its own quality," one cannot fail to see the beauty and the aptness. We could wish that Miss Whiting was a little more careful in the use of words, for occasionally she befogs her meaning with too many adjectives, and one has to read twice to follow her thought. However, in a book of this nature perhaps it is unnecessary to look for too great clearness mystics were ever a little uncertain in the expression of their beliefs, which has been possibly a part of their charm and attraction for mankind. Admirers of Miss Whiting's other books will certainly welcome this one, and delight in it.

WILLIAM II. AND HIS CONSORT. By Henry W. Fischer. (New York: Fischer's Foreign Letters, Inc. 2 vols. $7.00 net.)

THE title-page tells us that this book is taken from the papers and diaries of Ursula, Countess von Eppinghoven, dame du palais to her Majesty, the empress queen. The period covered is 1888-98. The sub

title reads "Secret History of the Court of Berlin." This, of course, leads the knowing to expect something a little out of the ordinary line of books about living majesties, and he will not be disappointed; it is even. a little out of the line of secret memoirs even of dead majesties. It is quite brutal in its statements of things that are seldom aired in public. But, as every one is a Majesty or a Highness, or Countess, Ladyship, or some such, this gossip is, perhaps, more interesting and respectable than if it dealt with Bridget and Susie, Tom, Dick, and Harry. At any rate, it is sure to find many readers.

Here be it said there is nothing immoral or obscene in the book; it is simply a very minute account of the ordinary details of none too careful lives, — just what ordinary servants say about their masters and mistresses in all likelihood, only their gossip is seldom printed.

One's first thought is that it cannot be genuine, so bitter and so frank is it against the German emperor and his doings. Then one begins to realize it must be founded, at least, on fact, because it would, if imaginary, be a work of really extraordinarily imaginative genius. Little can be said of the book in the way of critical judgment; the point is simply, does one care to read such gossip, even when it concerns exalted personages? Having well made up one's mind to read it, it can scarcely fail to prove extremely interesting, genuinely interesting, and we doubt much skipping, despite the two large volumes.

AUSTRO HUNGARIAN LIFE IN TOWN AND COUNTRY. By Francis H. E. Palmer. (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. $1.20.)

No other single book in this series, "Our European Neighbours," edited by William H. Dawson, deals with such complicated questions as the present volume. Therefore it lacks somewhat of the sprightliness of its "Neighbours," but is compact with useful and timely information. The results of the author's study of The Land and People, of the Bauer and the nobility, of the Slavs and minor nationalities, of industries, politics, education, and creeds are given with candor and fairness.

Many curious facts are noted, as that "the prevalence of Unitarianism in Kolozsvar has given the town a very undesirable reputation;" forsooth, because divorces can be obtained there, which is due to Protestantism as opposed to Catholicism rather than to a small denomination. The suffragists should note also that women possessing landed property of the same value as that of electors of the first class can vote.

The magnanimity, tact, and wisdom of Francis Joseph win hearty admiration in these pages. The book will have large permanent value as a compendium of present existing racial issues.

PIONEER SPANIARDS IN NORTH AMERICA. By William Henry Johnson. (Boston: Little, Brown & Com

pany. $1.20 net.) MR. JOHNSON has made a convenient and valuable reference book in this bringing together of the stories of the Spaniards, who were so important in the early history of America. He does not pretend to have made original research, which would be, of course, almost useless in a book which is distinctly popular in aim, but to have taken the history of these men from various sources and put it together in a short biographical and historical sketch. This he has done excellently

well. He opens with a chapter on the earliest voyagers, and treats of Balboa, Ponce de Leon, Cortes, De Soto, up to the Second Conquest of New Mexico. Mr. Johnson selects the important episodes, and treats of them briefly and clearly. He writes excellent English, and makes his men live and breathe in these pages. Not the least valuable part of the book is the appendix, which contains much valuable information about the ancient inhabitants of Mexico.

PARLIAMENTARY

ENGLAND. By Edward Jenks, Reader in English Law in the University of Oxford. (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. $1.50.) MR. JENKS gives the year 1705 as the most probable date of the Cabinet System, thus differing from Green, who ascribes its origin to Sunderland, while William of Orange was still living. But Jenks considers Sunderland as "the least likely author of such a suggestion," and that the event which marked the change in power from Crown to Parliament was William's death.

No other writer has dealt with this subject with greater fulness and fairness than the author of the present volume. To him the Cabinet System was an unconscious development that dealt with practical exigencies as they arose, and which governed by the power of persuasion rather than by embodiment of its principles in acts of Parliament. It deprives the monarch merely of ostensible power, but gives unity to the various political organs, linking together the Crown and Parliament. It is an instance of "specialization of functions in political institutions."

The causes and the men who gradually effected the present system are very fully discussed, from Cromwell and Walpole to Pitt. The full index, table of contents, dates, and authorities consulted, with the many portrait illustrations, indicate the precision and scholarly research of the author.

AMERICA IN LITERATURE. By George Edward Woodberry. (New York: Harper & Brothers. $1.50 net.)

VERY admirable is this rapid, trenchant survey of important periods in American literature before 1860. The chapter on the South alone would make the volume notable, as the psychological causes of its literature are traced from English classicism, legal and oratorical channels, and Jefferson, the "great dreamer,' to the blight that fell upon it through slavery. Simms, Wirt, Kennedy, and Poe were typical of its develop

To many readers, especially to those who are provincial, the essays on "The Knickerbocker Era" and "The Literary Age of Boston" will appeal forcibly. Delightful is it to find Woodberry maintaining that the best of past New England literature is due to the old humanities taught at Harvard, and that the debt owed by Ticknor, Longfellow, Lowell, and their ilk was to Continental (German and Italian) literature quite as much as to English writers. The Donatello of Hawthorne, the Knickerbocker of Irving, and the Leather Stocking of Cooper were three original ideal creations. The aftermath of Puritanism" was most sweet, sincere, and human in Emerson and Longfellow (first and second in greatness of the New England group) and in Whittier. Holmes was a "town wit."