24 DECEMBER 1904, Page 23

Emerson. By Elizabeth Luther Cary. (G. P. Putnam's Sons 15s.

net.)—This is a handsome volume written by one who, it is evi- dent, has studied the Emersonian philosophy to good purpose. On that portion of the book we cannot dwell. We may point out one aspect of Emerson's character which emerges in this volume. However he might retire into inscrutable depths of thought and reserve, he never forgot how to keep, when he chose, a practical grip on affairs. In the case of Carlyle, for instance, he busied himself with seeing that his friend got a fair remunera- tion for his writings. Other things about Emerson's personal character make us specially interested in this portion of the volume. The portraits, too, showing the physiognomy of many of the heroes of the book are excellent.