Logan G. McPherson, who has contributed valuable papers to Appleton's Popular Science Monthly on the current financial and banking questions, has remodeled some of these and made them into a little book under the title, "The Monetary and Banking Problems." He stands staunchly for the gold standard and without any cheap talk, indeed with an unusual directness and terseness of style, argues his case well. He shows that two attempts on the part of our government to establish bimetallism have failed, and he believes it would have the same result were the experiment tried again. Mr. McPherson says some pertinent things about our banking system, and his chapter on that subject will, without doubt, enlighten a good many people as to the actual value and importance to them of stable national banks. Hartford Post. The Prohibition Handbook. With numerous Tables and Diagrams. By George B. Waldron, A. M., author of A Handbook on Currency and Wealth." 158 pp. Indexed. 16m0, 38 cents; by mail, 44 cents. In compact and accessible form, gives the latest and most telling facts on questions relating to the drinktraffic and the proposed methods for its destruction. The sources of these facts are indicated, many being taken from official government publications. An excellent index makes the information available for reference. Intended to be of special help to public speakers and writers. The author merely gives facts, conclusions are left to the reader. The economic and industrial side is specially brought out. Publishers' Weekly. Workers on Their Industries. Edited with an Introduction. By Frank W. Galton. 239 pp. 12mo, So cents; by mail, 90 cents. This volume, which Mr. Galton has edited, contains a mass of information derived in a novel way. Persons in England who earn their livings by workdressmakers, engravers, bookbinders, bricklayers, agricultural laborers, among the number-have accounts of their conditions given by one in their own station, some person who, from the place held in some labor organization, seems wholly competent to represent them. Mr. Galton has endeavored to give the reader "an inside view of the trades as they appear to those who are employed in them.' In this respect the volume differs from previous works dealing with industries and employees. He declares it to be "the first attempt to present to the public at first hand the workers' own views of the occupations in which they are engaged." The reader will be impressed by the skill and effectiveness with which each writer presents his statements. It is possibly true that Mr. Galton has exercised his function as editor with some energy; but it is clear enough that the writer of each article knew how to write and did write the most of his or her contribution. The individuality that stamps the articles is proof sufficient of this. But it is perhaps more impressive still to note with what elevation of mind each topic is treated. There is a largeness of view, a candor of statement, a perception of the relations of things, which often mark the writers for persons somewhat superior to their callings. N. Y. Times. CURRENCY. Bimetallism; or, The Evils of Gold Monometallism_and the Benefits of Bimetallism. By Wharton Baker. With a portrait on cover. 330 pp. 8vo, 75 cents, by mail,93 cents; paper, 40 cents; by mail, 50 cents. Compiled from the Philadelphia American whose columns "during the past eighteenth months have discussed the monetary question in all its phases." In twenty-six chapters, the arguments for free silver coinage are presented based on the theory that money is an instrument of association, that a decrease in its volume means a decrease in prices and that this in its turn paralyzes industry. The work is a leading one among those advocating free silver coinage. Money and Banking. Illustrated by American History. By Horace White. 488 pp. Indexed. 12mo, 40 cents; by mail, 50 cents. Mr. White's book is not a systematic treatise on money and banking, and does not aim to give an elaborate account of theories, or a refined criticism of conflicting views. Apart from a few short chapters, the exposition of principles has the appearance of being brought in incidentally, as though suggested by the events of the story, rather than as constituting the central object of the work. This mode of treatment will not be found fully satisfactory by the economic student who may go to this book with a view to finding a compact body of doctrine; but it has evidently been adopted with a view to attracting the general reader, unaccustomed to economic reasoning, but intelligently interested in those questions of currency and banking which are now of such predominating interest in our national affairs. It is not devoted to the propagation of any special views, but is designed to enlighten readers of ordinary intelligence in regard to the history and the essential principles of money and banking. In its theoretical arguments and its statement of doctrine, while they are not always hedged about with such caution and particularity as would be expected in an economic text-book, there is rarely anything that we can find fault with; and there is a refreshing vigor and frequently even pungency in the expression, which is not often met with in books on this class of subjects. The treatment of the " quantity theory" is not to our mind satisfactory; it fails in that highest requirement of controversial writing, the stating of the doctrine you oppose in the best form of which it is capable. Moreover, Mr. White's views, as expressed in this chapter, seem to be contradicted by his own remarks on page 197, touching the fall in the value of greenbacks between 1874 and 1875, of which he says the explanation is that there was a greater demand for instruments of exchange in the former year than in the latter. Consequently they would buy more goods per dollar and therefore more gold." N. Y. Post. The White Dollar. The True Story of Coin. Legal Historical and Scientific Standing of the "Dollar of the Daddies." By Murat Halstead. National Library. Illustrated. 112 pp. 16mo, paper, 15 cents; by mail, 20 cents. A defense of the ruling gold standard from the standpoint of a supporter of the use of both metals, if necessary under a new ratio. Many facts are presented in condensed shape with the skill of the journalist. SCIENCE. The Biological Problem of To-day. Preformation or Epigenesis? The Basis of a Theory of Organic Development By Professor Dr. Oscar Hertwig. Authorized translation by P. Chalmers Mitchell, M. A. With an introduction by the translator and a glossary of the technical terms. 148 pp. 16m0, 90 cents; by mail, 98 cents. A brief discussion of the rival theories of the cause of the transmission of qualities from parent to offspring, whether due to qualities in the egg (preformation) or to the forces which surround the egg, (epigenesis). The Story of Electricity. By John Munro, author of "Electricity and Its Uses," etc. With one hundred illustrations. The Library of Useful Stories. 187 pp. Indexed. 18mo, 30 cents; by mail, 36 cents. This convenient little book summarizes the information of which the average reader stands most in need. It is clearly written and copiously illustrated, and it takes special cognizance of the requirements of American readers. PALMISTRY. Hands of Celebrities; or, Studies in Palmistry. By Katharine St. Hill, author of "A Grammar of Palmistry, etc. With an Introduction by Charles F. Rideal, author of "A Dictionary of Palmistry,' etc., and a Reproduction of "Debates on Palmistry.' Illustrated. 174 pp. 12mo, So cents; by mail, 91 cents. Contains a large number of revised "studies of hands," reprinted from The Palmist, the journal of the Chirological Society. The hands of George Alexander, Boulanger, Lord Coleridge, Mr. Justine Collon, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Grimwood, Mr. George Grosswith, Mrs. Langtry, Eugene Sandow and others are presented in outline, accompanied by careful description. The work is intended as a manual for working students. PHYSIOLOGY. The Eye and Its Care. By Frank Allport, M. D. Illustrated. 174 pp. Indexed. 12mo, So cents; by mail, 90 cents. This book is prepared for the general public, and is intended to supply correct information as to the anatomy and physiology of the eye, its uses and limitations and its general care. It will be invaluable as a book for oculists to recommend to their patients, and also to school teachers, advanced pupils and those interested in educational matters and ocular hygiene. Great care has been taken to expunge everything technical or of an abstruse character, and to avoid, as far as possible the use of scientific terms and expressions. The Spas and Mineral Waters of Europe. With notes on Balneo-Therapeutic management in various diseases and morbid conditions. By Hermann Weber, M.D., F.R.C.P., and F. Parkes Weber, M.D., M. R. C. P. 380 pp. Indexed. 12m0, $1.60; by mail, $1.73. The aim of this elaborate medical handbook is to give explicit information concerning a number of famous and also little known health resorts, as well as to describe the methods of treatment adopted at them, and the diseases and morbid conditions which are most likely to be cured or ameliorated by them. We are glad to notice that due stress is laid on the influence of change of air, diet, and altered mode of life in connection with spa treatment. It seems obvious that patients at Spas should be made as cheerful as possible, and that their thoughts should be diverted from their ailments, since, as these pages show, change of occupation and amusement act as psychical stimulants, and do almost as much in many cases as change of air. Unluckily, however, there are many health resorts in which dulness and melancholy reign undisturbed, and the invalid crawls about in consequence in aimless fashion and in dismal introspective mood. There is a voluminous bibliography in the book, no lack of exact facts and statistics, and much sound advice about exercise, diet, massage and the like. London Speaker. COOK BOOKS. The Art of Cooking by Gas. By Marion Harland. With nearly 1000 recipes. Edited by the author. 226 pp. 16m0, paper, 38 cents; by mail, 45 cents. A plea for the use of gas in cooking prefaces this cook book, and each group of recipes is preceded by a few words on the difference between cooking by gas and by stove. A School Algebra. Designed for use in High Schools and Academies. By Emerson E. White, A. M., LL. D., author of a "Series of Mathematics." White's Series of Mathematics. 394 pp. 12mo, $1 00; by mail, $1.14. This new algebra combines in one book a complete course in the study, sufficiently elementary for beginners, and advanced and comprehensive enough to fully meet the entrance requirements of the best colleges and universities. The book constitutes a part of the well known and popular "White's Series of Mathematics." The author's aim has been to prepare a school algebra which should be pedagogically sound, as well as mathematically accurate, and thoroughly adequate for its place and purpose. He has kept in mind the fact that the great majority of the pupils who begin the study of algebra are too young to master successfully a text-book designed for advanced students. Third Reader. By Luther Whiting Mason, James M. McLaughlin, George A. Veazie, W. W. Gilchrist and Nathan Haskell Dole, author of "The Hawthorn Tree and Other Poems." The Educational Music Course. 122 pp. 12mo, 40 cents; by mail, 48 cents. The plan adopted is plain, systematic and progressive, from the first presentation of the Major Scale through every principle and fact of vocal music reading to the completion of the study in the public schools. The names of Messrs. Mason, McLaughlin and Veazie suggest at once that the course has been planned and worked out in the light of wide and varied experience, and with an intimate knowledge of the best work done in school music in every part of the world. The clearness and consistency with which the successive elements are presented by the division of the readers into chapters and sections will appeal to the regular teacher, who has felt the need of a carefully outlined course of study in music, simply and naturally developed, so that the daily progress of the pupil shall be positive and unmistakable. Songs Tried and Proved. For the use of Prayer-meet ings, Sunday-schools, General Evangelistic Work and the Home Circle. Russell H. Conwell, hymn editor. Theodore E. Perkins, musical editor. 192 pp. Indexed. 12m0, 38 cents; by mail, 43 cents. "Songs Tried and Proved" is a volume of songs for use at prayer-meetings and general evangelistic work, collected and published under the editorial supervision of Russell H. Conwell and Theodore E. Perkins, by A. J. Rowland, of this city. The songs incorporated in the volume have been selected with admirable taste for genuine religious fever and an eye to wholesome and inspiring melody. EDUCATIONAL. Philadelphia Call. All the Year Round. A Nature reader. Part II. Winter. By Frances L. Strong. Illustrated by Gertrude A. Stoker. 102 PP. 12mo, 35 cents; by mail, 43 cents. A supplementary reader for public schools. Containing poems and short stories dealing with facts of natural history, and notes for the teacher, explaining methods. The system is the one used in the St. Paul schools, Second and Third readers. Publishers' Weekly. Englische Sichtbare Sprache in Zwolf Lektionen. Illustrirt. Von Alexander Melville Bell. 80 pp. 12mo, 50 cents; by mail, 57 cents. A translation into German of Dr. Bell's "English Visible Speech in Twelve Lessons." Successive sounds are taken up in logical sequence and outline drawings of the lips and mouth show how they are made. Herbart's A B C of Sense-Perception, and Minor Pedagogical Works. Translated, with introduction, notes and commentary, by William J. Eckoff, Ph. D., P. D. D., author of "Kant's Inaugural Dissertation.' Illustrated. International Education series. Edited by William T. Harris, A. M., LL. D. Volume XXXVI. 288 pp. 12mo, $1.10; by mail, $1.22. Herbart's system of pedagogy deals with educative instruction: "Education of man by man is impossible except through instruction. That instruction is valueless in the acquisition of which no education or -in psychologic language-no apperception occurs. Education should produce right intellects and right characters, and the æsthetic presentation of the universe should be its chief office. The translator has chosen from the works of Herbart and presented his theories in a way that may be of practical use to instructors. Special knowledge of facts does not necessarily make a good instructor, and the talent to impart facts does not necessarily make a good educator, are the keynotes of Herbartism. Publishers' Weekly. The Story of a Piece of Coal. What it is, whence it comes and whither it goes. By Edward A. Martin, F. G. S., author of "Amidst Nature's Realms," etc. With thirty-eight illustrations. The Library of Useful Stories. 168 pp. Indexed. 16m0, 30 cents; by mail, 35 cents. Mr. Martin has a subject of many-sided interest, for, as he says, the botanist, geologist, physicist, chemist, sanitarian and merchant, all find themselves intimately concerned with a knowledge of the origin of coal and of its products. Mr. Martin tells the whole story concisely, pointedly and attractively, in accordance with the latest teachings of science, and he has made a little book that contains an immense store of instruction on themes connected with some of the most important activities of modern life. Mr. Martin touches suggestively on certain problems connected with the coal supply and the uses of its byproducts. Boston Beacon. Biblical Idyls. Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by Richard G. Moulton, M. A., Ph. D. The Modern Readers' Bible. A Series of Works from the Sacred Scriptures presented in Modern Liter ary Form. 149 pp. Indexed. 18mo, leather, 45 cents; by mail, 50 cents; cloth, 38 cents; by mail, 43 cents. The "Song of Solomon," " "Ruth," " Esther," and "Tobit" are presented here as poetic and prose narratives. "Canticles" is arranged in dramatic idyls with running gloss as a love poem. The other three are printed, without being divided into chapter and verse, as short stories. A preface defines the idyl and brief notes explain allusion. The garniture of the work is most charming. LITERATURE. Thus Spake Zarathustra. A Book for all and None. THE CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY AND A History of Greek Art. With an Introductory Chapter on Art in Egypt and Mesopotamia. By F. B. Tarbell. Illustrated. 295 pp. Indexed. 12mo, 90 cents; by mail, $1.05. With the aid of 200 reproductions of Greek architecture, sculpture, and painting, Professor Tarbell aims to give a clear and comprehensive outline of the expression which Greek genius found in various artistic forms. A Study of the Sky. By Herbert A. Howe, A. M., Sc. D., author of "Elements of Descriptive Astronomy." Illustrated. 340 pp. Indexed. 12mo, 90 cents; by mail, $1.06. This volume presents in popular form, with the aid of 150 practical illustrations, an outline of the science of astronomy, introducing concrete material in such abundance as to avoid giving the work a technical and abstract form. A Survey of Greek Civilization. By J. P. Mahaffy, D. D., D. C. L., author of Social Life in Greece," etc. Illustrated. 337 pp. Indexed. 12m0, 90 cents; by mail, $1.05. Prof. Mahaffy is known the world over as a leading Greek scholar, and a most delightful popularizer of the literature, social life, and educational methods of the Greeks. In this volume, written especially for the C. L. S. C., he combines all these elements into a clear and interesting picture of the Hellenic civilization. French Traits. An Essay in Comparative Criticism. By W. C. Brownell. 316 pp. 12mo, 90 cents; by mail, $1.05. A collection of charming essays, valuable alike for their subject matter and their literary quality. The author, a cultivated American, was for several years a resident of France, and this able book is the result of his patient study and close observation of the French character. The Growth of the French Nation. By George Burton Adams. Illustrated. 350 pp. Indexed. 12mo, 90 cents; by mail, $1.07. This volume traces in its more salient features the gradual consolidation and evolution of the French people from the scattered elements of the feudal system into the centralized and unified nation of to-day. Many illustrations of historical value, together with many authoritative maps, several of which are printed in colors, add to the substantial value of the volume. But Mr. Truman's voice is not at all feeble or vague; he sings loud and clear, in rather a dolorous tone, it is true, but sympathetically and impressively. The poem, "The Law of Life," is not only the strongest in the collection-it is one of large and genuine power. Philadelphia Press. Out of a Silver Flute. By Philip Verrill Mighels. The Fleur de Lis Poets. 81 pp. 12mo, 75 cents; by mail, 84 cents. "Out of a Silver Flute " is a collection of poems, some of which are very musical, and all of which are meritorious. Here and there we notice a rough line and an obscure passage, but there are few such blemishes, and they hardly detract from the general merit of the book. The author treats of various subjects, and is especially skilful as a framer of sonnets and rondeaux. N. Y. Herald. The Poetical Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson. Idyls of the King VI. The People's Edition. 60 pp. 32m0, 41 cents; by mail, 45 cents. The Poetical Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson. The Lover's Tale and Other Poems. The People's Edition. So pp. 32m0, 41 cents; by mail, 45 cents These two volumes of the small handy edition of Tennyson hold one "The Lover's Tale," "The First Quarrel," and Tennyson's apostrophe to his grandson and the other "Guinevere," the Sixth Idyl of the King. The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth. Edited by William Knight. Vol. V. With a portrait. The Eversley series. 399 pp., with an appendix. 12mo, $1.10; by mail, $1.22. This volume contains the "Excursion" tour notes at the end and elucidate some references. Type, press work and paper are all exactly adapted for a complete edition in small, 12mo volumes, sixteen in number. FICTION. A Daughter of Cuba. A Story of Love and War. By Helen M. Bowen. The Waldorf series. 334 pp. 12mo, paper, 38 cents; by mail, 43 cents. Lithgow Hamilton, having declared his intention of going to Cuba in the commercial interest of Jersden & Lester, New York, is also commissioned by a lawyer to find the missing heir of an English planter. Succeeding in this quest, he later joins the forces of the insurgents, and becomes the hero in an episode of love and war, in which a Cuban girl is the heroine. Publishers' Weekly. A Hypocritical Romance and Other Stories. By Caroline Ticknor. Illustrated. 244 pp. 16m0, 75 cents; by mail, 84 cents. Miss Ticknor writes easily and gracefully, and possesses quiet, delicate humor that reminds one of Stockton's, than which we can say nothing more complimentary of her work. Of the even dozen tales in the collection we have found "A Bag of Popcorn" to be the best; for in this the author's light, effervescent touch is blended with genuine pathos, with a depth of real feeling that none of the other stories possesses. Mail and Express. A Living Lie (Mensonges). By Paul Bourget. Translated from the French by John DeVilliers. 301 pp. 12mo, 90 cents; by mail, $1.05. An authorized translation of Bourget's "Mesonges" preceded by a defence of his work by the author as altogether moral. In the work, a young Parisian author, who has won sudden success yields to various temptations in his way, and in the end finds himself unable to master them or himself, when he desires to break loose from them and attempts to commit suicide. A Master of Fortune. By Julian Sturgis, author of "John-a-Dreams," etc. With a frontispiece. 192 pp. 16mo, 57 cents; by mail, 65 cents. In A Master of Fortune Mr. Julian Sturgis's gift of clever writing is not displayed so well as in some of his plays, but the slight story is told in a work manlike way. The relation of curious adventures of a young English patrician, who quarreled with his grandfather because the latter did not renew the plumbing in some of his tenement houses as often as he ought, pitched all his fine prospects over, and went to America to breathe free air, will serve to pass à half hour agreeably. Book-Buyer. A Romance of the New Virginia. By Martha Frye Boggs. 369 pp. 12m0, $1.00, by mail, $1.12; paper, 40 cents; by mail, 45 cents. In A Romance of the New Virginia" we have a remarkably strong work of the romantic school, tinged with lofty idealism. If at times this volume is intensely exciting, the fine and pure spirit which permeates it more than counterbalances any charge of its being too exciting. In its wealth of imagination, no less than in its tendency to touch upon phychological themes, which are profoundly moving the best thought of our age, it strongly reminds one of Bulwer's powerful romances. These topics, however, are only incidentally dwelt upon; and while the spirit of the whole work is lofty, there is little or no preaching to be found within its covers. The local color is very fine, and there is just enough negro dialect introduced to brighten the story without in any way palling upon the reader. Mrs. Sarah Doudney has written nearly fifty girls' stories in the last twenty-five years, and has been called a juvenile Jane Austen. The present volume has for its heroine a young English girl of eight and twenty with an income of $750 a year who is living alone and who after various simple adventures is wooed and won. An Outcast of The Islands. By Joseph Conrad, author of "Almayers' Folly," "Appleton's Town and Country Library. 335 pp. 12mo, 75 cents; by mail, 85 cents. A work of extraordinary force and charm. Once more we breathe the languorous air of those mysterious islands set amid the far eastern seas. Here is an old world indeed made new by the romancer's magic. London Daily Chronicle. Barbara Heathcoate's Trial. A novel. By Rosa Nouchette Carey, author of "Wooed and Married,' etc. The Enterprise series. 503 pp. 12mo; 15 cents; by mail, 20 cents. 'First published in 1871 and Miss Carey's third novel. Behind Plastered Walls. A Novel. By Wm. W. M. Cornish. 228 pp. 12mo, 75 cents; by mail, 88 cents. Black Diamonds. A novel. By Maurus Jokai. Translated by Frances A. Gerard. With a portrait. 458 pp. 12mo, $1.10; by mail, $1.22. The scene of this story by the great Hungarian novelist is laid in and about a coal-mine whose engineer and owner marries one of the girls employed in it Coal-working, a burning coal mine and much of the higher and lower life of the region is described, a countess, the organization of a stock company, etc., figuring in the narrative which is swift and rapid. Checkers. A Hard-Luck Story. By Henry M. Blossom, Jr. 239 pp. 16mo, $1.00; by mail, $1.08. "Checkers," whose real name was Edward Campbell, is first seen during the Great American Derby, in Chicago, where he approaches Mr. Preston as a "tout" (race-track parlance for a frequenter of the tracks who gives tips on the winning horse). After this memorable race, the sad history of the gamester appeals to the sympathetic Preston, who tells why "Checkers" was given the strange sobriquet, and gives the incidents of a tragic episode in which Persis Barlow was the heroine. Publishers' Weekly. Condensed Novels. By Bret Harte. 212 pp. 12mo, 90 cents; by mail, 99 cents. Episcopo and Company. By Gabriele D'Annunzio. Translated by Myrta Leonora Jones. 16m0, $1.00; by mail, $1.07. 122 PP. Gabrielle d'Annunzio, the "Romantic Poet of the Italian Renaissance" is a new figure in the literature of Italy who stepped suddenly into prominence fifteen years ago. Beginning with erotic verse, he has adopted realism, and the present novel which tells in the first person of the passion, the debasement and the vulgar struggle of an Italian clerk is in their method. While possessing undeniable power, it is not easily followed by an American reader. File 113; or, The Secret of the Plundered Safe. Emile Gaboriau, author of "The Slaves of Paris," etc. Shield series. 190 pp. 12mo, paper, 20 cents; by mail, 25 cents. By The translation of this French detective story first appeared in 1892 in Street and Smith's New York Weekly. Her Second Love. A novel. By Bertha M. Clay, author of "The Shadow of a Sin," etc. Clover series. 231 pp. 12mo, paper, 20 cents; by mail, 25 cents. A reprint of a novel published in 1882. King Noanett. A Story of Old Virginia and the Massachusetts Bay. By F. J. Stimson( J. S. of Dale). Illustrated. 327 pp. 12mo, $1.50; by mail, $1.66. See review. 200 pp. 64 Love is a Spirit. A novel. By Julian Hawthorne. 12m0, 90 cents; by mail, $1.01. It is seldom that the covers of a volume so accurately shadow forth its contents as is the case with Julian Hawthorne's latest work, Love is a Spirit.” In a background of pale green is a mystical design of a heart, a lambent flame and a pair of white wings. So symbolical of the plot of the story is its effect, that one suspects the author designed the cover himself. From the very first chapter one is struck by the marked resemblance between the matter and manner of this tale and the occult results so deftly produced by the author's father. But the elder Hawthorne never created so sensuous an atmosphere as that which prevails in the first part of this book. One is at first disposed to object to the author's method when he remembers the title of his story. Especially does one feel like making a protest against an eightpage elaboration of the psychical origin and physical development of a kiss. This protracted kiss and all its untoward effects seem about to lead to the direst consequences. But by means of a literary tour de force the hero of the story is delivered from disgrace. His wife, whom the author had adroitly kept in the background, opportunely passes on (as a Christian scientist would put it), just at the moment when the hero, Angus, had determined that suicide was the only creditable retreat he could make from the situation. "I must disappear," he said to himself. "She must believe me dead. She can stand that better than finding me out. Her faith in immortality will console her with the idea that we shall meet hereafter." But the hero's self-effacing devotion was rendered unnecessary by the sudden demise of his wife. Meanwhile, after many qualms respecting his own unworthiness, Angus decides to visit Yolande, the beautiful maiden whom he loved. But Kismet, |