CURRENT LITERATURE.
NEW YEAR'S BOOKS.
Science and Literature in the Middle Ages, and at the Period of tire Renaissance. By Paul Lacroix. (Bickers.) This handsome volume. (the reader will notice the name of the publisher to whom it has been transferred) completes the author's work on the "Middle Ages and the• Renaissance." In some respects, it excels its throe predecessors ; the illus- trations, thirteen of which are full-page chromolithographs, executed with peculiar skill and success, are copious and excellent, and the style is- vigorous and lively. It is evident, however, that the subject is one with which the author is not fully competent to deal. That he should look at things from a French point of view is not to be wondered at, but it has a peculiarly unfortunato effect when the subject is science, and' still more so when it is literature. Dante has a paragraph assigned' to him, Chaucer only a few lines, in which we are told that his imitation amounted to plagiarism. In truth, the subject was too vast for the space which was allotted to it ; and not oven the most cosmopolitan impartiality could have done equal justice• to all. Cosmopolitan impartiality, however, is not a French virtue, and certainly is not to be found in M. Lacroix. A still more serious fault is indicated by words which strike one with blank amazement, oven when proceeding from the most bigoted Romanist. " The Reformation, it must be said, was everywhere fatal to language and literature "! Was there ever anything said quite so absurd f Yet M. Lacroix has heard of the Elizabethan poets, and he can appreciate them. For pictorial effect, both as regards pen and pencil, this is a noteworthy book, but, it is needless to say, its literary judgments are not to be trusted. On another page wo read that Tasso was "equal to Homan"— Children's Toys. (0. Regan Paul.) This is an explanation, pleasantly and lucidly written, of the principles on which children's toys produce the results which entertain their owners. The first chapter deals with some of what are called " philosophical " toys. The occasion which these give for scientific explanation is obvious, but the author does net limit himself to those. He does not treat the " doll," we think, with sufficient fullness ; but on most subjects he is all that could bo desired. The "tumbler," for instance, gives him an opportunity of explaining the law of gravitation; the peashooter finds itself, to its surprise, made the vehicle of a brief lesson on dynamics; balls, tops, kites; &c., become in turn the subjects of discussion, and the conclusion of the whole is " A Glance at a Soap-bubbIe." As a text-book in the hands of a parent or teacher, or as one that may itself be -given to a boy or girl of the more studious and intelligent kind, this -volume is highly to be commended. With this may be mentioned The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic ; or, How to Become a Wizard. By Robert Houdin. Translated and Edited, with Notes, by Professor Hoffman. (Routledgo.) M. Houdin begins with a description of his residence, with the ingenious contrivances for purposes of utility and amusement with which he had filled and surrounded it. Then, after a brief survey of the history of conjuring, he proceeds to give practical instructions for the performance of numberless tricks, first laying down the "general principle " on which the art is to be exorcised,—ono of these principles being that no "conjuror would for one moment dream of employing confederates among the audience." Any one who has a moderate "use of his hands" (that is, a gift absolutely essential and not given to all) can obtain a fair skill, quite enough to amuse a home audience. Professional skill in this, as in all other things, demands tho whole attention, and excellence in conjuring is of course a gift as it is in generalship or literature. But for all that we can learn from a book, this volume may be safely recommended. The style is remarkably lively and 'clear.—Heroes of North African Discovery. By N. D'Anvers. (Marcus Ward.) This is a volume full of interesting and valuable reading, com- piled by Miss D'Anvere out of the long list of authors which we find -en the first page. The first chapter speaks of ancient discoverers, and gives a summary of what has been recorded on the subject (we presume that in the sentence " between 264 and 122 13.0.,Polybius, the historian, was sent by Scipio to explore the West Coast of Africa," 264 stands for 164). Then follows a chapter on " Early Travels of the Christian Era." Afterwards we have notices of more recent explorers. Bruce, who may be emlled, not for reasons of priority, but from his unusual qualifications for the work, the " father of African discovery," has a chapter to him- self. Mungo Park has, as he deserves, a yet larger notice. Passing over the names of Bnrckhardt, Denham, Clapperton, the Brothers Lander, and Bartle, we C01118 to the explorers of these days, Burton and Spoke, Schweinfiirth, Sir Samuel Baker, &o. Justice is done to the labours of all, and the result is a book which is a real acquisition to the library of travel. We must not forget to mention that it is illustrated by an excellent map, which gives the route followed by the principal travellers both in North and South Africa. With this may be mentioned Bowes of Discovery: Livingstone, Park, Franklin, Cook, Magellan, by Samuel Wiseman (Oliphant), "a new edition, with portraits." The life of Livingstone is carried on to the end, the fable that he was killed in 1866 having been removed for the true story of his end.—We may also take this opportunity of noticing a book which deals with a kindred topic, Nyassa, by E. D. Young, R.N. Revised by the Rev. Horace Wailer. (Murray.) Mr. Young went out in charge of an expedition which was to explore Lake Nyassa for a site on which a proposed mission of the Free Chnrch of Scotland and others, in memory of Dr. Livingstone, should be established. The result is this profoundly interesting book. Mr. Young had charge of a steamer (called the *Bala,' after the place whore Livingstone died), which was to be trans- ported to Lake Nyassa. The accomplishment of this task occupies the main place in the earlier portion of the book. We quite agree with the author in thinking it an extraordinary thing, and very creditable to the African race, that after employing eight hundred men as porters to carry the portions of the steamer, and that " over a road which furnished at almost every yard an excuse for an accident, or a hiding-place for a thief or a deserter," and after a journey of sixty days he "had every- thing delivered up unmolested, untampered with, and unhurt," and that .every man was "merry and content with his well-earned wage." Altogether, the author's impressions of the African race are most favourable. It is the Arab slave-dealers who demoralise them. Very interesting is the account of the exploration of the Lake, a dangerous -service, on account of the fearful storms which sometimes "raise a sea which could only be found off the Agulhas Bank in the A.tlantic." We can only hope that the Bala' will always be handled with the same good seamanship which saved it more than -owe from imminent wreck. The author is a strong advocate for vigorous -measures in putting down the inland slave-trade. A small armed force -on the Lake would do it, he thinks, most effectively. Why should not, he asks, some English gentlemen who dwell at home " with glowing health -and boundless wealth" undertake the task, as James Brooke under- took the civilisation of Sarawak ? Wo have to thank Mr. Young And his literary adviser for a volume which will do morn, we hope and trust, than interest the casual reader.—The Flag Lieutenant: a Story of the Slave Squadron. By S. Whitchurch Sadler, R.N. (Marcus Ward.) This is an exciting story of adventure by sea and land, the details of which it is not necessary to submit to any strict criticism. The " flag lieutenant " was evidently born under a lucky star. His successes in dealing with slavers, his hairbreadth escapes, and his good fortune generally are not beyond what a man may at least hope for ; but who could expect a commodore to take his very pretty daughter for a voyage for the very purpose, it would seem (though the result surprises him), of bringing ab mt a delightful love- history ? But we would not bo understood as saying a word in dis- paragement of what is really a very entertaining and thoroughly wholesome book for young readers.—Coratie ; or the Wreck of the Syhille; by Charles H. Eden (Marcus Ward) is another tale of the sea. Here the author has taken as the foundation, or rather the suggestion of his story, the history of La Porous°, and the fate of the frigates Astrolabe ' and' Bouesole.' Ho has given in his preface some extracts from the book in which Captain Dillon related his discovery of the remains of the lost expedition (all traces were lost from 1788 to 1825). All this is very interesting, and we could wish that we had had more of it, as it is probable that Dilion'e book is not accessible to the general reader. The story itself, in which the author allows that there is more fiction than fact, is sufficiently readable. It begins with one love-story and ends with another, and the interval is occupied with attractive adventures.—Uncle Philip : a Tale of Boys and Girls, by Stella Austin (Masters), has for its purpose to hold up for our reprobation the ways of thinking and acting of " strong-minded women." "'Uncle Philip " is a country parson whose quiet home is invaded and oc- cupied by a family consisting of five boys and one girl. The girl has fallen under the influence of a friend who belongs to the class which Miss Austin so much dislikes. And doubtless, if she is a fair specimen, they are much to be disliked. But here is the question,—all who rebel against the conventionalities which hamper the life of women are not such as the Leonora who is the heroine's bad angel, and there is much danger lest a condemnation which is deserved by the irreverent and undutiful should fall also upon those who cultivate the virtue of independence. Happily, however, the book is not wholly occupied with the subject of Miss Noel's misdeeds. Her brothers are also described, and they are admirably sketched,—real boys, and very pleasant ones too.---Boy and Man: a Story for Old and Young. (Religious Tract Society.) A very fair attempt to combine amusement and instruction. We are introduced to certain boys at school, and an interval having elapsed, meet them again in after-life. The first part is decidedly the best, and if we have to choose among the characters, we have a de- cided preference for Mr. Sparrow.---A Saturday's Bairn,by '‘ Brenda" (John T. Shaw). Here wo have one of those romantic contrasts between the extremes of good and had fortune that are so captivating to young readers. We Bret see the heroine in a miserable court in St. Giles's, and leave her in affluence in Crabhaven. It requires, indeed, a strong faith to accept the strange cireumstances that load to this revolution ; but this being granted, the story is a good ono. Meta and Musgrave, Lord Warrington's two children, are very well described, though there are traces in the style of that worship of a lord which is said to be one of the national charaoteristios.—Talent in Tatters ; or, Some Vicissitudes in the Life of an English Boy. By Hope Wraytho. (Griffith and Farran). "Little Tim " rises from being a ragged boy, only one degree removed from a beggar, to the position of a gentleman " educated at Eton and Oxford." He is helped, indeed, by a relationship which all street-boys are not fortunate enough to possess; but his own good sense and high principles aro his chief assistants. All this is told in a simple unaffected way, and makes an interesting little story.-----The Home of Fiesole, with a Sketch of the Life and Times of Savonarola, by the Author of " The Children of Seeligsberg " (John F. Shaw). It was a bold venture to sketch Florence in the days of Savonarola, but the author has achieved fair success, with the help of an interesting narra- tive of private life which she has entwined with the story of Florentine politics.—Stories of Girlhood; or, the Bush and the .River, by Sarah Doudnoy. (Cassell and Co.)—Here are two stories and a slight sketch, all of them beyond the average of merit in this kind of writing. The same praise may be bestowed upon the illustrations, some of which are very nicely drawn.---Pixie's Adventures : the Tale of a Terrier. By N. D'Anvers. With Twenty-ono Illustrations by R. H. Moore. (C. Regan Paul.)—Pixie tells his own story by the help of one Bruno, a mastiff, a kind of dog which, as is well known, possesses the so- eompliehment of writing. It is not very romantic or varied ; the most thrilling incident, perhaps, being Pixie's escape from being stoned to death by boys. But it is prettily and pleasantly told, in just the style which we might imagine to be appropriate to a terrier, and with quite natural indications of conceit and other foibles of the class. Another good point of the book is the gentle way in which it suggests, rather than directly enforces, kind treatment of animals. Might wo be allowed to suggest that chiedten-bonoe wore not the best article of diet for Pixie, and that he was lucky to escape without in- ternal injury from them ? The illustrations are very good.--eo Rosabella ; a Doll's Christmas Story, by " Auntie Bee" (Routledge), is a pretty little tale, in which the author enters with genuine sympathy into the way in which girls attribute life to their favourite dolls.-- " A Goodwill :" a Collection of Christmas Stories, by Mark Groy.Pearse l(Wesleyan Conference Office), is well described by its title. They all work the idea suggested by the lamella " Christmas Carol." A publican gives mp his trade of selling poison, a litigious farmer abandons a contemplated lawsuit, a squire plays the part of ICing Wenoeslas in the carol. These are the seasonable stories which Mr. Poarse tells to amuse and instruct us. —Lost in a Bush ; or, Black Harry, by Robert Richardson (Oliphant), tells us how a young English boy was shamed into bettor feelings by the fidelity and affection of an Australian native.—The Three Wishes, by M. C. R., author of "Little Lieotte," &e. (Griffith and Ferran), is a pretty story of a woman's life.—All in a Garden Green, and Talk of a Sheet of Paper, by Elizabeth C. /gain (Marcus Ward) are fairly fi no- sensful studies in the manner of Hans Christian Andersen.—Polly Wyatt ; or, Virtue its own Reward (Oliphant) has not a very happily ,shosen second title. It really is the story of a young woman who marries, not without misgiving, a lover who has once been a frequenter at the public-house, and finds that old habits once formed are not often permanently broken off.—Among other stories of the instructive bind may be mentioned Sybil Grey, by Mrs. Parting (Routledge).— .Gideon Brown ; a True Story of the Covenant, and of the Persecution in Scotland, as Related by Himself, edited by Charles Mackay, LL.D. (Oliphant), is the reprint of an article which appeared in All the Year Bound seven years ago. It is strange that any one should have supposed, as we learn from the preface to have been the case, that this quite modern prose was written by Daniel Defoe..---.Story after Story of Land and Sea, Man and Beast, by the Author of "Cheerful Sundays" .(Daldy and Isbister), is a collection of anecdote, adorned with illustra- tions, some of which are very pretty.—Little Mary's Friends ; or, 'Country Pets and Pastimes, by Annie Whittem, with illustrations by Harrison Weir (Griffith and Ferran), is the story of a child's life among -country scenea.—The Will-o'-the- Wisps ; a Tale, translated from the German by Elizabeth S. Simon (J. C. Pearce, Southport), is a fairy- story of the sentimental kind, in which the translator seems to have done her best with not very promising materials.—We have also to mention Bible Wonders, by the Rev. Richard Newton (Nimmo); and from the same author and publisher, Rills from the Fountain of Life, and Bible Jewels.—Among new editions and reprints, we have to mention „Narrative Poetry for the Young (Routledge), a collection of poems described by the title, and written, for tho most part, by well-known authors. It is adorned with eighty illustrations by the Brothers Dalziel.—The Poetical Birthday Book, by the Countess of Portsmouth, is a book the first edition of which wo have already noticed, in which each day has its passage of verse, with a blank space for the names of friends who may happen to claim it as their birthday. Lady Portsmouth's selections are made in excellent taste, 'and if they are not always appropriate, it will be the fault of the per- ,eons, not the verses, This is an "illustrated edition," the illustrations 'being a photograph for each month of some well-known picture.— ilynet.e for Infant Minds, by Ann and Jane Taylor (Rontledge) is an old favourite which is sure of welcome.—The Christian Year. (Rout- dodge.) We cannot say much for the illustrations of flowers which are meant to adorn this book.—One Sailors : Anecdotes of the Engagements and Gallant Deeds of the British Navy during the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and Our Soldiers, both by Mr. William H. G. Kingston (Griffith and Ferran) have each reached their "eighth thousand."— Sacred Streams; the Ancient and Modern History of the Rivers of the Bible, by Philip Henry Gesso, F.R.S. (Hodder and Stoughton) appears in a new edition, "revised by the author ;" and Little Davy's New Hat (Routledge), by Robert Bloomfield, author of " The Farmer's Boy."— fairy Circles : Tales and Legends of Giants, Dwarfs, Fairies, Water- Sprites, and Hobgoblins, From the Gorman of Villamaria. With numerous illustrations. (Marcus Ward and Co.) This is a book of really original tales, told with much skill and pathos. Wo have not ready anything better in its way for a long time than the striking tale of "The Fallen Boll," and the two tales concerning " The Friendship of the Dwarfs" are full of beauty and brilliance. Tho smaller marginal illustrations are some of them very taking. For the coloured frontie- -piece and the more ambitious of the full-page illustrations, we do not much care.
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