ed of in a few weeks, necessitating the preparation of a very large second edition before the book had been out more than a month or two.

Mrs. Alexander differs from a large number of our present-day lady novelists in that she does not treat her readers to discussions on well-worn sex-problems, or descriptions of elopements, divorces, secret marriages, etc., as do some authors. No; there is nothing risque in her novels, and the person who turns to them in the hope of finding anything of that nature looks for it in vain.

They are full of human nature, lively conversation and plenty of exciting incidents which render them very acceptable to all lovers of fiction. They belong to that wel come class of book which seeks no aid from morbidity or offensive revelation, which can be safely left in the hands of the healthyminded with the perfect confidence that there is contained in them nothing whatever that could possibly corrupt or perplex them.

This should be good news to paterfamilias, and not only to him, but to all people whatsoever who are looking for good, wholesome reading, which they can safely pass on when done with to their friends or their children.

It is by writing this class of book that Mrs. Alexander has gained her well-deserved popularity-a popularity which bids fair to continue as long as she is able to write, and afterwards.

Her new book, "From Fire to Fortune," has just been issued by the Musson Book Co., Toronto.

the devil and evil spirits. The rude castles hold brave men, and are the scenes of barbaric festivities. Along the ill-made roads come more companies of knights in search of adventure. In such scenes Sienkien wicz is at home. His historic research is wonderful, and while the book is in our hands we live in the dark ages. We have dramatic situations, knightly combats, and a charming love story. The interest is sustained throughout, and the character painting, done in bold coloring, places before us a number of men and women life-like and vivid. In the "Knights of the Cross," as in "Quo Vadis," there is similar strength of situation, similar heroism, and the same atmosphere of a romantic past.

Facilities for skating are abundant in Canada, and the Canadians may be truly called a nation of skaters. For these reasons George Meagher's timely little book, entitled, "Lessons in Skating," is selling well. George Meagher is a champion figure skater, and the art of skating is fully explained both in the text and in the illustrations. From the simplest movements on ice to the most complicated figures the reader is taken in a series of lessons, and any one desiring perfection in this healthy exercise ought to become the possessor of this book.

Sir John Everitt Millais, as an artist, is very familiar to all lovers of the beautiful. His paintings have appeared in the illustrated London Christmas papers for years, and have been copied into many magazines, but they are so fresh and beautiful that we never tire of them. Morang & Co. have produced an edition de luxe, entitled, "The Life and Letters of Sir John Everett Millais." It is in two volumes, with 319 illustrations, including nine photogravures, gilt top and boxed, retailing at $9. It is a survey of English art as exemplified in Millais' own pictures, and it also touches upon many notabilities whose names are associated with Millais in his art career.

At the present time all eyes are turned on Africa, where the best blood of England is being poured out like water, and all information about that country is eagerly sought after. In "The English in Africa," by the Hon. David Mills, which will be published at an early date by George N. Morang & Co., will be found more reliable information than in many of the hurriedly-written books which are at present flooding the market. Mr. Mills has had facilities for acquiring information from many sources, and, as might be expected from his character, he has given much time and attention to the preparation of his work. He treats of the various colonies of Britain and their spheres of influence; he gives us the history of the Soudan and the occupation of Egypt; the coloniza

tion of East Africa and the disputes with the Germans in the West, and, as a matter of course, the situation in South Africa and the real trouble between the English and the Boers are treated very exhaustively. The author shows very clearly that it is the French and not the English who pursued a land-grabbing policy. The price of the book will be $1.50.

WILLIAM BRIGGS' BOOKS.

"The Transvaal from Within."-William Briggs will publish at once a cheap Canadian edition of that very successful book, "The Transvaal from Within," by J. F. Fitzpatrick. This is considered the best work yet published on the Transvaal. The author, a South African by birth, and a resident of the Transvaal since 1884, was Secretary of the Reform Committee of Johannesburg. He certainly should be well informed on his subject. Lord Rosebery, in a recent speech, said, "If you wish to read a history of the internal economy of the Transvaal I would simply suggest to you that you should procure a book called "The Transvaal from Within," by Mr. Fitzpatrick, who was a denizen of the Transvaal, and much interested in its progress-a book which seems to me to bear on every page and in every sentence the mark of truth, and which gives you wholesale and in detail an extraordinary and, I think I may say, an appalling record of the way in which the government of the Transvaal was carried on, and the subjection to which it reduced your countrymen." The New York" Outlook" remarks of it: "Mr. Fitzpatrick's is perhaps the ablest as it is certainly the boldest statement of the case of the Outlanders yet published. While Mr. Fitzpatrick writes frankly from the Outlander's point of view, he appreciates the good side in the Boer's character. His style is simple, clear, calm, forcible; he gives one a constant impression of reserved power. . . In the absence of rhetoric his book differs from some others on the South African situation. Its matter is as valuable as any, and for historical reference, especially concerning the Jameson raid and its attendant circumstances, is really indispensable; it should be read by every one who wishes to have a thorough knowledge of the causes which led up to that raid and to the present war."

Miss Edith LeLean, Toronto, is preparing a series of "Canadian Drills and Exercises," which are being published by William Briggs. Three numbers are now issuedNo. 1, "How the Fairies Choose their Queen;" No. 2, " Fancy Flag Drill; " No. 3. "Canada, Our Homeland." Miss LeLean possesses positive genius for designing these pretty drills, and training the children in their intricate movements. The strong patriotic

element in them makes it desirable they should be introduced in Public school and Sunday school entertainments. The trade can assist in this by calling the attention of teachers to the series.

The Canadian book of the year-in the line of poetry at any rate - will be Dr. Rand's "Treasury of Canadian Verse." It will be a volume of some 400 pages, and will, we may feel assured, present the cream of the work of the Canadian poets. The English edition is in the hands of J. M. Dent & Co. The Canadian edition will be brought out by William Briggs, at whose suggestion Dr. Rand undertook the compilation of the book. It will be placed on the market this coming spring.

A new book by "Pansy," entitled "By Way of the Wilderness," will be published early in April. It will appear in the Canadian copyright edition of William Briggs.

Dr MacKay's "Pioneer Life in Zorra," one of the raciest and best of books descriptive of life in the early settlements of Ontario, is having a rapid sale and promises soon to run into a second edition. It has mightily pleased the Zorra "old boys," those who have left the townships to seek their livelihood elsewhere. One of these, who is now a Chicago millionaire, recently sent the author a cheque for $50 to show his appreciation of the book.

One of Dr. Withrow's best stories, a tale of the War of 1812-15, entitled "Neville Trueman, the Pioneer Preacher," has been republished in a new edition by William Briggs.

William Briggs has secured a number of popular books for his spring list. In addition to those elsewhere mentioned in these pages will be found Mark Ashton's "She Stands Alone," J. A. Stewart's "Wine on the Lees," Cutcliffe Hyne's "The Lost Continent," Merriman's "The Isle of Unrests. Dr. Bryce's "History of the Hudson's Bay Company" is expected to be ready early in May.

J. F. Livingston, B.A., M.D., a Canadian medical missionary, who spent nearly five years among the Boers of Swaziland, and was captured by them in December, making his escape after exciting experiences, has written the story of his escape. This is about to be published by William Briggs in pamphlet form. Dr. Livingston has much that is interesting to tell of the Boers and their country, the dust of whose soil he was thankful to shake from his speeding feet.

William Briggs has arranged to publish Mr. Edgar Sanderson's The Transvaal War from the Boer's Ultimatum to the Relief of Ladysmith," a popular work which will be embellished by over one hundred half-tone engravings, including one of a part

of the Canadian contingent and a portrait of Col. Otter. This book in paper covers will sell at 35 cents. It should have a quick sale.

In Joseph Hocking's new story, "The Purple Robe "--the Canadian edition of which is in the hands of William Briggsintroduces the characters which made "The Scarlet Woman one of the most successful books of last year.

A new story, by Dr. J. W. Johnston, the author of "Dwellers in Gotham," will appear this spring. It is said to be even better than the first. Dr. Johnston is one of the most brilliant preachers in the Methodist Church in the United States. This literary work is marked by sparkling wit and clever dialogue.

Mr. Roberts' new book "By the Marshes of Minas" will be published shortly in a Canadian edition, by William Briggs. It is a collection of short stories, in which many of the characters made familiar in "The

Forge in the Forest" and "A Sister to Evangeline" are introduced.

An enlarged edition of the "Canadian Hymnal" has just been issued. Nearly forty popular hymns have been added. Some advance in prices has been rendered necessary. Hereafter the music edition will be sold singly, or in quantity at 50 cents post paid (no reduced dozen rate), and the hundred rate on the words only edition has been advanced from $9.00 to $10.00 for the limp, and from $13.50 to $14.50 for the boards. The prices singly and per dozen remain the same.

Rolph Boldrewood's new Australian romance "The Babes in the Bush," will be put on the market in a few days by William Briggs. It is being published in England by Messrs. Macmillan & Co.

One of the most successful books of this year in England is " A Corner of the West," by Miss Fowler, a sister to the author of "The Double Thread." William Briggs is placing a Canadian edition on the market at 50 cents and $1.00.

W. J. Gage & Co., who issue it in paper 75c., cloth $1.25. The publishers are to be complimented on the attractiveness of their edition. The cover design was pronounced by a large American publishing house to be one of the most ornate of the season.

In "The Lunatic at Large" the object is to raise a laugh, and the author succeeds. A sane man is confined, through a plot against him, in a lunatic asylum. The sparkling dialogue, the funny situations, the frisky atmosphere, all tend to make the book enjoyable. In all it makes one of the best bits of light reading for the year. We are informed by the publishers, W. J. Gage & Co., that they will be shortly going to press, with the fourth edition which speaks well for the popularity and selling quality

of the book.

Some authors are like wine, they improve with age, and Mr. Gissing, in his new book "The Crown of Life," is evidently one of this class. This is by all odds the best thing he has produced. He has put good honest work into it, and has produced a book of which very few, if any, of the living writers of fiction would have cause to be ashamed. The principal characters are not mere lay figures, but real men and women. W. J. Gage & Co. issue this novel like so many of their other books in the $1 and 50c. editions, which are so easily handled by the bookseller. The work is sure to have a wide sale and many readers.

"The Vizier of the Two-Horned Alexander" is Mr. Frank R. Stockton's latest addition to his already large list of successes which his host of admirers will hail with pleasure. Mr. Reginald Birch's graceful illustrations showing the Vizier and his companions in costumes of the various lands and ages add much to the book's charm. Handsomely bound in paper at 50c, and cloth at $1, by the Canadian publishers, W. J. Gage & Co.

It is a relief to turn from the plethora of Scotch tales to a lively Irish story such as "Terence," by Mrs. B. M. Croker, who by this her latest book adds to her already high reputation as a writer of modern fiction. Both hero and heroine are very different from the stereotyped characters so common in fiction and the other figures are well drawn. "Terence" is a decided novelty and one of the most entertaining novels of the year. W. J. Gage & Co. have issued a Canadian edition, cloth $1, and paper 50c., which is having a very large sale.

"Houses of Glass" is written by Dr. Jas. Algie under the nom de plume of "Allan Lloyd." Dr. Algie is a native of Canada and this, his latest work, has received probably more complimentary notices than any

book published for some time. We are pleased to hear that it is having a large and constantly increasing sale and the Canadian publishers say they will shortly find it necessary to go to press with the third edition.

"A Day in My Clerical Life, with Reflections by the Way." By Rev. R. E. Veagh. Cloth, gilt, $1.00. The Musson Book Co., Toronto.

This little book was written

to answer one of that great number who think that the clergy have a life of ease, nothing to do but prepare their sermons, and take the Sunday services. It describes an ordinary day in the life of a clergyman in a small town and the various duties that he has to perform on that day. We think the author establishes his point that the clergyman's life is a busy one, but we would prefer that the author had left out many of the reflections which seem to us not only in very bad taste but oftentimes very silly.

Brentano's announce for immediate publication "the only authorized copyright edition" of Kipling's famous poem, "The Absent-Minded Beggar," on which they hold copyright in America for separate publication. This is to be handsomely printed on deckle-edged paper, small quarto.

Dodd, Mead & Co., will publish shortly a volume entitled "The Siege of Ladysmith," by the late George W. Steevens, which will contain the letters he sent home from his arrival at Cape Town till the day when he was struck down by enteric fever, and could write no more. At a later date a volume will be issued containing his London, Paris, and Berlin letters. A memorial edition of his works will be published towards the close of the year. The first volume will include a memoir by W. E. Henley, and a selection of the articles Mr. Steevens wrote for the "National Observer," "Blackwood's Magazine," the "New Review," etc. The "memorial edition" will contain all his best work.

Doubleday & McClure Co. have in preparation a series of Shakespeare's plays for theatre-goers. Each play will be edited by some well-known actor or actress who has won distinction in a Shakespearean role, and each will be elaborately illustrated with portraits of the editor, and with pictures of the most important scenes of the play as they are presented before modern audiences. Miss Ada Rehan will write the introduction for the first volume, which will include "The Taming of the Shrew." Sir Henry Irving has promised some material for I he Merchant of Venice." Aside from their critical parts, the introductions will contain interesting reminiscences and biographical

matter, which identifies the actor-editor with the play. They will shortly publish S. R. Crockett's latest romance, entitled "The Isle of Winds, a Tale of Scotland," which the author first called "Little Anna Mark.”

Book Motes.

Mr. Fisher Unwin's shilling volume on "How to Read the War News," has met with such a demand that the 8th thousand has been published. It is a vade-mecum of notes and hints to readers of despatches, etc., and explains technical terms, the positions of the chief centres of war, and many other things useful and interesting. There is also a supplementary chapter on the situation by Dr. Theal. The book is a convenient size for the pocket.

Are war maps selling? William T. Lancefield, Hamilton, says yes, emphatically they are; and he knows, because he is kept busy rushing out the orders to the trade in all sections of the country. The best of it is that nearly every dealer who has handled them has duplicated his order again and again, and the cable has been kept busy in keeping a supply in stock. He has a very large line of both war maps and colored battle pictures. Circulars and terms to the trade free for the asking.

Rand, McNally & Co., the publishers of Frank Putnam's new volume, " Living in the World, and other Ballads and Lyrics," have received a most interesting letter of appreciation of Mr. Putnam's work from Edwin Markham, author of "The Man with the Hoe."

In the "Rural Science Series," edited by Prof. L. H. Bailey, of Cornell University, and published by the Macmillan Company, a new volume of some interest is on "The Principles of Stock Breeding," by W. H. Brewer, Ph.D., Professor of Agriculture at Yale University. The subject of the book deals with the application of biological laws to the breeding of domestic animals (including poultry), whether for "fancy" or profit.

"The Amateur's Practical Garden Book," which has been written by Prof. L. H. Bailey, of Cornell, and Mr. C. E. Hunn, gardener to the Horticultural Department of the same university, will be published at an early date by the Macmillan Company.

Bolder than the snowdrops and the crocuses of the physical world are the books that herald the spring publishing season ere winter has fairly arrived. Of these is "Sand and Cactus," by Mr. Walcott Beard, which Mr. Fisher Unwin will publish immediately. The volume contains a set of

so accustomed to reading stories in which the events and incidents are quite possible that it is with a keen relish that the reader of books stumbles across a story, which not only savours of improbability, but is told in such a plausible way that its actual impossibility becomes fascinating. "A Story of the Stone Age" is, undoubtedly, the best of a very good series. In it the reader is taken back in fancy to the days when the aboriginal inhabitant of Britain was only a very little better than the animals that inhabited the fens and plains with him. This story of the past is followed by a tale of the days to come, somewhat resembling "Looking Backward," with more romance and quite as daring in conception and execution.

The patriotic lyric, "True Sons of Britain," by Mr. Mackenzie Bell, inspired by the Colonial aid in the war, has been set to music by Mr. Charles Mills, and will at once be published by Messrs. Hart, and sung in London and elsewhere by Mr. Henry Piercy, the well-known tenor. It is dedicated to Sir F. Young, K.C.M.G., founder and vicepresident of the Colonial Institute. Mr. J. J. Nesbitt, M.A., who is widely known as an elocutionist, has edited, with a preface, a Reciter, entitled "The Taking of the Flag, and other Recitations," made up from the poems of Mr. Mackenzie Bell.

"Out of the Hurly Burly," by Max Adeler, has been issued in a sixpenny edition by Ward, Lock & Co., London.

Mr. G. H. Pike's "Oliver Cromwell and His Times" has been published in a cheaper (three and sixpenny) edition, by Mr. Fisher Unwin, London.

Fords, Howard & Hulbert, 47 East 10th Street, New York, have published a new edition of Mrs. Paddock's remarkable novel, "The Fate of Madame La Tour," a vivid and startling picture of the iniquities of Mormonism. The fact that there were literally several millions of signatures to the protest against admitting Congressmanelect Roberts to a seat in the House as a representative of Utah, shows how keen an interest there still is in the "Mormon question." This new edition is in cloth binding, $1.

Those who are interested in the general history of the "Oxford Movement" will derive a fresh impression from five great Ox