A Catalogue of Books in the Hampstead Public Library and.
Literary
Institution. Compiled by Members of the Committee. (Printed
for the Library by the Women's Printing Society.)—This Cata- logue has more than a local value, and seems to us a model of what such a compilation ought to be. It is eminently thorough, clear in arrangement, and copious in detail. In the last respect, indeed, the labour, as well as the knowledge exhibited, strikes us as remarkable. The names of authors, the titles of books, and the subjects of which they treat, are arranged alphabetically ; but in addition to entries that may be regarded as essential to all catalogues, the compilers have increased the value of their work by much unusual research. For example, on turning to an author's name, no matter whether he be obscure or famous, not only, are the contents of his volumes given when they happen to be of a miscellaneous character, but the reader is also informed of the more important articles he has contributed to periodical literature. On referring, also, to any general subject, such as " Bible," "Ireland," "India," or " Art," we find, under sub-headings, a mass of information and research that gives to
this Catalogue a distinctly literary value. A book does, not usually display full 'Contents on the title-page; a History may have a chapter on Art, a volume of poems may contain also an essay on -Poetry; but the compilers have not been daunted even by this difficulty. Other features of the Catalogue, eqUally significant and serviceable, will be discovered by readers using it for purposes of study. Indeed, if there be a fault to find with this Catalogue, it is that its rarer qualities are not likely to be appreciated by the general reader. It gives one all that he wants, and more than he Wants, but not more than the student will know hOw to use with advantage. Judging from the work, it has been the ai4 of the Committee to form a collection of standard works in alll de- partments of literature, while catering also in ample measure to the delectation of the novel-reader. It is interesting to learn that the library is housed under the roof which was once the residence of Stanfield, and now bears his name.
Previous page
