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to make clear Petrarch's many allusions. The book is written with the charm of a vital scholarship and with intimate feeling for its subject, and the incidents connected with the lives of the two great Italians who lived centuries in advance of their times have a remarkable variety and interest.

335 pages, 12mo, cloth; postpaid, $1.60. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

"The Necessary Evil," by Charles Rann Kennedy.

There is hardly another dramatist who can express so much of spiritual insight and of ordinary ordinary beautiful human nature within the narrow limits of a one-act play as Charles Rann Kennedy, who wrote "The Servant in the House" and "The Terrible Meek." Mr. Kennedy has convictions and the courage of them. He has the skill to make every situation and every word count for its full dramatic value, and his sympathetic or humorous understanding of everyday men and women, with their varying points of view, gives his work both pungency as a criticism of life and the appeal of the lovably familiar. In his new play, "The Necessary Evil," Mr. Kennedy writes with his usual successful daring-with an inspiration, in fact, that triumphs over all difficulties, transmuting material that in other hands might produce only an unpleasant discussion, into vigorous and beautiful dramatic literature. All the people of the play are real and alive. Each speaks and acts with a perfectly natural spontaneity, yet each expresses thoughts and feelings that have universal significance. The mystical, gentle and manly old musician, his flowerlike daughter, his man-of-the-world son, finally the woman who comes from the street to tell them the truth they need to know, and to plead for her kind-these people live through an hour of experience so genuine and vital that we cannot withhold emo

tional and intellectual response. Without sacrificing a particle of his dramatic art, Mr. Kennedy has given to this new play of his, "The Necessary Evil," the interest of a novel, and, in prose form, something of the power of real poetry. No one need be deterred from reading Mr. Kennedy's thoughtful and vital plays through fear of encountering tedious or exasperating problems. In them there is no mere tilting at windmills or idle stirring of muddy depths. The thought of the play is stated in terms of feeling and action: the analysis is of the kind that no one can shirk.

Published by Harper & Brothers, Franklin Square, New York.

"Recent Events and Present Policies in China," by J. O. P. Bland.

In this comprehensive book Mr. Bland shows in a conclusive manner that The Yellow Peril is bred by ignorance of the actual conditions in China. The author further states: "It is a fantastic dream, reflecting, no doubt, the eternal and unbreakable spell of the Orient over the West, the unconscious reverence that materialism pays to intellectual dignity, but wholly lacking, nevertheless, in historical sense and recognition of fundamental conditions. For it is impossible, considering the actual and historic facts of Asiatic life, to assume for the East that unity of purposes and ideals which is the basic assumption underlying the Yellow Peril: as possible as to imagine an effective coalition of Western Europe against North or South America. By all precedents and principles of history, it must require several generations of patient educative process to develop in the Chinese people the qualities requisite for military and administrative efficiency. Their ready adaptability to environment, untiring industry, skill in craftsmanship and unconquerable power of passive resistance have never been equaled by any race of men, unless it be the Hebrews. If there be

IN THE REALM OF BOOKLAND.

any menace to Europe in Cathay, it lies in the fierce struggle for life of three hundred million men who are ready to labor unceasingly for wages on which most white men must inevitably starve."

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was criss-crossed by railroads. He formed a company, and the Cunard Line became the first regular transAtlantic Steamship Service. The first fleet consisted of four ships, each carrying 115 cabin passengers with

Published by the J. B. Lippincott 225 tons of cargo at a speed of 82 Company, Philadelphia.

"My Life." By August Bebel. (With a portrait.) An Autobiography of the famous leader of the SocialDemocratic Party in Germany.

knots per hour. From those days of wooden hulled steamships until the present time of gigantic steel liners, Mr. Talbot discusses the remarkable conquest of the sea. He describes the various dangers which have been overcome, and intersperses his narrative with accidents and happenings which have been the means of bringing about the invention of new lifemany interesting sidelights on the poli- saving devices and more comfortable

This autobiography contains the story, from the inside, of the rise of the German trades unions, and throws

tics of such men as Bismarck and Lassalle. Bebel has become the molding influence of the Social-Democratic party, which is, even under the restricted franchise, a power in the German State. Bebel gives a vivid description of the poverty of his early life and of his wanderings as a craftsman in search of work all through Germany-the Germany before the wars of 1864, 1866 and 1870-71, and before the Unification. Soon after his election to the Reichstag he was convicted of high treason for his attitude towards the Franco-German war, and had to spend some years in prison. The international reputation of the author, the extreme frankness with which he writes, and the striking successes of the movement with which he is identified make this a human document of remarkable interest and significance.

344 pages, 8vo, cloth; postpaid, $2.14. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

"The Steamship Conquest of the World," by Frederick A. Talbot.

The author recalls that the first steamship built for trans-Atlantic travel was "The Great Western," designed by Brunel, but it was Samuel Cunard who conceived the idea of meshing the seas with steamship routes in the same manner as the land

quarters for those who travel the ocean highways.

Published by the J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia.

"The New Industrial Day," by William C. Redfield.

This volume is a discussion of present day labor problems, which argues that the great body of our industries has a weak spot in their failure to treat the human element in proportion to the intelligence with which the mechanical element is treated, and urges a keener appreciation of human values. William C. Redfield, the new Secretary of Commerce under President Wilson, has been not only a prominent figure in the Sixty-second Congress from the Fifth New York City District, but actively connected for thirty years with manufacturing life, filling every position from shipping clerk to president. He was Commissioner of Public Works in Brooklyn under Mayor Low, and has been an active. director of the Equitable Life Assurance Society since 1905. Further, Mr. Redfield's business relations have brought him into contact with factory managers all over the world, and have made him familiar with working conditions in this country and abroad.

Published by The Century Company, New York.

"The Psychological Origin of Mental Disorders." By Paul Dubois, M. D. Author of "The Psychic Treatment of Nervous Disorders," "The Education of Self," etc.

This little book will prove of intense interest to those who incline to delve

into mental and psychic aberrations, abnormal states of mind, where wander the nervously distraught and insane. This field has been more or less

explored since the most ancient times, peoples antedating the Hebrew prophets having their own original ideas on the mentally unbalanced. Hippocrates laid down one of the earliest theories, after the logical manner of the Greek, and since his day there have been many wise investigators, appearing with the revolutions of the centuries, to contribute the results of their investigations. All this Dr. Dubois sets forth succinctly in his little. volume. After a brief two hours' perusal, the reader will acquire an illuminating conception of what the great psychopathists, past and present, have discovered of the psychological origin of mental disorders.

12mo, cloth, 87 pages. 50c. net; by mail, 55 cents. Funk & Wagnalls Co., Publishers, New York.

"The Mystery of the Barranca," by Herman Whitaker.

That spirit of youthful adventure and enterprise which gives to many American romances a characteristic breeziness-a breeziness, however, that proves surprisingly consistent with reality and depth of interestmakes itself strongly felt in every page of the recently published novel, "The Barranca." The two young Americans of the story (Seyd and Thornton), who go to Mexico to make their fortunes, are of the boyish-man type that appeals to us as intensely alive. Their eagerness to make an attempt that has cost other men their lives is as genuinely impulsive as their courage and practical sense are worthy of real men. Eleven persons in all have "de

nounced" the Santa Gertrudis mine, but none has succeeded in operating it profitably, and many have met death under circumstances suggesting foul play. The mine is situated on the estate of a great landowner, Don Luis Garcia, and it lies on one side of the Barranca de Guerrero-a ravine com

parable in depth and picturesqueness to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. Both Don Luis and his neighbor and relative, Don Sebastien Rocha, are fiercely prejudiced against Americans.

The action of the story revolves around Don Luis' niece, Francesca.

The bursting of a great dam which has been built above the mine; Sebastien's almost successful attempt to drown his rival, trapped in a building certain to be submerged, Seyd's escape; his rescue of Francesca, and Sebastien's gallant acceptance of death together with failure-these are the events of a thrilling climax which displays in a strong, natural light the characters of the people concerned in it. "The Barranca" is a story of vigorous action and genuine sentiment, giving interesting glimpses of Mexican life, with its odd mingling of civilization and savagery.

Published by Harper & Brothers, Franklin Square, New York.

"Soul Shadows, Songs and Sonnets," by Rose M. de Vaux-Royer, author of "Long Distance Telepathy," "Influence Telepathique."

Madame de Vaux Royer is very widely known locally for her early work in California, and for the last few years through the poetic stimulus she has afforded others in the Cameo Club salon, N. Y., "Soul Shadows" is a collection of some three score of her poetic expressions which have appeared in the publications of the leading cities of this country and in Paris. Mme Royer terms these collected thoughts "Episodes on life's life's highway," but they are surely more than that because of their note of aspiration and spiritual helpfulness. No

IN THE REALM OF BOOKLAND.

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first-hand knowledge with her. She has herself climbed the mountain trails, has braved the perils of the illsmelling marshes, and haunts of the crocodiles, and has narrowly escaped. the deadly rush of these loathsome beasts. Her characters are alive, and we admire the pluck of Scott, the "new chum." We sympathize with him in the conflict between love and honor. The masterful figure of Mrs. Carter appeal to us, and the dreadful but heand her tenderness to pretty Charmian

roic death of Rupert Dence thrills and appals. We find that human nature is the same the world over, and that in the pages of this vigorous story, quite apart from its vivid description of wild places and wild life, there runs clearly and steadfastly the distinguishing love of "fair play," which makes every Anglo-Saxon proud of his heritage.

Published by Moffat, Yard & Co.

"Down the Mackenzie and Up the Yukon," by E. Stewart.

Mr. Stewart was former Inspector of Forestry to the government of Canada, and the experiences he thus gained, supplemented by a really remarkable journey, have afforded him material for a very valuable book. Some of the difficulties he encountered appeared insurmountable, and a description of his perilous voyage in a native canoe with Indians is quite haunting. There are many interesting illustrations of the places of which he writes.

Published by John Lane Company.

"American Syndicalism: The I. W. W." By John Graham Brooks, author of "As Others See Us," "The Social Unrest," etc.

One of the most discussed topics of the day is Syndicalism, and for all those who want to know just what the term implies, this book is intended. Probably no writer is better fitted for the task of fully explaining this big question than Mr. Brooks. He has been investigating it and giving his

attention largely to it for some time. It will be remembered that he is the author of what might well be called the pioneer book dealing with social problems, "The Social Unrest," which, though published many years ago, is still widely read. His new work will be found to be a valuable interpretation of modern problems, quite as suggestive as anything he has hitherto done.

Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net. Published by MacMillan Company, 64 5th Ave., New York.

"The Inside of the Cup." By Winston Churchill, author of "Coniston," "The Crisis," etc.

Opening in a great city of the Middle West, this absorbing novel of today moves rapidly in typical Churchill fashion through a series of highly significant events to a climax that is well worthy of this popular author. The problem which it offers is not only one to hold the reader's attention, but one which will, by the sheer intensity with which it is presented, make him think. The chief figure in the book is a minister who is forced to meet certain issues not only interesting in themselves, but which reveal again Mr. Churchill's remarkable insight into life and character. Throughout the story, types of society are introduced, drawn with his customary skill.

Illustrated. Cloth, 12mo. $1.50 net. Published by MacMillan Co., 64 Fifth Ave., New York.

"One Woman's Life," by Robert Herrick, author of "Together," "The Healer," etc.

The women characters of Robert Herrick's books have always been peculiarly significant. Sometimes storms of protest have centered around them and the ideas of womankind which the author has advanced through them. But the penetration and keenness of the analyses, and, sentiment aside, the truth of the pictures and the skill with which they

have been drawn, have never been denied.

Cloth, 12mo, $1.35 net. Published by MacMillan & Co., New York.

"From Studio to Stage." By Weedon Grossmith.

In this book the author gives an interesting account of his early exploits and ambitions as an artist, which career he abandoned for that of the stage. He describes his notable roles and lets the reader into little intimate glimpses "behind the scenes," chats pleasantly about all manner of celebrities and tells many amusing anecdotes. The book is well supplied with interesting illustrations.

Published by John Lane Co.

What the Dictionary has Grown to Be.

A dictionary is not only a vast storehouse of ancient and modern thought;

it is the oracle that answers the riddles of life, the guide, counselor and friend of man. Between its covers are enshrined the story of his life and the record of his achievements, for every word it contains is the result of human thought. There is now rapidly approaching completion a new work to be published by the Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York, which is as far in advance, along true lexicographical lines, of Dr. Murray's work, as the old Standard Dictionary is in advance of Webster's three-year-old International. The new work is announced to embrace the living language; that is, the language as represented by reputable speech and literature.

"The Princess Athura," by Samuel W. Odell, author of "Samson," "Adam Lore," etc.

This "Romance of Iran," as the subtitle runs, is first and foremost, a charming love story, relating the romantic history of the Prince of Iran and the Princess Athura, later Darius the Great and his Queen, under whom in the Sixth Century B. C. the king

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