nevertheless, given us a remarkably clear and inter esting account of the causes which led to this fearful upheaval, and carries us with unflagging interest through the exciting scenes which followed. The book is a most valuable contribution to historical literature, and gives, perhaps, a better insight into French character and methods of that time than any work here tofore published. Unlike most histories, it has a charm of style and diction which renders it almost as fascinating reading as a good novel. Cather1ne de Med1c1. By Honore de Balzac. Translated by Kather1ne Prescott Wormelev. Roberts Brothers, Boston, 1894. Cloth. $1.50. In this work Balzac gives us some novel ideas of the character of Catherine de Medici, who, he asserts, has suffered more from popular error than any other woman in French history. The novel is a powerful one, intensely dramatic and of absorbing interest, dis playing Balzac's wonderful mastery of every subject upon which he writes. Miss Wormeley's translation is in every way admirable, and the reading public are deeply indebted to her for so ably interpreting the works of this great writer. George W1ll1am Curt1s. By Edward Cary. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston and New York, 1894. Cloth. $1.25. This is the latest contribution to the " American Men of Letters " series, and Mr. Cary pays a most fitting tribute to one of the noblest men not only in the world of letters but in public life. Mr. Curtis's life was a remarkable one, and should be closely studied by young men as a shining example worthy of imitation. Mr. Cary writes of him con amore, and has gathered together a great deal of very interesting material in regard to his literary and political, as well as his home life. The book is an inspiration, and will give its readers a clear insight into a truly beau tiful character. The L1terary Shop, and other tales. By James L. Ford. Geo. H. Richmond & Co., New York, 1894. In this volume Mr. Ford gives a delightful insight into the foibles of magazine editors and their con tributors. Many interesting reminiscences of well known writers are given, and the author is in many instances frankly outspoken in his opinions. Some of his statements his readers will feel disposed to take issue with. An assertion that in the last half-dozen years we have but precisely one writer to show the fin est American literary endeavor, and that writer a wo man, will probably call forth a decided protest. The
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book, however, is so charmingly written, and so full of pure, unadulterated humor, that one has but little inclination to quarrel with Mr. Ford. The Story of Lawrence Garthe. By Ellen Olney K1rk. Houghton Mifflin & Co., Boston and New York, 1894. Cloth. $1.25. This is a realistic story of New York life, power fully written and of great interest. The author's for mer works have given her an enviable place among our novelists, and the story of Lawrence Garthe is fully equal to anything we have had from her pen. It deserves a high rank among the novels of to-day. A Ch1ld of the Age. By Franc1s Adams. Roberts Brothers, Boston, 1894. Cloth. $1.00. It is difficult to believe that this book is the work of a mere youth, but Mr. Adams had not, we be lieve, attained his eighteenth year when it was writ ten. Remarkable power is displayed by the author who, had he lived, would undoubtedly have attained a high position in the world of letters. The story is morbid and has but little plot, but there is a certain fascination about it which thoroughly enchains the reader's attention. The World Beaut1ful. By L1l1an Wh1ting. Roberts Brothers, Boston, 1894. Cloth. $1.00. The papers which make up the contents of this attractive volume have for their keynote the truism, that, after all, it rests with ourselves as to whether we shall live in a World Beautiful. They are pleas antly written, and one cannot but receive encourage ment and inspiration from them. The Power of the W1ll, or Success. By H. R1sborough Sharman. Roberts Brothers, Boston, 1894. Cloth. 50 cents. Mr. Sharman maintains that the secret of all true and permanent success is the cultivation of the "will," and that what is commonly called "luck" generally shows a marked preference for those who have duly cultured and restrained their mental and moral faculties. The book is an interesting and a helpful one, inculcating lessons which will benefit its readers. The Great Refusal, being letters of a dreamer in Gotham. Edited by Paul Elmer More. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston and New York, 1894. Cloth. $1.00. These letters, so Mr. More says, were written by a New York gentleman, of rare culture and prodig
