Axel Ebersen. By Andre Laurie. (Sampson Low, Marston, and Co.)—This
tale is told in the first person by Esaias Bistrom, a native of South Sweden, who comes to be master of a school in Dalecarlia. Esaias may be described as a teacher of " Slojd," a word which may be roughly translated by technical education, it being understood that the said education is intended for all. We suppose that Esaias did give some literary teaching, but this is kept in the background. What we hear of is carpentering, boat- building, and the like. The schoolmaster takes as a pupil the son of wealthy parents, who has shown himself an idler and a dunce while taught by ordinary methods, but has his interest and intelligence awakened by Esaias Bistrom's method. This is Axel, the hero of the story. His reverses, his struggle for in- dependence, and his ultimate success, make up an excellent narra- tive. The whole is wound-up by a skilfully contrived surprise.
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