There is no fragment of evidence that she ever committed, or abetted, or desired the murder of a human being; her sternest critic, writing during her lifetime, makes no such charge; her crimes began to be committed a couple of centuries after her death, in the minds of her commentators. In Ferrara, where Donizetti and Victor Hugo lay the scene of her supposed atrocities, she lived for seventeen years, esteemed, honored, beloved, and died regretted by a community which, at the time of her arrival, was certainly not prepossessed in her favor. She was blonde, petite, sprightly, blue-eyed, auburn-golden haired. Her beauty, her accomplishments, her proficiency in the classics, her grace in the dance, her sweet and courtly manners, were acknowledged everywhere. "Valentino," by W. W. ASTOR. TRUE EDUCATION. guised, answered well enough. There was the minister of the parish, and there was an old schoolmaster: either of them served very satisfactorily for grandfathers and old uncles. All I had to do was to shift some of their leading peculiarties, keeping the rest. The old minister wore knee-breeches. I clapped them on to the schoolmaster. The schoolmaster carried a tall gold-headed cane. I put this into the minister's hands. So with other things, I shifted them round, and got a set of characters who, taken together, reproduced the chief persons of the village where I lived, but did not copy any individual exactly. Thus it went on for a while; but by and by my stock company began to be rather too familiarly known, in spite of their change of costume, and at last some altogether too sagacious person published what he called a 'key' to several of my earlier stories in which I found the names of a number of neighbors attached to aliases of my own invention. All the 'types' as he called them, represented by these personages of my story had come to be recognized, each as standing for one and the same individual of my acquaintance. It had been of no use to change the costume. Even changing the sex did no good. I had a famous old gossip in one of my tales, a much-babbling Widow Sertingly. 'Sho!' they all said, 'that's old Deacon Spinner, the same he told about in that other story of his, only the deacon's got on a petticoat and a mob-cap-but it's the same old sixpence.' So I said to myself, I must have some new characters. I had no trouble with young characters; they are all pretty much alike, a dark-haired or light-haired, with the outfits belonging to their complexion, respectively. I had an old great-aunt, who was a tip-top eccentric. I had never seen anything just like her in books. So I said, I will have you, old lady, in one of my stories; and, sure enough, I fitted her out with a first-rate oddsounding name, which I got from the directory, and sent her forth to the world, disguised, as I supposed, beyond the possibility of recognition. The book sold well, and the eccentric personage was voted a novelty. A few weeks after it was published a lawyer called upon me, as the agent of the person in the directory, whose family name I had used, as he maintained, to his and all his relatives' great damage, wrong, loss, grief, shame, and irreparable injury, for which the sum of blank thousand dollars would be a modest compensation. The story made the book sell, but not enough to pay blank thousand dollars. In the mean time a cousin of mine had sniffed out a resemblance between the character in my book and our great aunt. We were rivals in her good graces. 'Cousin Pansie' spoke to her of my book and explained passages to her,-explained, you know, she sent for her lawyer and a new will was drawn up. 'Cousin Pansie' got the corner lot where the grocery is. The old woman left me a legacy. What do you think it was? An old set of my own books, bought out of a bankrupt circulating library." A liberal education is not confined to institutions of learning. Sometimes it is gained by private investigations and studies in moments snatched from a busy life, and, sometimes, almost without books, it is gained amid pressing circumstances, from the complications of business, from incidental intercourse with accomplished men and women, aided by habits of solitary meditation. But wherever and however it is sought, its office, and indeed the great purpose of life in training and educating men and women, is to call out what is noblest and best in them; to inspire them with high aims; to enlarge and purify their minds by familiarity with the grandest thoughts and lives; and especially to exercise their highest faculties by the truest and largest conceptions of nature, man and God. The great poets, seers, prophets, who have been the vanguard in the progress of the race, and, who, by lifting men up to a higher consciousness of what they ought to be, have kept them moving forward towards a higher ideal, must always hold the highest place in every well-organized and healthful condition of society. 'Great Poets as Religious Teachers," by JOHN H. MORISON. TROUBLES OF A NOVELIST. "I got along pretty well with my first few stories. I had some characters around me which, a little dis "A Mortal Antipathy," by O. W. HOLMES. Miss Kate Sanborn is striving to raise money for the erection of an Alumni Art Gallery and Memorial Hall for Dartmouth College. In view of the many recent discoveries of literary ladies masquerading under masculine names, or misleading initials, would it not be a charity to the critics to invent a new pronoun, a sort of personal "it," that could be fearlessly used in all doubtful cases? It does require such careful verbal navigation to steer clear of "his" and "him" and other words indicative of sex. Mark Twain made some interesting remarks about his early life as a printer at the Typothetæ dinner in New York. In many instances it was not what he said so much as his manner of saying it that caused the laughter which always follows his speeches. Mr. Stedman in his reply to the toast "The Author," expressed himself as not exactly pleased at the idea of forming a partnership with his publisher and his printer, where the one who supplies the real capital, that is the thought, receives ten per cent. and the others thirty and sixty per cent. Mr. Wallace Bruce, author of "The Hudson," a very pretty descriptive poem, will lecture in New York this month on Ready Wit." Gen. Longstreet spends most of his time at literary work at his home in Gainesville, Ga. Gen. Jas. Grant Wilson is an active member of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society and is one of the publishing committee on their admirable record. Mr. Andrew F. Underhill, a member of the New York Petroleum Exchange, has finished a volume of poems and vers de societé which will be published at an early date. One of the popular monthly magazines recently proposed for the votes of its readers the query "What five nineteenth century authors have exerted the worst influence on our age?" Ouida (Louise de La Rame) headed the list with 60 votes; Zola, 54; Robert Ingersoll, 27; Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth, 24; Lord Byron, 21; and 114 scattering votes. The marked success of "A Lone Star Bo-peep," Mr. Howard Seely's recent book of Texan Ranch Tales has induced Messrs. Dodd, Mead & Co. to conclude a contract with Mr. Seely for the next five years. It is nearly thirty years since the troubles of Miss. Flora McFlimsy first delighted the public in Mr. Wm. Allen Butler's "Nothing to Wear." He has just completed a novel which it is understood will deal with the problem of domestic service, on the humorous side, broadening into a treatment of social and public questions of wider range but all held together by the thread of the narrative. Mr. Isaac Henderson, well known on the Evening Post of this city, has completed a novel, "The Prelate," which awaits a speedy publication from the press of Ticknor & Co. It is a story of modern Roman life, and is not the exponent of any religion or the champion of any sect. The plot is fresh, its incident abundant, and its movement rapid. Mr. Henderson is now resident in Rome, which, by the way, seems to be fast becoming a favorite resting place for literary people, who find the life there a most fascinating theme for their pen. Miss Tincker, W. W. Astor, W. L. Alden, W. W. Story and others have lately favored us with glimpses and sketches of Italian life and manners. The author of "Conrad," a poem, which has had quite a circulation in the South, has written a novel based on summer life and happenings of Greenbriar White Sulphur Springs, during the season of 1885. As the names of the guests are given in full, and their characteristics noted in a vein of genial kindness, it will probably create a sensation among those interested. The programme of the tableaux, the boating, gaming, gossip and pleasure are carefully chronicled. Incidently, in conversation, are given the views of the North and South on many political and social questions. In enjoying "Sweet Cicely," Josiah Allen's wife's last book, we must thank her not only for the wit and wisdom of the story but for the most clever representation of it in the illustrations. In her MS. Miss Holley directed the special lines which to her seemed most suitable for illustration and in every instance gave written hints and ideas to the artist of her conception of each character. Such an expression of countenance, such an attitude, some personal trait or humorous touch were added as she suggested and the artist's sketches were altered and modified until the picture showed each of Josiah Allen's friends and neighbors just as they appeared to the mind of the author. "Sweet Cicely" had the strongest personality and formed the most definite and vivid impression in Miss Holley's mind. So tenderly and lovingly had this character been delineated that when completed it seemed to Miss Holley as a real creation and the face was as clear to her as if it were of a dear friend. Some picture of one of the old masters or some study which she but partially remembered seemed to bear the stamp of combination of qualities of her heroine. From store to art-galley and from one studio to another, Miss Holley wandered one hot day last sum 7 mer until the heat and fatigue overpowered her and she was taken home extremely ill. Since that day in her quiet country home in the interior of the State, she has been confined to her room; and nearly all the proof of a story that has brought laughter and fun to thousands of readers was corrected by her on her bed of sickness. In all legal questions every point was referred to the highest authorities, so that no exaggeration or technical error or misstatement might mar the truth and power of the story. The methods employed by Anna Katharine Green in planning and writing her strong and ingenious detective stories is worthy of note. She does not make a plot. When the nucleus of a story presents itself with sufficient power to start a train of thought the plot evolves itself and develops in connection with the characters of the story in hand. When all the detail has been carefully examined, compared with the main idea, found to be compatible with reality and consistent with facts the author lays in a stock of ruled manilla paper in pads, seats herself, and the labor begins. She writes holding paper on lap, using a lead pencil almost exclusively, having found that less strength is required to write in that position, and by that means. Publishers find no fault with MS. being written in lead pencil, and are willing to spare the author all the labor possible in the composition of the stories that make such a heavy demand on her physical and nervous strength. She finds it impossible to produce her books more frequently than they have appeared, preferring to write a few strong books to many of lesser merit. Conscientious labor is bestowed on every detail and no deviation from the natural possibilities of things tolerated. For instance, in her new book, "The Mystery of the Mill" (soon to be published by G. P. Putnam's Sons), a secret communication is made from the dying "Samuel Pollard" to his clergyman, "David Barrows," through the agency of a prayer book. She takes no chances of this communication not being in the prayer book word for word; so that even avery curious reader may find verified the means by which the chain of evidence is forged in fact. It is remarkable that some of the foremost lawyers of the country marvel at the legal mind of so shy and candid a little woman, whose gray eye looks all sympathy and kindness, without trace of the masculine fire and strength that her work would seem to indicate. Ex-Chief-Justice Drake (Court of Claims), a man of years and legal attainments, is a staunch admirer of her talent. Governor Hill, of this State, said: "The author of the Leavenworth Case' is one of the ablest lawyers in the State." Her friends are among some of the best known lawyers on and off the Bench, whose acquaintance has been largely made by the work she has done. When "The Leavenworth Case" was first published it was found that mostly men enjoyed its writing. This was attributed to the fact that it held the attention so closely as to be enervating; now it, and the subse quent books, find as persistent readers among women as could be desired by her publisher and herself. The biographies of Solomon consist mostly of sketches in the biblical cyclopædias, but little being published in separate volumes. See MacClintock & Strong's Cyclopædia, 1 pages under Solomon ; Miller's Lectures on Solomon (London, 1838); Stanley's History of the Jewish Church, vol. II., pp. 184 seq.; Scripture Characters, by Thos. Robinson, 2 vols. (London, 1841), vol. II., pp. 492-510; Niemeyer Charakteristen der Bibel, vol. IV., pp. 562 seq.; Bertheau, Zur Israelit Geschicte (Göttingen, 1842), pp. 318-325; Furnivall:-Adam Davy's Five Dreams, (In early English text, Society's Pub. No. 69.) (2) Dr. Henry Gersonia, 206 E. 73d st., City; Dr. H. P. Mendes, 313 W. 30th st., City; Dr. A. Kohnt, 155th st. and Lexington ave., City; Dr. I. M. Wise, Cincinnati, Ohio; Rabbi S. H. Sonnenschein, St. Louis, Mo.; Dr. A. S. Isaacs, Jewish Messenger, New York City. etc. 2. I am anxious to find a poem published in an old school-reader some twenty-five years ago. The first lines are "On a winter's night, As the moon shone bright, If you can give any information you will oblige me. The selection from which the lines you quote are taken is "The Greedy Fox," published anonymously in Cummock's School Speaker by Jansen, McClurg & Co., Chicago. "Read periodicals, not idly and wastefully, but so as to keep up with the truth of the present, as well as to learn the truth of the past. See as many journals as possible, learn to choose what is valuable and skip the rest."-J. B. PERKINS. DECEMBER, 1885. Alphabet, Origin of the.. Prof. Sayce-Contemporary Review. Arctic Birds, Social Life of.... Dr. A. E. Brehm-Pop. Sci. Mo. Bab, The Story of the.. . Mary F. Wilson-Contemporary Rev. Belgravian Imbroglio, The. .Chambers' Journal. .Benj. Kidd-Longman's. V. Cailard-Fornightly. ...Leisure Hour. ..J. Burroughs-Century. Edw. C. Bruce-Lippincott's. .B. B. Huntron-Southern Biv. .Ph. Burty-Harper's. Birds of a Texan Winter. Carlyle, Masson's Interpretation of... D. Masson-Pop. Sci. Mo. Catalogues, Curiosities of.. Chas. F. Blackburn-London Society. Character, Formation of.. ..J. H. Dennison-Andover Review. Chess Player, The..... Eclectic. ...Eclectic. Quiver. Childhood in Modern Literature.. .H. E. Scudder-Atlantic. Civil Service-Practical Views .....I. E. Vail-Unit. Ser. Mag. Time. Cuyler, Rev. Theodore........... Rev. Newman Hall-Quiver. David A Study for Oratorio..E.P. Parker, D.D.-Andover Rev. Disenfranchised People, A..... ....A. T. Rice-No. Am. Rev. Disestablishment and Disendowment. D. of Wells--Con. Rev. Drama in the Nursery Du Mornay and Sidney. N. Pearson-Lippincott's. ....S. R. P.-Leisure Hour. Educational Movement, The New. Agnes C. Maitland-Lon. Soc. England, Moral and Merry....H. A. White-Fortnightly Rev. England Under Queen Elizabeth..R.C.Crowell-Leisure Hour. English Criticism, Present Position of.. Havelock Ellis-Time. English, Superfine.. Cornhill. Essayist, An Early (Pedro Mexia).. W. H. S. Watts-Longman's. Establishment and Disestablishment.............Blackwood's. Ethical Socialism: A Reply......... Henry G. Rawson-Time. Evolution and Theology. ..Lyman Abbott-Andover Rev. Faith Cures... Falstaff Letters, The Faroes, A Walk in the.. Faucit, Helen... .A. F. Schauffler-Century. .Godfrey Turner-Theatre. Macmillan's. Blackwood's. .E. Waller, Ph. D.-Century. Janet Ross-Macmillan's. Food and Drink, Dangers in.. Rev. W. W. Edwards-Contemporary Review. ..S. B. Gould-Eclectic. Geography, What It Ought To Be.. Pr. Kropotkin-XIX Cent. Hawthorne and His Wife. Blackwood's. ..C. Waldstem-Century. .E. P. Baker-Overland. ...E. Harkwick-Temple Bar. Heaven is Like, What........... Rev. J. H. Hitchens-Quiver. Heine Before the Venus of Milo.....Alex. Anderson-Eclectic. Hist. Societies, Bibliography of..A.P.C.Griffin-Mag.Am.Hist. House of Lords.. .Henry W. Lucy-Eng. Ill. Mag. Hugo, Victor... Richard Heath-Leisure Hour. Hyatt, Prof. Alpheus...R. S. Tarr-Popular Science Monthly. Ignorance, Our Insular......... ..Prof. Seeley-XIX Century. India, Progress in........ Vamadeva Shastin-Fortnightly Rev. Indian Question, A suggestion on..E. L. Huggins-Overland. Indian Wars in Texas......J. T. De Shields-United Ser. Mag. Insanity and Crime....... .Rt. Hon. Lord Bramwell-XIX Cen. Insects, Neuter..... ...... Charles Morris-Pop. Sci. Mon. Ireland, Prospect for.. .T. M. Healy, M. P.-Cath. World. Castletown-Fortnightly Rev. Irish Problem, The Irish Shootings... Iron Clads, Chat about....... Jewish Wedding, A.. Macmillan's. Chambers' Jour. Overland. Legend of Saint Alexis.......Aubrey De Vere-Cath. World. Overland Mo. Mexican War, Chapter on the..E. P. Scammon-Mag. Am. H. Monitors (The), Their construction, etc....John Ericsson-Cen. Oxford Memories... Oxford Pass Schools... Oxford Revisited..... Painless Deaths.... Painters, Prince of Court.. ...Louisa F. Field-Time. H. D. Traill-Eclectic. ...Cassell's. ...London Society. Chambers' Journal. Cuthbert Bede-Leisure Hour. Chambers' Journal. Eclectic. Pasteur (Louis)...... Chambers' Journal. .... Wm. Archer-Theatre. ......Andrew Lang-Macmillan's. ....J. Macdonell-Fortnightly. Roger de Coverley, Sir (ill. ver.).." Spectator" Eng. Ill. Mag. Russell (Rev. John), Eventide Recollections of...... Tem. Bar. ... ....... ..... St. Thomas of Canterbury. Maurice F. Egan-Catholic World. ..J.LeConte-Overl' d. Any magazines noted in this list can be supplied either by single number or yearly subscription by BRENTANO BROS. Catalogue sent free. Our "Magazine Leaders" will give each month the principal articles in all the important American and English magazines and reviews indexed under the subject word of the title. More than two hundred articles from over forty magazines are herein noted. Readers will find it valuable to preserve and refer to. Hereafter we shall give the principal German and French reviews as well as the English ones. |