Part II

. 1_s._ 6_d._ (See No. 252.)

Very easy lessons for young children on the Collects.

=275. Only a Tramp.= By GRACE STEBBING. (Shaw) 6_d._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

There are some mistakes in this, but they may be overlooked for the sake of the practical illustrations of the Litany.

=276. Stories and Teaching on the Litany.= By Dr. W. HARDMAN. (Skeffington) 5_s._

Short chapters of comment on the Litany, containing telling anecdotes illustrating each clause; especially useful for those who have to _get_ up a lesson before giving it.

=277. Number One, Brighton Street.= By C. MACSORLEY. (S.P.C.K.) 6_d._

A story showing the comfort of intercessory prayer.

=278. Prayer-Book Packet.= (S.P.C.K.) Six books. 1_s._

Short tales illustrating the services.

=279. Chapters on the Te Deum.= (Masters) 2_s._

=280. Letters from an Unknown Friend.= (Kegan Paul) 1_s._

More about the Church than the Prayer-Book, but very useful as showing why Dissent is an evil.

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BOOKS BEARING ON HOLY SCRIPTURE.

These are needed for various classes of readers. The highest and best are those who need to study the Scriptures devotionally. Works for these hardly come within the scope of a parish library—nor do the Commentaries, such as the Speaker’s or the Cottage Commentary of the S.P.C.K., although in an ideal school these ought always to be accessible by the teachers. What is here to be provided is a set of books that will illustrate the intellectual side of the Bible, and may in the first place instruct the teachers, and in the next make it plain to the young minds that there is infinite interest in the study of Holy Scripture even after they have left school, a fact which they are too slow to believe. Conversations can be read with drawing-room classes or Bible classes with advantage, leaving the pupils to look out references and make observations. There are innumerable varieties of Bible stories, but there is no use in mentioning these. It is much better to teach the narrative of the Patriarchs direct from the Book itself, reading it to the children till they can read with perfect ease, and then reading _with_ them. Later, Dr. Maclear’s two ‘Class Books of the Old and New Testaments,’ 4_s._ 6_d._ and 5_s._ 6_d._ (Macmillan), are useful in disentangling the narrative and explaining the chronology; and for those who find a difficulty in selecting passages, and passing over those chapters, verses, or phrases to which it is not well to direct children’s attention, C. M. Yonge’s ‘Scripture Readings’ (Macmillan) may be an assistance, as they are chronologically arranged, and harmonised with portions of the Prophetical writings. Five series, 1_s._ 6_d._ each, without comment; 4_s._ 6_d._ with comment.

The books that follow begin with the easiest, and fittest to lend to a thoughtful child, especially to a little invalid.

=281. Parables of Our Lord.= By the late Earl of DERBY. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

These are conversations on the Parables in rather set language, but with good applications.

=282. Walks from Eden.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

=283. The House of Israel.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

=284. The Kingdom of Judah.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

=285. The Broken Walls.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

=286. The Star out of Jacob.= By SUSAN and ANNA WARNER. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

These American books are admirable in their way, bringing in Eastern research, historical inquiry, and lights from science in a conversational, but always reverent manner. They do not go into the types or spiritual lessons, but are thoroughly sound and excellent for reading with fairly intelligent young people. I used ‘The Kingdom of Judah’ with great success with a pupil-teacher.

=287. The Chosen People.= By C. M. YONGE. (W. Smith) 1_s._

This is more of a lesson book, being a compendium of sacred and Church history.

=288. The Prophet Daniel Explained.= By Prof. GAUSSEN (W. Smith) 5_s._

A translation of very easy lectures on Daniel, given by the celebrated Professor Gaussen to a class of children at Geneva.

For students beyond childhood:—

=289. The World’s Birthday.= By Prof. GAUSSEN. (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._

Science consulted in dealing with the first chapter of Genesis. Useful in preparing lessons or in argument to those who stumble at the Mosaic record.

=290. The Nations Around.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Beginning from Ur of the Chaldees, and going through the contemporary Egyptian history, then the Phœnician, and on to the Babylonian and Assyrian.

=291. The Tabernacle: its Priests and Services.= By BROWN. (Oliphant, Edinburgh) 2_s._ 6_d._

An excellent explanation of the ritual in the wilderness.

=292. The Child Samuel.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 5_s._

Lessons from the youth of Samuel adapted to choir boys.

=293. David’s Life as seen in the Psalms.= (Hodder) 3_s._ 6_d._

A worthy and very interesting book.

=294. The History of the Kingdom of Judah.= By F. M. WILBRAHAM. (Masters) 1_s._ 6_d._

This is one of the best books to explain the contemporary royal lines of Judah and Israel.

=295. The World before the Flood, etc.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=296. The Exodus and Wanderings in the Wilderness.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=297. Israel under Joshua and the Judges.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=298. Israel under Samuel, Saul, and David.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=299. Israel and Judah from Solomon to Ahab.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=300. Israel and Judah from Ahab to the Decline of the two Kingdoms.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=301. Israel and Judah from Joash to Zedekiah.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 3_s._

The set of seven volumes can be had bound in four, price 16_s._

=302. Sketches of Jewish Life.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 5_s._

=303. The Temple, its Ministry and Services.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 5_s._

Very valuable for comprehension of the narrative.

=304. Elisha the Prophet.= By Dr. EDERSHEIM. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=305. Heroes of Hebrew History.= By Bishop SAMUEL WILBERFORCE. (Strahan) 5_s._

Eloquent and stirring pictures of the lives of the great men of Israel, especially Elijah and Elisha.

=306. Simple Readings on the Minor Prophets.= By M. C. HYETT. (Masters) 3_s._

Useful to read with the Prophets.

=307. Judæa and her Rulers.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

=308. Wars of the Jews.= By A.L.O.E. (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

Jewish history from the return from the captivity.

=309. Daniel—Statesman and Prophet.= By the Rev. H. T. ROBJOHNS. (R.T.S.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A bridge over the gulf between Nehemiah and St. Matthew.

=310. Judas Maccabæus.= By Capt. C. R. CONDER, R.E. (Marcus Ward) 2_s._ 6_d._

A brilliant, soldierly description of that great man and of the scenes of his exploits.

=311. Eldad the Pilgrim.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

In the form of a tale, showing the condition of Judæa under Hyrcanus.

=312. Ephrem and Helah.= (Hodder) 5_s._

A not ill executed tale of Israel in Egypt. The description of the water turned into blood is particularly effective.

=313. The Gospel Story.= (Hodges) 6_s._

The best harmonising narrative for popular use.

=314. The Gospel of the Childhood.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 5_s._

=315. The Acts of the Deacons.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 5_s._

So excellent that it is much to be wished they were cheaper.

=316. St. Paul.= By CONYBEARE and HOWSON. Abridged. (Longmans) 7_s._ 6_d._

=317. The Fall of Jerusalem.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

Well told and illustrated.

=318. The Story of Salvation.= By Mrs. J. MERCIER. (Rivingtons)

Admirable in many respects, though not perfect. It is well calculated to teach how Holy Scripture may be studied.

Nothing has been said here of the Psalms. Books on them are rather devotional reading than fit for libraries. The most compendious in giving information is an American book,

=319. The Treasury of the Psalms.= Compiled by the Rev. G. HUNTINGTON and the Rev. H. METCALF. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 7_s._ 6_d._

It ought to be widely known.

Next best for the purpose is:—

=320. A Plain Commentary on the Psalms.= (Parker) 2 vols. 10_s._ 6_d._

=321. Eastern Manners and Customs.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

Useful for teachers to consult when preparing a lesson.

_MODERN RESEARCH INTO MONUMENTS._

Here only the small popular books are mentioned. The great original authorities are too large and too expensive.

=322. Assyria.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

=323. Babylonia.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

=324. Egypt.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

=325. Greek Cities.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

=326. Persia.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

=327. Sinai.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

Full of most useful information, but for somewhat advanced students.

=328. Mount Sinai and Petra.= (Nelson) 2_s._

=329. Nineveh and its History.= 1_s._ 6_d._

Both of these speak to the eye by good illustrations.

=330. Babylonian Life and History.= By E. A. W. BUDGE, M.A. (R.T.S.) 3_s._

=331. Recent Discoveries on the Temple Hill.= By the Rev. J. KING, M.A. (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

Lively and easy narrations of the experiences of a residence in Jerusalem at the time of the chief discoveries, and easier than those above mentioned.

=332. A Year in Palestine.= By Mrs. FINN. (Nisbet)

=333. A Second Year in Palestine.= By Mrs. FINN. (Nisbet)

=334. Jerusalem and its Environs.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

Language rather difficult, but numerous excellent illustrations.

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ALLEGORIES AND ALLEGORICAL TALES.

Too many allegories are not desirable, nor should they even be pressed upon those who do not accept them readily. To the imaginative, who are perhaps two-thirds of the people we deal with, they are an excellent and persuasive mode of teaching and influencing. The remaining third at first take them for fact, as people did in mediæval times by the stories of St. Christopher or St. Margaret, and when the delusion is dispelled feel resentment, as if deceived; or else they look on the allegory either as a tale meant to cheat them into being instructed or as an irreverent riddle. Any way, when forced on them, it gives a sense of unreality which is, above all, what they dislike, and which may damage even their feeling for the truths thus represented.

Too many allegories, even for the most receptive readers, are undesirable, and among those here mentioned, it may be wiser to make a choice.

=335. The Pilgrim’s Progress.= By JOHN BUNYAN. (Macmillan) 4_s._ (Nelson) 1_s._, 2_s._, and 5_s._ (R.T.S.) 1_s._, 1_s._ 6_d._, 2_s._ 6_d._ (Nisbet) 1_s._, 1_s._ 6_d._, 2_s._, 2_s._ 6_d._, 3_s._ 6_d._

In spite of all its peculiarities, the king of allegories must be admitted. It is not likely that Bunyan’s doctrines will do any harm, though for these purposes we do regret that Dr. Neale’s edition, arranged for Church people, is out of print.

=336. Agathos.= By Bishop SAMUEL WILBERFORCE. (Seeley) 6_d._, 1_s._, and 2_s._ 6_d._

=337. The Rocky Island.= By Bishop SAMUEL WILBERFORCE. (Seeley) 6_d._, 1_s._, and 2_s._ 6_d._

‘Agathos’ itself ought to be read to every child at the right age either on Advent Sunday or the Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity, the other parables in like manner.

=338. The Shadow of the Cross.= By the Rev. W. ADAMS. (Rivingtons) 1_s._

=339. The Distant Hills, and The King’s Messengers.= By the Rev. W. ADAMS. (Rivingtons) 1_s._ each.

=340. The Old Man’s Home.= By the Rev. W. ADAMS. (Rivingtons)

Separately 1_s._ each, altogether 5_s._

The third is rather an exquisite dreamy story than an allegory, but the two first are of the very best and most practical description.

=341. The Dark River.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)

=342. The Vast Army.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)

=343. The Combatants.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)

=344. The Revellers.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters)

=345. The Journey Home.= By the Rev. E. MONRO. (Masters) Separately 1_s._ each, collected 7_s._ 6_d._

‘The Dark River’ has been known to terrify nervous children. ‘The Combatants’ and ‘The Vast Army’ are very inspiriting and practical.

=346. The Story of the Red Cross Knight.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

Spenser’s allegory told in conversations between an aunt and some children.

=347. The Giants, and how to fight them.= (Nelson) 1_s._

Forms of evil, and lively practical lessons on how to meet them.

=348. Truth in Tale.= By Bishop BOYD CARPENTER. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Half allegories, half stories, some of them, such as the ‘White Flower,’ very beautiful. Excellently suited for short grave readings.

=349. The Gate of Paradise.= By EDITH S. JACOB. (Rivingtons) 6_d._ and 1_s._

=350. The Vision of the Holy Child.= By EDITH S. JACOB. (Rivingtons) 1_s._ 6_d._

Very beautiful and touching dreams. The first is either appropriate for Easter Eve or to a house of recent bereavement; the second is a Christmas vision.

=351. Parables from Nature.= By Mrs. GATTY. (S.P.C.K.) Four series, to be had at 7_s._ 6_d._ in 2 vols. Selections, 2 vols. 1_s._ each.

The Selections might be most useful, as some of the others are too difficult for the present purpose. No praise is needed for these. Several, if read with children, are very successful.

=352. Earth’s Many Voices.= (S.P.C.K.) 1st and 2nd Series. 2_s._ each.

In the style of Mrs. Gatty.

=353. The Man on the Top of the Ark.= (Nisbet) 1_s._

The flood, the brazen serpent, and the city of refuge are here drawn out in their typical meaning. They are very effective. In the first, there is the serious defect that there is no explanation _how_ to enter the ark, but to add the text, ‘The like figure whereunto even Baptism, etc.,’ gives the key.

=354. The Golden Thread.= By Dr. NORMAN MCLEOD. (Strahan) 2_s._ 6_d._

A parable of life, so full of spirit and playfulness that children delight in it for the story alone.

=355. The Lord of the Forest.= By Mrs. ALEXANDER. (Masters) 2_s._ 6_d._

A tale with much allegory hidden within.

=356. The Beautiful Face.= By Mrs. MITCHELL. (Masters) 4_s._ 6_d._

A child’s romance with a hidden meaning so interesting that ‘Oh, that _is_ pretty!’ the schoolchild’s highest praise, is admiringly whispered when it is read.

=357. Coming.= By SELINA GAYE. (Seeley) 5_s._

A very beautiful semi-allegory, with Swiss surroundings. Somewhat long, but of a very poetical and lofty tone, suited to readers of a more cultivated taste.

=358. Sintram and his Companions.= By LA MOTTE FOUQUÉ.

This most striking of allegorical tales cannot be omitted, when it is on record that it made such an impression on Charles Lowder’s boys that they actually named places in Ratcliffe Highway and London Docks from ‘The Castle of the Moon,’ ‘Rocks,’ &c. There was a small cheap edition published by Burns, the poems exquisitely translated. Hare’s translation, less good, has been published, illustrated by Mr. H. Sumner, by Seeley. 5_s._

=359. The Child’s Pilgrimage.= By FRANCES CLARE. (Skeffington) 2_s._ 6_d._

Pretty little allegories and semi-allegories for children, tenderly and gracefully touched, though it is a pity the child’s departed spirit is called an angel.

=360. A Beleaguered City.= By Mrs. OLIPHANT. (Macmillan) 6_s._ There is something so deep and solemn in this book, founded on ‘Though one went unto them from the dead they will not repent,’ that it is added to the list, though it can only be understood by persons of thought and cultivation.

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HISTORICAL TALES.

These are of considerable value, not only as serving as ‘sugared history’ and conveying facts, but sometimes as supplying the element of romance which is almost essential to a wholesome development. Moreover, these stories are of great assistance in making it evident that the actors in history are not mere names with dates attached, to load the memory for an examination, but that they have been flesh and blood beings like ourselves.

There has been of late a great attempt to supply these tales, with very varied success. Some are so interesting as to be read apart from all purpose, for their mere interest. Others present nothing but wooden puppets put into the carefully studied costume of their period, and stiffly working out the facts, with much pains but no life. These, however, have a certain value, not only because perverse youth will read them when it will not read real history; but also because when a special period has to be ‘got up,’ they impress details of manners, dress, and habits in a convenient way. We shall therefore endeavour to give a chronological list of English, foreign, and Church history tales.

_TALES ON EARLY CHURCH HISTORY._

There are many of these, and it is difficult to choose among them. Those are here mentioned which may serve best to interest young people in the primitive Church, and give some idea of the days of martyrdom.

=361. Triumphs of the Cross, and Deeds of Faith.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) Two series, each 2_s._

=362. Lent Legends.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._

=363. Followers of the Lord.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._

Brief tales through the whole range of Church history, some of them quite unrivalled in effectiveness.

=364. Helena’s Household.= By the author of ‘The Schönberg-Cotta Family.’ (Nelson) 4_s._

This tells of the days of the Catacombs.

=365. Gaudentius.= By the Rev. G. F. DAVIES. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

The builder of the Colosseum, who afterwards became a martyr there.

=366. Lapsed not Lost.= By the Author of ‘The Schönberg-Cotta Family.’ (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

A failure from weakness in the days of St. Cyprian.

=367. The Egyptian Wanderers.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._

Giving with much vividness the trials of the Christians at different times of persecution.

=368. Narcissus.= By the Bishop of RIPON. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

=369. Conquering and to Conquer.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

The days of St. Jerome and the Gothic invasion of Rome.

=370. Bilihild.= By JULIE SUTTER. (R.T.S.) 1_s._ 6_d._

The conversion of part of Germany.

=371. Mitslav, or the Conversion of Pomerania.= (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

=372. Tales illustrating Church History.= (Parker, Oxford) In seven 3_s._ 6_d._ vols., to be had separately.

I regret that these tales are not to be had singly as before, and that they are arranged by countries, not chronology. The most useful for illustrations of primitive Church history are those called ‘Asia and Africa’ and ‘France and Spain,’ containing the four following:—

=373. The Quay of the Dioscuri.=

On the persecution of St. Athanasius.

=374. The Exiles of the Cevenna.=

Persecution in Gaul.

=375. Lucia’s Marriage.=

Christians in Africa.

=376. The Lazar House of Leros.=

The Lepers in an island of the Archipelago.

=377. The Farm of Aptonga.= (Masters) 2_s._

African adventures of Christians.

_TALES ON ENGLISH HISTORY._

These tales of English History are given in greater numbers and with less sifting than the others, because when a particular period is proposed for study or examination a story even of no great merit may be an assistance. Also some belonging to higher literature are enumerated so as to make out a complete list.

=378. The Camp on the Severn.= By Rev. E. CUTTS. (Mowbray) 2_s._

=379. No. XIII. The Lost Vestal.= By EMMA MARSHALL. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

Both these start from St. Alban’s martyrdom. Neither is quite satisfactory as to correctness, but the second is the more vivid, the latter part being upon scenes at Rome. The first needs less education to be understood.

=380. Stories of the Days of King Arthur.= By C. H. HANSON. (Nelson) 3_s._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

Hardly to be called historical, but with the grand outlines of Sir T. Malory’s great romance and with excellent illustrations by Gustave Doré. Desirable as giving the genuine English heroic tale, noble in itself, and furnishing allusions. It is intended to prepare the way for Malory and Tennyson, and there is thus little said of the Quest of the Holy Grail.

=381. Edwy the Fair.= By Rev. A. D. CRAKE. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=382. Alfgar the Dane.= By Rev. A. D. CRAKE. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=383. The Rival Heirs.= By Rev. A. D. CRAKE. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

This and the other ‘Chronicles of Æscendune’ endeavour to dramatise the days of Anglo-Saxon history. Young people like them very much, but there is more of adventure and research than of character or life.

=384. The Champion of Odin.= By HODGETTS. (Cassell) 5_s._

A fierce story of wild Northmen invading England. The manners are well touched, but there is the great error of making Alfred knowingly re-baptise a Dane who had recurred to his wild life.

=385. Harold.= By Lord LYTTON. (Routledge) 6_d._, 2_s._, and 3_s._ 6_d._

This and other historical novels of high merit are here mentioned to complete the series, though only for advanced readers.

=386. The Camp of Refuge.= (Leach) 5_s._

The legend of Hereward le Wake, not told with the fire of imagination which Kingsley has thrown into it.

=387. Hereward, the Last of the English.= By C. KINGSLEY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

But we should prefer the former of the two for younger and simpler readers.

=388. Lady Sybil’s Choice.= By EMILY S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

Miss Holt’s tales will be enumerated in their order of chronology, but the following description must be understood to apply to all. Manners and customs, history and chronicle, are minutely studied; but the mediæval Church is never understood, and sympathy is uniformly with those who separated from it. What is especially to be regretted is that there are often innuendoes and even more direct attacks on present practices and opinions, which the author thinks a return to what she reprobates.

=389. The Knight’s Ransom.= By Mrs. VALENTINE. (Warne) 2_s._ 6_d_.

Greatly relished by young people. It is founded on the legend of the lady whose hand was the ransom of her crusading knight.

=390. The Betrothed.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

Belonging to the higher order of literature. Bringing out the state of things on the Welsh border under Henry II., not accurately but impressively.

=391. The Talisman.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT. Scott’s novels may be had at any price from 6_d._ upwards. It is of no use to specify publisher.

The master hand has lighted up the relations between Cœur-de-Lion and Saladin. There is no need to touch on the inaccuracies where the scene is made so real.

=392. Ivanhoe.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

The same may be said of this romance of the return of Cœur-de-Lion.

=393. Philip Augustus.= By G. P. R. JAMES. (Warne) 6_d._

Vividly giving the relations of King John with the astute Frenchman.

=394. Earl Hubert’s Daughter.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

The reign of Henry III., with a curious picture of Jewish life in England.

=395. The Prince and the Page.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

The prince is Edward I., the page a son of Simon de Montfort.

=396. Prentice Hugh.= By F. M. PEARD. (National Society) 3_s._ 6_d._

Burgher and apprentice life under Edward I., chiefly concerned with the carvings of the corbels in Exeter Cathedral; fit to raise the sense of responsibility in such work.

=397. The Lord of the Isles.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

The rise of Bruce and battle of Bannockburn had best be illustrated by this grand tale in poetry.

=398. Castle Dangerous.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

The perilous castle of Douglas.

=399. In All Time of Our Tribulation.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw)

The times of Edward II., whose two favourites are well painted.

=400. Not for Him.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

On the Earl of Lancaster and the Order of Poor Brothers.

=401. The Well in the Desert.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 2_s._ 6_d._

The persecuted daughter of Hugh Le Despenser.

=402. Golden Horse-shoes.= By Mrs. MITCHELL. (Masters) 5_s._

Founded on the golden horse-shoes in the Guildhall at Oakham. Spirited and interesting to children, though the chivalry is rather fanciful than real.

=403. The Lances of Lynwood.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Gives the doings of the Black Prince in Spain and at Bordeaux.

=404. Tales from Chaucer.= (Nelson) 3_s._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

Not exactly historical, but useful to those who have to get up knowledge of history and English literature.

=405. John de Wycliffe.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 3_s._ 6_d._

The Reformer according to Miss Holt’s view.

=406. The Lord Mayor.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

A sad and veritable tale.

=407. The Lord of the Marches.= By E. S. HOLT. 3_s._ 6_d._

Roger Mortimer, whose untimely death led to the Wars of the Roses.

=408. The Fair Maid of Perth.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

Poor Robert III. of Scotland and the murder of Rothsay.

=409. The Boy Bishop.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan)

A short outline in ‘Byewords,’ No. 574.

=410. The Caged Lion.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

James I. of Scotland and the last days of Henry V.

=411. The White Rose of Langley.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

=412. Mistress Margery.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 3_s._ 6_d._

=413. Red and White.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

=414. Margery’s Son.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

These four give the York and Lancaster times from a Lollard point of view.

=415. A Stormy Life.= By Lady G. FULLERTON. 1_s._ 6_d._

The history of poor Margaret of Anjou, supposed to be written by one of her ladies, putting her in a favourable point of view.

=416. For and Against.= By F. M. WILBRAHAM. (Parker) 10_s._ 6_d._

A carefully written tale on the Yorkist side.

=417. The Last of the Barons.= By Lord LYTTON. (Warne) 6_d._ (Routledge) 2_s._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

This is real literature and almost worthy to stand beside Scott.

=418. The Earl Printer.= By C. MACSORLEY. (Shaw) 2_s._ 6_d._

A young Lancastrian working as a printer under Caxton. Good.

=419. Malvern Chase.= (Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.) 5_s._

Ranging through that portion of the Wars of the Roses which was connected with the Severn country, showing much local knowledge and research.

=420. A Tangled Web.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

The fortunes of Perkin Warbeck. Not quite so good as another tale of him in the ‘Monthly Packet,’ which has never been republished.

=421. The Armourer’s Prentices.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

‘Ill May-day’ and the ‘Field of the Cloth of Gold.’

=422. The Household of Sir Thomas More.= By A. MANNING. (Hall) 2_s._ 6_d._

Supposed to be the diary of Margaret Roper. A charming book.

=423. The Knevets.= By EMILY TAYLOR. (Houlston) 2_s._ 6_d._

Norfolk in early Reformation days. Well and fairly drawn.

=424. Lady of the Lake.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

=425. Marmion.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

Though poems, neither of these should be left out from the course.

=426. The Prince and the Pauper.= By MARK TWAIN. (Chatto & Windus) 7_s._ 6_d._

This most diverting book, exchanging Edward VI. for a little street boy, has one grievous flaw—it marries a man to his sister-in-law, but only in the last two pages, and with so little preparation that the passage might be extirpated without anyone missing them.

=427. The Tower of London.= By W. HARRISON AINSWORTH. (Routledge) 1_s._, 2_s._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

This has a great fascination for young people, dealing as it does with Lady Jane Grey, Edward Courtenay, and the terrible plotter Simon.

=428. Robin Tremayne.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

=429. Isoult Barry.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

=430. For the Master’s Sake.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 2_s._ 6_d._

All three pursuing the fortunes of the same family. On the Marian persecution in its worst light.

=431. Her Majesty’s Bear.= By Mrs. MITCHELL. (Masters) 5_s._

Very amusing and prettily told adventures at Dover in Queen Elizabeth’s time, lacking in probability and details of manner, but still a charming children’s book.

=432. The Good Old Days.= By ESMÉ STUART. (Marcus Ward) 5_s._

Life in Elizabethan times, beautifully illustrated by Mr. H. Stacy Marks.

=433. Kenilworth.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

A noble romance founded on tradition and ballad. Though historic doubts question the truth of the legend, and Scott has, for the sake of effect, altered the circumstances, nothing gives so vivid an impression of the times of Queen Elizabeth.

=434. The Abbot.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

Should be read for the sake of the escape of Queen Mary from Lochleven.

=435. Unknown to History.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

Mary of Scotland in captivity.

=436. Westward Ho!= By CHARLES KINGSLEY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

One of the most powerful historical romances in existence.

=437. Clare Avery.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 5_s._

Also on the Armada, with more hints on Romish perils than are quite needful.

=438. Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare.=

These are the best stepping-stones to Shakespeare himself.

=439. The Cruise of the ‘Bonny Kate.’= (Hayes) 3_s._ 6_d._

Telling well of Chancellor’s voyage to Russia.

=440. For Queen and King.= By HENRY FRITH (Cassell) 5_s._

Essex’s rebellion and the Gunpowder Plot. It is rather wooden and devoid of character, and very hard upon Garnett.

=441. The Fortunes of Nigel.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

A somewhat painful picture of the Court and manners of James I.

=442. Lady Betty’s Governess.= By L. E. GUERNSEY. (Shaw) 5_s._

The story is pretty, but the ideas of the Laudian theology are very peculiar. Bishop Hall is quite incorrectly represented as at enmity with Laud.

=443. The Siege of Lichfield.= By Rev. W. GRESLEY. (Masters) 3_s._

One of the earliest of Church tales. A little heavy, perhaps, but full of interest.

=444. Mary Powell.= By ANNE MANNING. (Hall) 2_s._ 6_d._

The supposed diary of Milton’s first wife. Written with great sweetness and interest.

=445. Judged by Appearances.= By ELEANOR LLOYD. (London Literary Society) 6_s._

There is much reality, much character, much fairness and clearness of insight in this very worthy story of the Great Rebellion.

=446. The Legend of Montrose.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

A brilliant fragment of the career of the great Marquess.

=447. Journal of Lady Beatrix Graham.= (Bell) 5_s._

A lovingly written study of the character of Montrose, purporting to be by his sister. It has great sweetness.

=448. The Draytons and the Davenants.= By the Author of the ‘Schönberg-Cotta Family.’ (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

Conscientious Roundheads and Cavaliers, a little too much inclined to think everybody in the right.

=449. John Inglesant.= By J. H. SHORTHOUSE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

Too grand and deep a book for the average readers of a parish library, but one that cannot be omitted here, though it is a very Triton among the minnows. It is a real study to such as can appreciate it.

=450. The King’s Namesake.= By C. M. PHILLIMORE. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

A child’s tale of the captivity of King Charles.

=451. St. George and St. Michael.= By G. MACDONALD. (Kegan Paul) 4_s._ 6_d._

A noble and brilliant sketch of the time of the siege of Raglan Castle, the devices of Lord Glamorgan and the constancy of the grand old Marquis of Worcester.

=452. Brave Dame Mary.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

The first siege of Corfe Castle made into a fairly interesting tale.

=453. The Pigeon Pie.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 1_s._

Also a child’s tale of the hiding of fugitive Cavaliers.

=454. Under the Storm, or Steadfast’s Charge.= By C. M. YONGE. (National Society) 3_s._ 6_d._

A young lad left in charge of the church plate during the Rebellion. An attempt at realising the condition of the lower classes in those times.

=455. The Two Swords.= By EMMA MARSHALL. (Seeley)

=456. Dorothy’s Venture.= (Nelson) 6_d._

Prettily told of a child begging her uncle’s life of Cromwell, but with historical blunders. Vane had long broken with Cromwell. Moreover, the Protector loved practical jokes, and he is here said to have despised them.

=457. Rosamond Fane.= By M. LEE. (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

The escape of the Duke of York, very well told, so as to be thoroughly acceptable to children.

=458. The Children of the New Forest.= By Capt. MARRYAT. (Bell) 5_s._ (Routledge) 3_s._ 6_d._

Adventures of the orphans of a Cavalier so related as to be a treasure to children.

=459. Woodstock.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

One of the most delightful of all Sir Walter’s historical novels.

=460. Scapegrace Dick.= By F. M. PEARD. (National Society) 3_s._ 6_d._

A young runaway who serves under Admiral Blake, and, being taken prisoner, goes through very interesting experiences among the great Dutch artists.

=461. The Carved Cartoon.= By AUSTIN CLARE. (S.P.C.K.) 4_s._

Awkwardly named, but exciting much interest even in persons with no knowledge of history by the vicissitudes of Grinling Gibbons, the carver, in the Plague and Fire of London.

=462. The Brave Men of Eyam.= By the Rev. E. N. HOARE. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

The plague at Eyam. Authentic records told as a story, but unfortunately rather dry.

=463.= =Peveril of the Peak= (SCOTT) would complete the roll here, but it might not be desirable for all readers.

=464. In the Golden Days.= By EDNA LYALL. (Hurst & Blackett) 6_s._

Has a noble hero, but Algernon Sidney is scarcely a desirable subject for enthusiasm.

=465. Under the Mendips.= By EMMA MARSHALL. (Seeley) 5_s._

Monmouth’s rebellion and its consequences.

=466. The Last of the Cavaliers.= (Bentley) 6_s._

Deservedly reprinted. On the battle of Killiecrankie.

=467. The Oak Staircase.= By M. and C. LEE. (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

The troubles of one of the maids of Taunton related by herself. A great favourite with children.

=468. The Danvers Papers: and Lady Hester.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

A Puritan lady and Jacobite husband at the time of the Revolution.

=469. The Maidens’ Lodge.= By E. S. HOLT. (Shaw) 3_s._ 6_d._

A pretty picture of Queen Anne’s time.

=470. The Travels of Two Kits.= By C. M. YONGE. In ‘Byewords.’ (Macmillan) 6_s._ See No. 574.

Two children’s pilgrimage to Queen Anne to be touched for the King’s evil.

=471.= =Rob Roy=, more powerful than pleasant, comes in here.

=472. Dorothy Forster.= By W. BESANT. (Chatto & Windus) 2_s._

A powerful story of the Rebellion of 1715.

=473. Lady Betty.= By C. R. COLERIDGE. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

A very graceful, lady-like tale of early Jacobite times.

=474. Lucy’s Campaign.= By M. LEE. (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 1_s._ 6_d._

The ’45 as seen by a little girl. A great favourite with those for whom it is meant, though there are a few anachronisms as to manners.

=475. Waverley.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

The unrivalled presentment of the ’45.

=476. Redgauntlet.= By Sir WALTER SCOTT.

The Jacobite plotters when their cause was worn out.

=477. Diary of Kitty Trevelyan.= By the Author of ‘Chronicles of the Schönberg-Cotta Family.’ (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

Showing the enthusiasm of Wesleyanism. To be given with due caution.

=478. With Wolfe in Canada.= By G. A. HENTY. (Blackie) 6_s._

Valuable details of the conquest.

=479. A Great Treason.= By M. HOPPUS.

Too long and involved, but showing the state of society in the American war, especially the desertion of Arnold and the death of André.

=480. Lionel Lincoln.= By FENIMORE COOPER. To be had in cheap form.

The siege of Boston.

=481. Mother Molly.= By F. M. PEARD. (Bell) 5_s._

An admirable alarm of a French invasion at Plymouth. Very life-like.

=482. The Prisoner’s Daughter.= By ESMÉ STUART. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

French prisoners at Winchester.

=483. Clare Saville.= (Warne) 2_s._

The days of the Blanketeers and of the Peninsular war.

=484. How They were Caught in a Trap.= By ESMÉ STUART. (Marcus Ward) 5_s._

English prisoners detained in France by Napoleon I.

=485. Against the Stream.= By the Author of ‘Chronicles of the Schönberg-Cotta Family.’ (S.P.C.K.) 4_s._

The course of opinion and improvement in England during the reign of George III.

_TALES FROM GENERAL HISTORY._

This is a brief list, but only those have been selected which have an interest as tales, apart from the history they are meant to illustrate.

=486. Two Thousand Years Ago.= By Prof. CHURCH. (Blackie) 6_s._

The adventures of a Roman lad in the days of Cæsar and Cicero.

=487. Good King Wenceslas.= By L. SCHEKKY. (S.P.C.K.) 4_d._

Why this is called a tale of old English life in the S.P.C.K. catalogue there is no guessing. Wenceslas is the King of Bohemia, well known in the ‘Christmas Carol.’

=488. The Little Duke.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Richard the Fearless of Normandy.

=489. Brothers in Arms.= (Church Extension Society) 2_s._ 6_d._

The piteous story of the children’s crusade.

=490. The King of a Day.= By F. WILFORD. (Masters) 1_s._

A well-told tale of a little twelfth-day king in the fifteenth century.

=491. The Constant Prince.= By C. R. COLERIDGE. (Walter Smith) 2_s._ 6_d._

The noble history of the prisoner Dom Fernando, the Christian Regulus of Portugal.

=492. The Dove in the Eagle’s Nest.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

German barons under Maximilian.

=493. The Schönberg-Cotta Family.= (Nelson) 5_s._

The early days of Luther.

=494. In the Olden Time.= By the Author of ‘Mlle. Mori.’ (Longmans) 2_s._ 6_d._

The days of the peasants’ war in Germany.

=495. Espérance; or, The Siege of Rouen.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

=496. For Faith and Fatherland.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

The above two are Reformation tales in France and Holland.

=497. The Chaplet of Pearls.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

The massacre of St. Bartholomew and its consequences.

=498. The Thorn Fortress.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

The retreat of some villagers to a hiding-place in the forests during the Thirty Years’ War, and the doings of a little girl captured by a Croat. An unusually charming book.

=499. The Little Blue Lady.= By Mrs. MITCHELL. (Masters) 4_s._ 6_d._

A pretty story, though scarcely natural, of the brighter days of Marie Antoinette.

=500. Seeketh not her Own.= By S. M. SITWELL. (Shaw) 3_s._ 6_d._

The story of the Lagaraye Hospital very well told.

=501. Isabeau’s Hero.= By ESMÉ STUART. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

The revolt of the Cevennes, with the brave deeds of Cavalier.

=502. By Fire and Sword.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

A powerful portrait of the Huguenot persecution under Louis XV.

=503. The Blue Ribbons.= By A. H. DRURY. (See No. 80.)

A charming story of Marie Antoinette acting fairy to a little boy.

=504. Through Rough Waters.= By F. M. PEARD. (Bell) 5_s._

The rough waters are those of the first French Revolution.

=505. Max Krömer.= By HESBA STRETTON. (R.T.S.) 1_s._ 6_d._

The siege of Strasburg in the Franco-German war.

=506. Kenneth; or, The Rear Guard of the Grand Army.= By C. M. YONGE. (Parker) 5_s._

The retreat from Moscow.

=507. The Young Breton Volunteers.= By M. WILBRAHAM. (Masters) 1_s._

A rising of La Vendée against Napoleon in the Hundred Days.

=508. Mademoiselle Mori.= (Longmans) 2_s._ 6_d._

An able and touching picture of the Italian struggles of 1848.

=509. In Time of War.= By J. F. COBB. (Griffith, Farran, & Co.)

The siege of Paris first by Prussians and then by Communists.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

MYTHOLOGY.

If we wish the young generation to understand more about allusions than is conveyed in the foot-notes of their School Readers, we must let them have access to a few books containing the more remarkable myths. I do not recommend Sir George Cox’s, as the reducing them to the supposed Aryan origin of natural phenomena mars the pleasure of reading them. The best books are:

=510. The Heroes.= By C. KINGSLEY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

The earlier myths are here told to perfection. The only pity is that there are not more of them.

=511. Tanglewood Tales: and the Wonder Book.= By N. HAWTHORNE. (Routledge) 2 vols. 2_s._ each, or 1 vol. 3_s._ 6_d._

Several of these are on the same subjects as those of Kingsley, but told with less deference to the original outline. Prometheus and Midas are specially memorable for the _point_ given them. I have seen Midas delight clever village children and utterly perplex dull ones.

=512. Stories from Heathen Mythology.= By Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._

Simply and charmingly told.

=513. Greek Hero Stories.= By NIEBUHR. (Shaw) 2_s._ 6_d._

These are translated from the German in which Niebuhr told them to his little son.

=514. The Heroes of Asgard.= By A. and E. KEARY. (Macmillan) 2_s._ 6_d._

To add the myths of our own ancestors to those of Greece, we have here the stories of Odin and Thor beautifully told.

_Professor Church’s series, published by Seeley, should be in school libraries of a higher class, but they are too numerous and too expensive for the ordinary parish library._

=515. Cruise of Ulysses and his Men.= (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=516. Old Greek Stories.= By CHARLES HENRY HANSON. (Nelson) 3_s._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

=517. Wanderings of Æneas.= By CHARLES HENRY HANSON. (Nelson) 3_s._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

Narratives well told and illustrated. In the ‘Æneid’ it is often almost translation. Outline illustrations in Flaxman’s style, often from the antique, very small, but as nude figures occur, they must be shown with caution. Excellent prizes for boys aiming at cultivation of mind.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

NOVELETTES AND NOVELS.

For want of a better title, we give this to tales fit for the growing maidens who are beyond the child story, and, above all, need to have their ideal of love and courtship elevated and refined. A few actual novels are added, in case it is thought desirable to put them into a library where the readers are of a somewhat superior class, as where there are the older girls and young women who will read what is mischievous if the good is not supplied.

=518. Christopher.= By HELEN SHIPTON. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A very beautiful imitation of the legend of St. Christopher carried into modern life.

=519. The Valley Mill.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

Farm life, where the obstacles in the course of true love are the cattle plague and a strange robbery of an old miser. The young heiress, popularly called ‘the little Squire,’ is a charming portrait.

=520. From Over the Water.= (Walter Smith) 6_s._

A Scotch bailiff meeting with strong insular prejudice in the Isle of Wight.

=521. Rufus.= (Masters) 4_s._ 6_d._

This is by the same author and in the same locality, but the hero in this case is a native fisherman, the heroine a somewhat spoilt Scottish lassie, sister to the gardener and the pet of the young ladies.

=522. The Lutaniste of St. Jacobi’s.= By C. DREW. (Marcus Ward) 6_s._

A German tale of music and lace-making, with an excellent moral against scamped work.

=523. Bride Picotée.= By the Author of ‘Mlle. Mori.’ (Bemrose) 3_s._ 6_d._

Also a lace-making story, concerned with a young French girl and an almost forgotten art.

=524. Cairnforth and Sons.= By HELEN SHIPTON. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

Of master manufacturers. A high-minded tale.

=525. Griffinhoof.= By CRONA TEMPLE. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

This is the odd name of an old sailor on board a hulk who adopts a little orphan. There is a small novel of higher life connected with it, very prettily carried out.

=526. A Leal Light Heart.= By ANNETTE LYSTER. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A charming character. The only fault we have to find is the worldliness of the old lady.

=527. My Lonely Lassie.= By ANNETTE LYSTER. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

The governess is a very pretty character. We could dispense with her becoming a marchioness in her own right, but no doubt it renders her the greater favourite.

=528. A Stedfast Woman.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

A high-toned tale of constancy.

=529. Two Ways of Looking at it.= By AUSTIN CLARE. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

The narratives of a trained schoolmistress and a Yorkshire collier sandwiched together.

=530. Like his own Daughter.= (Walter Smith) 6_s._

Middle-class life in Scotland.

=531. Lucy and Christian Wainwright.= (Masters) 3_s._ 6_d._

There are some really beautiful tales in this collection, especially the one on the suspense of the sister of an Arctic voyager.

=532. The Carbridges.= By M. BRAMSTON. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

A good and wholesome family history.

=533. Guide, Philosopher, and Friend.= By Mrs. H. MARTIN. (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A young lady becomes companion and adviser to some highly worthy farmers who have been encumbered with a huge fortune. It is well and sensibly carried out.

=534. Her Title of Honour.= By HOLME LEE. (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Founded on the history of Henry Martyn and the Lydia who disappointed him.

=535. Mine Own People.= By L. M. GRAY. (Nelson) 5_s._

A girl, brought up as a companion to a nobleman’s daughter, who is returned to her own quiet family. (They are Scotch Presbyterians.) The lessons are excellent.

=536. Hanbury Mills.= By C. R. COLERIDGE. (Warne) 2_s._

=537. The Heir of Redclyffe.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

=538. Heartsease.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

=539. The Daisy Chain.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

=540. The Trial.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

=541. Pillars of the House.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 2 vols. 6_s._ each.

=542. The Young Stepmother.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

=543. Magnum Bonum.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

These are what I have found suit best in the parish library.

=544. The Earl’s Daughter.= By E. M. SEWELL. (Longmans) 1_s._

=545. Katharine Ashton.= By E. M. SEWELL. (Longmans) 1_s._

=546. Ursula.= By E. M. SEWELL. (Longmans) 1_s._

=547. The Experience of Life.= By E. M. SEWELL. (Longmans) 1_s._

=548. Gertrude, &c.= By E. M. SEWELL. (Longmans) 1_s._

These need no praise or recommendation, being well known as always sound and useful.

=549. A Noble Life.= By the Author of ‘John Halifax.’ (Hurst & Blackett) 5_s._

The history of a deformed nobleman, which gives great delight and has a most excellent moral of patience and exertion.

=550. Keeping the Vow.= (Walter Smith) 5_s._

A young Scotsman resolved to build a refuge for orphans. Founded on fact.

=551. Mary Barton.= By Mrs. GASKELL. (Smith, Elder) 2_s._ 6_d._

An unrivalled tale of joys and sorrows in Manchester forty years ago. Full of beauty and full of pathos; never to be forgotten.

=552. The Moorland Cottage.= By Mrs. GASKELL. (Chapman & Hall) 2_s._ 6_d._

Also a very charming story in a different style.

=553. Janet’s Home.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

A delightful quiet novel of domestic life.

=554. Oldbury.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

A still more attractive and uncommon story.

=555. One Year.= By FRANCES M. PEARD. (Warne) 2_s._ and 3_s._ 6_d._

Experiences of a French girl in England.

=556. A Near Relation.= By C. R. COLERIDGE. (White)

Difficulties of identity acting on character.

=557. An English Squire.= By C. R. COLERIDGE. (Low) 6_s._

An elder brother half Spanish and the conduct of the younger towards him.

=558. Gentleman Jim.= By Mrs. PRENTISS. (Nelson) 6_d._

A mining story, touching and spirited.

=559. Rudder Grange.= By F. STOCKTON. (Douglas) 1_s._

This most quaint and diverting American story is, among its other perfections, a good protest against romance derived from penny dreadfuls.

=560. Country Maidens.= By M. BRAMSTON. (Marcus Ward) 3_s._ 6_d._

A very winning story. It brings in a sceptically inclined young man, but he rights himself at last.

=561. Robert Ord’s Atonement.= By ROSA N. CAREY. (Bentley) 6_s._

A high-minded book.

=562. Emilia Wyndham.= By Mrs. MARSH. (Ward, Lock) 2_s._

There are many novels by this lady, perhaps out of print, but all are harmless, sensible, and of a good tone.

=563. Dorothy’s Daughters.= By Mrs. MARSHALL. (Seeley) 5_s._

This too is one of many volumes of tales, all _safe_, and with a religious and sensible tone.

=564. The Diamond Rose.= By SARAH TYTLER. (Strahan) 5_s._

This is our favourite among a large number of tales any one of which is safe reading.

=565. Jasmine Lee.= By C. FRASER TYTLER. (Strahan) 5_s._

The piteous story of a poor little abducted heiress.

=566. Madeleine.= By JULIA KAVANAGH. (Chapman & Hall) 2_s._

The beautiful true tale of the French peasant girl who founded a hospital for incurables.

=567. Gabrielle Vaughan.= (Seeley) 5_s._

A great favourite.

=568. A Vantage-Ground for doing Good.= By FLORENCE WILFORD. (Masters) 4_s._ 6_d._

=569. A Maiden of Our Own Day.= By FLORENCE WILFORD. (Masters) 6_s._

Both excellent in their different lines.

=570. Through Trial to Triumph.= By MAGGIE SYMINGTON. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

The troubles of a wife who cannot understand her husband.

=571. A Young Philistine.= By ALICE CORKRAN. (Burns & Oates)

Three charming tales, two of foreign life, all teaching tenderness for the feelings of others.

=572. A Promise Kept.= By MARY E. PALGRAVE. (National Society) 3_s._

Unusually striking and beautiful. A girl, whose dreams inspire missionary ardour, yet who has not steadfastness or courage enough to follow out her own visions when they may become earnest.

=573. By Northern Seas.= By MARY BELL. (Church Extension Society)

Dissent is here treated justly and fairly, and the tale is thoroughly interesting, containing natural though striking characters.

=574. Byewords.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

Short tales mostly reprinted from the Christmas numbers of the ‘Monthly Packet.’

=575. Uncle Max.= By R. N. CAREY. (Bentley)

An excellent tale of village nursing.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

FAIRY TALES.

There are certain fairy tales that are absolute classics, and a knowledge of which is absolutely necessary to understand common allusions. The grandmothers have ceased to tell them, and the little chap-books are no more, so that it has happened to me to pause on a mention of ‘Cinderella’ or ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and find no one understand it, and I have kept a whole school interested while waiting for an entertainment by telling one of these. Therefore, a _small_ list is here given, for fairy tales should be regarded as treats, and only the superior ones put forth freely. It will generally be found that in the first stage of education they are despised, but that children of any imagination enjoy them. One or two _imaginative_ classics are added.

=576. The Fairy Book.= Selected by the Author of ‘John Halifax.’ (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

These are the genuine old fairy tales, that ought to be known to everyone, simply told.

=577. Grimm’s Fairy Tales.= Mrs. PAULL’S Selection. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._ or 2_s._ 6_d._ Globe edition (Macmillan) 2_s._

These two sets make up the real folk-lore tales—remnants of old myths, of more modern ones.

=578. Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales.= Mrs. PAULL’S Selection. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

These have, by their merits, become almost as classical as their predecessors, and quite as proverbial. The ‘Ugly Duckling’ and the ‘Daisy’ ought to be known to all.

=579. The Hope of the Katzekopfs.= By the Rev. F. PAGET. (Masters) 2_s._

Deserves to be classical for its fun and its moral.

=580. Old-fashioned Fairy Tales.= By Mrs. EWING. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Modern, but according to the ancient rules of fairy tales.

=581. The Arabian Nights.= By the Rev. G. F. TOWNSEND. (Routledge) 3_s._ 6_d._

These are almost necessary for the understanding of allusions, besides the fascination of such tales as ‘Aladdin’s Lamp,’ ‘The Forty Thieves,’ or ‘Sindbad.’ It is remarkable that Hannah More thought even the old uncastigated tradition translated from the French more wholesome reading for young people than contemporary tales of character, perhaps because less tending to introspection.

=582. Alice in Wonderland.= By LEWIS CARROLL. (Macmillan) 6_s._

=583. Through the Looking-Glass.= By LEWIS CARROLL. (Macmillan) 6_s._

It takes some cultivation to enjoy these wondrously droll compositions.

=584. The Water Babies.= By C. KINGSLEY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

The same may be said of this. These are literature, though we are not sure whether ordinary school children would care for them.

=585. Fairy Legends of the South of Ireland.= By CROKER. (Swan Sonnenschein) 5_s._

These are some of the most delightful fairy tales in existence, told with an Irish humour that adds infinitely to their zest.

=586. The Light Princess.= By G. MACDONALD. (Daldy) 2_s._ 6_d._

Worthy to be old fairy tales.

=587. The Little Lame Prince.= By the Author of ‘John Halifax.’ (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Too beautiful and earnest not to be well worth reading.

=588. Four Winds Farm.= By Mrs. MOLESWORTH. (Macmillan)

One of the best of Mrs. Molesworth’s dream-like tales.

=589. Down the Snow Stairs.= By ALICE CORKRAN. (Blackie) 6_s._

Of the same type.

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MOTHERS’ MEETINGS.

Weary, hardworked women thoroughly enjoy a bit of interesting reading, whether pathetic or droll. Foreign tales or those of adventure do not, as a rule, interest them, and the old-fashioned book, where a preternaturally wise dame instructs her neighbours is too much a lecture in disguise. By all means, let there be some religious reading, then if possible some on sanitary habits, domestic economy and management of children, but not under the disguise of a story. A good, genuine fiction gives them a real interest and something to talk of. It should not appear to be a child’s book or they will feel insulted, but they like nothing better than when the joys or sorrows turn on an infant; and there is no better mode of conveying indirect lessons—to some persons, that is to say, for there are others who have no notion of applying what they hear to real life. Still, wholesome amusement is a thing of which they get all too little, and the pleasure of being read to is one they thoroughly appreciate. Of course these books are specially fitted for lending to old or young. They are only classed under the category of books for Mothers’ Meetings because eminently fitted for that purpose as well as for Lending Library shelves.

_FICTION._

=590. A Dog’s Mission.= By Mrs. BEECHER STOWE. (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

A family reconciliation.

=591. The Story of the Lost Emerald.= By EMMA MARSHALL. (Nelson) 1_s._

The loss of an old maid’s much-valued jewel at a fire rouses her to think of higher things.

=592. Pamela’s Bequest.= By Mrs. SANDFORD. (Walter Smith) 2_s._ 6_d._

The bequest is a delicate child, left by a dying mother to a kindly little formal dressmaker while the father is at sea. The complications on his return are most effective. When he makes a blundering offer and gets refused, a listening woman has been known to rap the table in an ecstasy of enjoyment.

=593. Afloat.= By Mrs. STANLEY LEATHES. (John F. Shaw) 3_s._ 6_d._

A family bereaved for a time of a little girl sent adrift in a boat by an idiot. It excites great interest.

=594. Burnt Out.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 2_s._ 6_d._

On the demoralising effects of going about with a petition.

=595. Aunt Kezia’s Will.= By S. M. SITWELL. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

A family quarrel pacified through the love and interest excited by a blind child.

=596. Laddie.= (Walter Smith) 1_s._

A most touching story of an old peasant woman’s journey to London to see her son, who has risen to eminence as a doctor.

=597. Short Stories for Mothers’ Meetings.= By FLORENCE WILFORD. (Masters) 2_s._

Well-written stories, especially fitted for those meetings where the attendance is too irregular for continuous reading to be advisable.

=598. Tales for Mission Rooms.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

The first of these is a capital lesson on gossip; the second has a very touching portrait in it.

=599. Meg’s Mistake.= By Mrs. O’REILLY. (Strahan)

Originally published as ‘Sussex Stories.’ Very lifelike, and two at least can be read with admirable effect—namely, ‘Fairy Gold’ and another bringing in the accident to the London steamboat ‘Princess Alice.’ The others have been tried, but do not seem as well liked. Perhaps they are too wordy.

=600. Pictures of Cottage Life.= By M. POOLE. (Macmillan) 3_s._ 6_d._

These are thoroughly delightful. There is an old woman with what she thinks is a skeleton warning in her eye, also a deserted wife and an adopted child, who all are completely real and as touching as they are quaint.

=601. The Cottage Next Door.= By HELEN SHIPTON. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

The taming of a rough lad through the helplessness of the pretty little silly wife and babies whom his brute of a brother abandons for a while.

=602. True Gold.= (Church Extension Society) 2_s._

A family at the gold-diggings, where the wife realises more at last by making ginger-beer than the husband by all his find of nuggets, and her faithful uprightness and industry are the saving of all.

=603. Harry’s Discipline.= By LAURA LANE. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

A good-natured careless young railway porter neglects his mother till she is almost starved. The lesson is chiefly meant for the sons, but it deeply affects the mothers, and is a warning to them not to spoil their boys.

=604. The Lion Battalion.= Story 2. (See No. 21.)

=605. Little Meg’s Children.= (See No. 49.)

=606. Scenes in a Children’s Hospital.= By L. BURKE. (R.T.S.) 1_s._

Interests the mothers greatly.

=607. Wee Willie Winkie.= (Cassell) 1_s._ 6_d._

The beginning, being an old fisherman’s difficulties with a baby rescued from a wreck, is much enjoyed. The latter part is neither so natural nor so effective.

=608. What a Man Soweth.= By G. STEBBING. (Nisbet) 3_s._ 6_d._

A boy perverted by his mother laughing at small pilferings. The conclusion is improbably happy, but the tale is excellent.

=609. The Storm of Life.= By HESBA STRETTON. (R.T.S.) 1_s._ 6_d._

A painful but very effective story of a poor woman just out of prison striving to redeem her character and save her little girl from her wicked husband. The only flaw in the book is the disregard of baptism for a babe only born to die.

=610. An Innocent.= By S. M. SITWELL. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

Here a little half-witted girl is the good angel of her rough, careless parents. The people are very naturally drawn.

=611. The Watchers on the Longships.= By J. F. COBB. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A lighthouse story. Very welcome on the coast, where a woman has been known to lie awake thinking of it.

=612. My Little Patient.= (Masters) 6_d._

Supposed to be told by a doctor. Full of pathos, which touches mothers more than it does children.

=613. Copsley Annals.= By Miss ELLIOT. (Seeley) 5_s._

A delightful book for all ages. Perhaps the best for mothers is the tale that has been published separately under the title of

=614. Mrs. Blackett’s Story.= 1_s._

=615. Tried and True.= By FLORENCE WILFORD. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

The faithfulness of a fly driver, who wins his wife back from habits of intoxication.

=616. Bearing the Yoke.= By HELEN SHIPTON. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

A young farmer weighed down by a liability incurred by his father.

=617. Young Sixfoot.= By Mrs. GARNETT. (S.P.C.K.) 6_d._

A navvy story, but likely to be highly appreciated by women.

=618. Tales of the Bush.= By Mrs. VIDAL. (Masters) 3_s._ 6_d._

Australian life, but good for all, especially one on Sunday trading.

=619. Daddy Dick.= By Mrs. BROMFIELD. 3_s._ 6_d._

The civilisation of a rude lad through a little waif. It appeals to the maternal sympathy.

=620. An Empty House.= By E. WORDSWORTH. (Hatchards) 6_d._

A story of much power and beauty, turning on a crime committed by an intoxicated man.

=621. Bede’s Charity.= By HESBA STRETTON. (R.T.S.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A beautiful and striking tale. No one can better strike the chords of homely pathos than Hesba Stretton, but all her tales are not equal, and some are written for special purposes.

=622. Friends till Death.= By HESBA STRETTON. (R.T.S.) 1_s._ 6_d._

The very touching affection of an old shepherd for his helpless friend.

=623. Homes Made and Marred.= (R.T.S.) 2_s._ 6_d._

Sensible and useful.

=624. Two Christmas Stories.= By HESBA STRETTON. (R.T.S.) 6_d._

The last is specially excellent when a short effective tale is wanted.

=625. Seeketh Not Her Own.= (See No. 500.)

=626. The Heroine of a Basket Van.= By MARY BRAMSTON. (National Society) 2_s._ 6_d._

Excellent for mothers as well as children.

=627. High and Lowly.= By ELLEN DAVIS. (Nisbet) 2_s._

Well-told migrations of a retired servant in search of a home. A Blue Ribbon conquest at the end.

=628. For Half-a-Crown.= (See No. 114.)

=629. A Railway Garden.= By Mrs. SITWELL. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

A bright wife and a nagging wife, also a lesson against being hard on a sinner.

=630. Gran.= (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

A drinking husband suddenly reformed by his child’s death.

=631. Five Thousand Pounds.= By AGNES GIBERNE. (Nisbet) 2_s._

A sad story of a legacy proving the ruin of a family.

=632. The Black Coppice.= By Mrs. LAWSON. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

A very excellent narrative of the trials of a poacher’s good wife, entering more than do many such books into real difficulties in Church-going.

=633. Two Poor Old Women.= By Mrs. LAWSON. (S.P.C.K.) 12_s._ per 100.

A spirited tract on content and discontent.

_COUNSEL._

When the clergyman will open mothers’ meetings, and give a little instruction, this is all that is requisite to convey the religious tone. If he be not there, it may be well to begin with something serious. Some ladies can explain a chapter of the Bible, but in most cases a reading will be most convenient for the purpose. Here are a few suggested:—

=634. Letters from an Unknown Friend.= By the Author of ‘Charles Lowder.’ (Kegan Paul) 1_s._ (See No. 280.)

Short explanations of the claims of the Church, which may be useful as guarding against Dissent.

=635. An Address to Women.= By the Bishop of CARLISLE. (S.P.C.K.) 2_d._

This is a most admirable, practical address given at the time of the Carlisle Church Congress. It goes into the ordinary trials of woman’s life with great force, and at the same time gives all encouragement.

=636. An Earnest Appeal to Mothers.= By Mrs. G. SUMNER. (Nisbet) 3_d._

Strong and touching appeals to mothers on guarding the purity of their children from the first.

=637. A Few Words to Mothers of Little Children.= (Hatchards) 2_d._ each or 50 at half-price.

Teaching the same lesson of preserving modesty. These three little books may be given broadcast, but they will be more effective if first read.

=638. Half-hours at Mothers’ Meetings.= 2_s._

Some of the little discourses here are very useful. One entitled ‘The Hour of Temper’ merits especial praise.

=639. The Chimney Corner.= By E. WORDSWORTH. (Hatchards) 1_s._ 6_d._

=640. Short Words for Long Evenings.= By E. WORDSWORTH. (Hatchards) 1_s._ 6_d._

=641. Work-a-Day World.= By E. WORDSWORTH. (Hatchards) 1_s._ 6_d._

All the above three are deeply thoughtful, often poetical, yet simple moralisings on common things.

=642. Plain Words.= By the Bishop of BEDFORD. One series 2_s._, or in separate tracts in 3 packets, 1_s._ each.

The force and beauty of these need no praise here, and they have the further merit of being just the right length.

=643. The Scripture Half-hour at Mothers’ Meetings.= (R.T.S.) 2_s._

There are some admirable bits here, especially in the way of true anecdote and application, but some selection may be needful.

=644. Bits of Talk on Home Matters.= (Sampson Low) 2_s._

There are most admirable chapters in this little book; to be valued by mothers of all degrees. ‘A polite mother’ is an admirable lesson.

The above are serious. Those that follow are domestic and secular.

=645. Ways and Means in a Devonshire Village.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

Conversations on household management and cookery, done with spirit, and eliciting remarks and comparisons.

=646. Lectures on Health.= By Mrs. HALLETT. (Hatchards) 1_s._ 6_d._

Very useful explanations of sanitary measures in plain language.

=647. How to be Well.= By Mrs. HALLETT. (Walter Smith) 1_s._

Good advice on clothing, food, and regulation.

=648. Till the Doctor Comes.= By Dr. HOPE. (R.T.S.) 6_d._, in cloth 9_d._

=649. The Making of the Home.= By Mrs. C. BARNETT. (Cassell) 1_s._ 6_d._

Very good hints on house, health, and clothes.

=650. Social Economy Reading Book.= (National Society) 2_s._

Even better adapted for reading _to_ mothers than by children.

_EXTRACTS._

A few passages are here mentioned as serving well to read aloud at Mothers’ Meetings, though the whole book might not serve equally well.

=651. The Way of the Cross.= By EMILY S. HOLT. (Shaw) 1_s._ 6_d._

The ‘Web Ismene Wove,’ the third tale in this book, is exceedingly beautiful, and is an excellent reading near Passiontide. It is the story of a Greek girl at Jerusalem, who longs to make something to be used in the service of the God of Israel. The white web she weaves comes to be sold in haste to Joseph of Arimathæa, and thus her longing is fulfilled. The second tale is harmless, being of the mother of Ahaz, and how she spoilt her son; but the first would hardly be given or read aloud by those who would shrink from the strong assertion that SS. James, Jude, and Joses were sons of the Blessed Virgin.

=652. The Man on the Top of the Ark, and other Gospel Parables.= By ALEXANDER MACLEOD SYMINGTON. (Nisbet) 1_s._

If at the end of the first parable the reader inserts the text, ‘The like figure whereunto even Baptism doth now save us,’ the teaching is complete. The application of the Brazen Serpent and the City of Refuge is also excellent. They are the Biblical history dramatised, as it were. (See No. 353.)

=653. Catharine and Crawfurd Tait.= (Macmillan) 2_s._ 6_d._ and 6_s._

If the reader can command her voice to get through it, the history of Mrs. Tait’s successive bereavements will be listened to with intense interest.

=654. Mrs. Gaskell’s Tales.= In 7 vols. (Smith, Elder, & Co.) 2_s._ 6_d._ and 3_s._ 6_d._ each.

=655. Libbie Marsh’s Three Eras.=

St. Valentine’s day. Story of a factory girl and a cripple.

=656. The Sexton’s Story.=

An heroic act of self-sacrifice.

=657. Christmas Storms and Sunshine.=

A quarrel made up over a baby.

These three admirable stories are bound up with others less useful in collected editions of Mrs. Gaskell’s Tales, and are not to be had separately.

=658.= In =Mary Barton=, by Mrs. GASKELL (Smith, Elder, & Co.) (see No. 551),

Job’s description of the two old men’s journey by the coach with the baby cannot fail to enchant the women.

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FOR MISSIONARY WORKING-PARTIES.

These are of such very different composition that all that can be done here is to suggest books bearing on varieties of Mission labour at home and abroad, such as may interest either cultivated ladies, middle-class women, or very young people.

=659. Home Workers for Foreign Missions.= By E. J. WHATELY. (R.T.S.) 1_s._ 6_d._

A remarkably sensible, clever book. Should be read by all beginning a working-party, to show them what to do and what not to do.

=660. Black and White.= By H. FORDE. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Short sketches of home and foreign missions admirably _sandwiched_ together.

=661. Pioneers and Founders.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

Brief biographies of English and American missionaries.

=662. Life of Henrietta Robertson.= By ANNE MACKENZIE. (Bell) 3_s._ 6_d._

A record of devoted labours in the earlier days of the Zulu mission.

=663. The Story of a Fellow-Soldier.= By FRANCES AWDRY. (Macmillan) 2_s._ 6_d._

A short life of Bishop Patteson.

=664. An Elder Sister.= By FRANCES AWDRY. (Bemrose) 4_s._ 6_d._

The lives of Charles Mackenzie, first Bishop of Zululand, and his fellow-worker and sister.

=665. Our Maoris.= By Lady MARTIN. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

Very life-like accounts of work in New Zealand almost from the first settlement, often droll, always striking, taken from letters written at the time the events happened.

=666. Three Martyrs of the Nineteenth Century.= (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Short biographies of Dr. Livingstone, Bishop Patteson, and General Gordon.

=667. A Wider World.= By CRONA TEMPLE. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

An attempt to show how interest in missionary life enlarges the whole mind and interest. The execution is not equal to the conception, but, such as it is, it may be a useful opening of the subject.

=668. New Ground.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 3_s._

Story of a missionary’s family in Natal chiefly founded on letters from the Mackenzie family.

=669. Life of Bishop Venables of Nassau.= By Rev. W. H. F. KING. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

=670. Life of Bishop Field of Newfoundland.= By Rev. H. W. TUCKER. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 5_s._

Brief and very interesting biographies of two noble-hearted missionary bishops.

=671. Ten Years among the Coloured Folk.=

This is an American clergyman’s experience among the emancipated negroes of Baltimore. (A small book, about 2_s._, can no doubt be procured through Sampson Low.)

=672. Dust Ho!= By H. A. FORDE. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

Descriptions of home mission work.

=673. Master Missionaries.= By Dr. A. H. JAPP. (Unwin) 3_s._ 6_d._

The life of General Oglethorpe, with which this begins, is very curious and interesting. Fit for the educated.

=674. Effie and her Ayah.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

=675. Little Tija.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

Short studies of Indian child life, suited to a simple audience or those including children.

=676. Alone among the Zulus.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

The veritable adventures of a lady, some twenty years ago, when she went to attend a brother who had fallen sick on a hunting expedition.

=677. Mrs. Poynter’s Missionary Box.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_d._

May be useful in showing how these can be used.

=678. My Two Years in an Indian Mission.= By H. F. BLACKETT. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

A vivid picture of actual mission work by the clergy; full of interest in both town and country work.

=679. Ten Years in Melanesia.= By the Rev. ALFRED PENNY. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 5_s._

=680. Mission Work in British Guiana.= By the Rev. W. G. BRETT. 3_s._

A delightful book, if only regarded as one of travels.

=681. Sketches of Sarawak.= By Mrs. MACDOUGALL. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

There is unfailing interest in the narrative of the devoted life led by Bishop and Mrs. Macdougall in the days of Rajah Brooke.

=682. Glimpses of Maori Land.= By ANNIE R. BUTLER. (R.T.S.) 5_s._

A delightful tour among the clergy in New Zealand.

=683. Klatsassan.= By C. S. BROWN. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

Missionary work in British Columbia.

=684. Straightforward.= By H. A. FORDE. (Church Extension Society) 1_s._

May be reckoned as properly a tale of adventure; but as it results in intercourse with the Papuans, it might serve well for a work party needing something of a story to keep up their attention.

=685. Our Navvies.= By Mrs. GARNETT. (Hodder) 3_s._ 6_d._

An excellent book that should be read whenever it is desirable to interest people in navvy missions.

=686. A Promise Kept.= (See No. 572.)

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IMPROVING BOOKS.

Under this head are classed those on different countries, on history, biography, natural history, popular science, and real adventure.

As has been said before, these are specially suited for prizes, as they will be read again in after life. For those intended for young people there will never be any great demand. In almost all lending libraries they stand still on their shelves with clean pages. We teach our children too much for them to be willing to learn for themselves. The appetite may come in after times, and sometimes may exist or be excited in some particular direction. In cases where young people are secluded from school by illness, it is desirable on all accounts that their mental fare should include something besides devotional books and fiction.

To begin with, the use of maps and the reading lessons at school make scenes in different countries interesting, and perhaps the surest books to be appreciated as rewards are those giving pictures of costumes, &c.

_ON DIFFERENT COUNTRIES._

=687. All the Russias.= By E. C. PHILLIPS. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=688. Chats about Germany.= By M. BROWN. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=689. Round Africa.= By E. C. BRUCE. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=690. The Land of Temples.= By M. FIELD. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=691. New Zealand.= By B. FRANCIS. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=692. Glimpses of South America.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=693. A Ramble round France.= By J. CHESNEY. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=694. The Land of the Pyramids.= By J. CHESNEY. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=695. The Eastern Wonderland.= By B. C. ANGUS. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=696. Peeps into China.= By E. C. PHILLIPS. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

These have ‘pictures’ to every other page, and are wonders of cheapness and really interesting writing.

=697. In the Polar Regions.= (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._

=698. In the Temperate Regions.= (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._

=699. In the Tropical Regions.= (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._

All the above are compilations full of interesting descriptions and good illustrations.

=700. Little Lucy’s Wonderful Globe.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Sketches of child life in various lands, adapted to Frölich’s illustrations. Too dear for a prize, but children like it when lent to them.

=701. Child Life in Chinese Homes.= By Mrs. BRYSON. (R.T.S.) 5_s._

=702. The Children of Africa.= (Hodder & Stoughton) 5_s._

Fully illustrated, very easy and amusing, though China is better done than Africa as being a less wide field.

=703. Early English Voyagers.= (Nelson) 5_s._

The voyages of Drake, Cavendish, and Dampier excellently told.

=704. Letters from Egypt.= By J. WHATELY. (Seeley).

A model of the style of thing.

=705. Germany.= By S. BARING-GOULD. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=706. Egypt.= By STANLEY LANE-POOLE. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=707. Denmark and Iceland.= By E. C. OTTÉ. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=708. France.= By the Author of ‘Mlle. Mori.’ (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=709. Japan.= By S. MOSSMAN. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=710. Russia.= By W. R. MORFILL. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=711. Austria.= By D. KAY. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=712. Greece.= By L. SERGEANT. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=713. West Indies.= By C. H. EDEN. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=714. Peru.= By CLEMENTS MARKHAM. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=715. Australia.= By J. F. VESEY FITZGERALD. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=716. Spain.= By WENTWORTH WEBSTER. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

=717. Sweden and Norway.= By F. H. WOODS. (Sampson Low) 3_s._ 6_d._

These are not so ornamental as Cassell’s series, though they have maps and illustrations; but if I may judge from the two specimens I have seen—namely, ‘France’ and ‘Germany’—they are full of interest and information amusingly given, and would be excellent for any intelligent person in need of knowledge of some special place. Very good for town or club libraries where the readers rise above fiction.

=718. Great Waterfalls.= By JOHN GIBSON. (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._

Well-illustrated descriptions of cataracts and geysers.

=719. A Jolly Fellowship.= By F. STOCKTON. (Kegan Paul) 5_s._

The droll adventures of three American schoolboys who make a tour by themselves in Florida and Cuba.

=720. Road to the North Pole.= (R.T.S.) Series I. and II., 1_s._ each.

An excellent abstract of the American Arctic expeditions of the ‘George Henry,’ the ‘Polaris,’ and the ‘Jeannette.’

_ADVENTURES._

These are truthful adventures, in contradistinction to the Kingston, Ballantyne, Verne, and other ‘books for boys’ which abound. Where we should _lend_ those we should _give_ these.

=721. Real Stories from Many Lands.= By Lady VERNEY. (S.P.C.K.) 9_d._

The wonderful first navigation of the Colorado. A terrible conflict between a horse and a tiger, and the escape of Grotius. Easy, and likely to satisfy the children who ask ‘Is it true?’

=722. Perils of the Deep.= (S.P.C.K.) 4_s._

Collections of the most striking and memorable wrecks and other trials of sailors. Just the book for men or boys invalided.

=723. Peril and Adventure.= By L. VALENTINE. (Warne) 2_s._

=724. Valour and Enterprise.= By L. VALENTINE. (Warne) 2_s._

=725. Brave Days of Old.= By L. VALENTINE. (Warne) 2_s._

=726. Daring and Doing.= By L. VALENTINE. (Warne) 2_s._

=727. On Honour’s Roll.= By L. VALENTINE. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

=728. Heroism and Adventure.= By L. VALENTINE. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

=729. Sea Fights and Land Battles.= By L. VALENTINE. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

Noble deeds, _true_ and inspiring, such as should go to the heart of brave lads.

=730. A Book of Golden Deeds.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._ Selection, 1_s._

Heroic actions in all ages.

=731. Heroes of the Arctic and their Adventures.= By WHYMPER. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

=732. Across the Pampas.= By Sir F. HEAD. (Murray) 2_s._

One of those spirited and delightful books that never grow stale.

=733. Anson’s Voyages.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

Compressed, and ever interesting.

=734. Wanderings in South America.= By CHARLES WATERTON. (Macmillan) 6_s._ or 6_d._

The most delightful of true travellers’ wonders.

=735. Lady Brassey’s Voyage in the ‘Sunbeam.’= (Longmans) 6_d._

Later aspects of the world.

=736. Ride to Khiva.= By Col. FRED. BURNABY. (Cassell) 1_s._ 6_d._

Highly interesting in the present state of things. Where there is a set of readers open to the interest of books of travels, a watch had better be kept on Mudie’s second-hand list.

=737. Around and About Old England.= By C. L. MATÉAUX. (Cassell) 3_s._ 6_d._

=738. Huc’s Life and Travels in Tartary.= (Nelson) 1_s._

The adventures of the two Jesuit missionaries made a great sensation at the time of publication, and are most amusing.

=739. Egypt and Nubia.= By J. ST. JOHN. (Chapman & Hall)

A book with much reading in it, and likely to be very much read if still in print.

=740. Two Years in the Region of Icebergs.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

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HISTORY.

History is seldom very acceptable to young people of the working classes. They do not live in a sufficiently cultivated atmosphere to keep up interest in what they learn at school; but sometimes an event or perhaps an historical tale rouses their curiosity, and those a little more cultivated ought to learn to read for themselves. Histories are particularly desirable as prizes, since they may be used and referred to through life. Moreover, everything should be done to get pupil-teachers beyond the mere cram of names and dates.

=741. The Story of Russia.= By M. E. BENSON. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=742. The Story of Norway.= By C. E. SEDGWICK. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=743. The Story of Switzerland.= By F. M. LEE. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=744. The Story of Spain.= By JULIA HUXLEY. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=745. The Story of Denmark.= By C. E. SEDGWICK. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=746. The Story of Holland.= By ISABEL DON. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=747. The Story of Iceland.= By LETITIA MACOLL. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

Capital brief sketches of people, country, and history. Not difficult, but familiar and amusing. Illustrated and prettily got up.

_SHORT STORIES ON HISTORY._

=748. English.= (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

=749. France.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

=750. Germany.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

=751. Spain.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

=752. Sweden.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

These are history chiefly in conversation. They are fairly well done, but it is generally difficult to excite interest in foreign histories.

_JUVENILE ENGLISHMEN’S HISTORICAL LIBRARY._

=753. History of England.= By J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 1_s._ 6_d._

=754. History of Greece.= By J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._

=755. History of Rome.= By S. FOX. (Masters) 2_s._

=756. History of Spain.= By B. J. JOHNS. (Masters) 2_s._

=757. History of Portugal.= By J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._

=758. History of Ireland.= By T. K. ARNOLD. (Masters) 1_s._ 6_d._

=759. History of Scotland.= By W. B. FLOWER. (Masters) 2_s._

Plainly got up, but telling much that is useful.

=Aunt Charlotte’s Histories=, by C. M. YONGE, namely—

=760. Scripture.= (Marcus Ward) 6_s._ or 2_s._

=761. England.= (Marcus Ward) 6_s._ or 1_s._ 6_d._

=762. France.= (Marcus Ward) 6_s._

=763. Germany.= (Marcus Ward) 6_s._

=764. Greece.= (Marcus Ward) 6_s._

=765. Rome.= (Marcus Ward) 6_s._

=766. America.= (Marcus Ward) 6_s._

These, except the two first, of which there are cheaper editions, are too full of illustrations not to be costly.

=767. Lectures on the History of England for Working Men and Women.= By M. GUEST. (Macmillan) 6_s._

An epitome of life and manners in England, actually composed for and read aloud to an audience of mechanics.

=768. The Story of the Crusades.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

=769. Children of Westminster Abbey.= By ROSE KINGSLEY. (Sampson Low) 5_s._

Descriptions of the building and the monuments, with histories of the persons there buried, showing a most loving hand.

=770. Stories of the Tower.= By M. WILSON. (Cassell) 2_s._

Narratives of the chief events, and histories of the chief prisoners of the Tower. These two should be in all libraries for Londoners.

=771. Two of England’s Wars=; or, =Theodore and Coffee=. (R.T.S.) 1_s._ 6_d._

Well and shortly told histories of the Abyssinian and Ashantee campaigns.

=772. Talks about the Laws we live under.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 2_s._

An endeavour to give a popular account of our institutions and authorities.

=773. The Citizen Reader.= (Cassell) 1_s._ 6_d._

The same work, so much better done that it is to be regretted that it should be so evidently intended as a school-book.

=774. Cawnpore.= By Sir GEORGE TREVELYAN. (Macmillan) 6_s._

A terrible history, riveting interest.

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BIOGRAPHY.

A real life often speaks more plainly and effectively than a hundred sermons or exhortations. And as childhood is outgrown, intelligent persons will have a curiosity about those whose names they may have heard.

=Cassell’s World’s Workers=, namely—

=775. General Gordon.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=776. Charles Dickens.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=777. Titus Salt and George Moore.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=778. Florence Nightingale.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=779. Sir H. Havelock.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=780. Abraham Lincoln.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=781. Livingstone.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=782. Franklin.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=783. Cobden.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=784. Handel.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=785. Turner.= (Cassell) 1_s._

=786. G. and R. Stephenson.= (Cassell) 1_s._

These are full of life, not too long, and exactly suited to their purpose.

=787. Life of Dr. Kane, the Arctic Hero.= By M. JONES. (Nelson) 2_s._

=788. Baron von Humboldt.= By M. JONES. (Nelson) 2_s._

Illustrated, and excellent for presents.

=789. Sir David Wilkie and his Works.= (Nelson) 2_s._

=790. Charles Kingsley.= People’s edition. (Kegan Paul) 4_s._ 6_d._

This is a book that should be widely dispersed among the more intelligent, especially where there is much temptation to scepticism.

=791. Charles Lowder.= (Kegan Paul) 3_s._ 6_d._

A biography that wins the heart as much as did the man.

=792. Life of the Earl of Shaftesbury.= By EDWIN HODDER. (Cassell) 7_s._ 6_d._

So noble, pure, devoted, and charitable a life ought to be known to all.

=793. Sister Dora.= By M. LONSDALE. (Kegan Paul) 2_s._ 6_d._

Excites the warmest enthusiasm.

=794. The Story of a Fellow-Soldier.= By F. AWDRY. (Macmillan) 2_s._ 6_d._

An abridged life of Bishop Patteson.

=795. An Elder Sister.= By F. AWDRY. (Bemrose) 4_s._ 6_d._

Bishop Charles Mackenzie and his sister Anne.

=796. Life of Oberlin.= By Mrs. BUTLER. (R.T.S.) 3_s._ 6_d._ or 6_d._

The latter very small, but in cloth.

=797. Nelson.= By SOUTHEY. (Warne) 2_s._ 6_d._ (Routledge) 1_s._

Needs no praise.

=798. Life of Washington.= 1_s._

=799. From the Log Cabin to the White House.= (Warne) 1_s._

=800. From the Tan Yard to the White House.= 1_s._

The two latter are lives of Garfield and Grant, sensationally but not unwholesomely told.

=801. Hannah More.= By ANNA J. BUCKLAND. (R.T.S.) 3_s._

Very well told.

=802. Book of Worthies.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Chiefly from ancient history.

=803. Biographies of Good Women.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) Vol. I. 6_s._ Vol. II. 7_s._

=804. Notable Workers in Humble Life.= By the Rev. E. N. HOARE. (Nelson) 2_s._

An admirable and inspiriting book. Dick, Edward, Pound, Duncan, here appear as men who looked not to raise themselves in a worldly sense, but for better things.

=805. The Peasant-Boy Philosopher.= (Routledge) 3_s._ 6_d._

Life of James Ferguson.

=806. A Few Good Women.= By CATHARINE MACSORLEY. (Hogg) 3_s._ 6_d._

Lives of Mrs. Somerville, Lady Derby, the Princess de Lamballe, &c.

=807. Heroes of the Indian Empire.= By R. FOSTER. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

Lives of our great men in India from Clive to Havelock.

If more historical biographies are desired, there is an excellent series edited by Professor Creighton; also some good ones of S.P.C.K., but those here selected are chiefly those that are modern enough to interest the average library reader, of the sort who does not want either fiction or absolutely religious biography.

It is not easy to choose among the many lives of the Queen that the Jubilee has brought forth. S.P.C.K. and R.T.S. have each a large handsome one and a penny one. ‘_The First Lady in the Land_’ (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) is cheap and attractive. Tulloch’s ‘_Life of Queen Victoria_’ (Nisbet) for boys and girls, and Miss Yonge’s ‘_Victorian Half Century_’ (Macmillan), 1_s._ or 1_s._ 6_d._, have both had the honour of Her Majesty’s correction, and are both for the young; Tulloch’s, perhaps, for the youngest. Another life of Queen Victoria (Nelson), 1_s._ 6_d._, is a marvel of cheapness and very prettily told.

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CHURCH HISTORY.

=808. History of the Early Church.= By Miss SEWELL. (Longmans) 4_s._ 6_d._

Easy narrative, going through the first three centuries.

=809. The Mother Church.= By C. A. JONES. 3_s._

Simply told history of the early English Church.

=810. Church History.= By the Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Walter Smith) 3_s._ 6_d._

Vividly told as a congenial subject. The first three centuries.

=811. Eighteen Centuries of Church History.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 5_s._

An attempt to give salient facts in short easy chapters.

=812. Turning-Points of General Church History.= By the Rev. E. CUTTS. (S.P.C.K.) 5_s._

Very valuable as giving the most important events in ready form and short compass.

=813. Turning-Points of English Church History.= By the Rev. E. CUTTS. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Equally good and nearer home.

=814. Church History.= By the Rev. A. D. CRAKE, B.A. (Rivingtons) 7_s._ 6_d._

Full and interesting; up to the Council of Nicæa.

=815. English Church History.= By Canon PERRY. (Murray) 3 vols. 7_s._ 6_d._ each.

Admirable histories of the Church in England.

=816. Student’s Church History.= (Murray) 2 vols. 7_s._ 6_d._ each.

A valuable epitome.

=817. Epochs of Church History.= Edited by Canon Creighton. (Longmans) 2_s._ 6_d._ per vol.

These are =The Church and the Roman Empire=, by the Rev. A. CARR. =The Church of the Early Fathers=, by the Rev. D. PLUMMER. =The University of Oxford=, by Hon. G. L. BRODRICK. =The Reformation in England=, by G. G. PERRY. =The Church and the Puritans=, by H. O. WAKEMAN. =The Evangelical Revival=, by Canon OVERTON. =The English Church in Other Lands=, by the Rev. H. W. TUCKER.

These are excellent to give to schoolmasters or persons with some education and knowledge of history, but needing further elucidation of ‘turning-points.’

=818. English Church History.= By C. M. YONGE. (National Society) 1_s._ 6_d._ and 2_s._

An easy account. Meant for schools.

=819. Lights and Shadows of Church History.= By the Rev. W. HARDMAN. 4_s._

A series of excellent brief sermon lectures on the most noted facts in the growth of the Church. It has the merit of not being too long, and is fit for readers of superior education.

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NATURAL HISTORY.

I have not found natural history popular in libraries. Indeed, I have known a magazine given up because there was too much of it. The children have a large amount of it in their Readers at school, where they like it, as it is a less dry subject than is presented by many of their lessons. If they belong to the Band of Mercy they sometimes have to get up the subject, and there is no doubt that this conduces to the cure of wanton cruelty. But though, as an alternative to a real study, children will enjoy an anecdote, and though a master, mistress, or friend can lead them to use their eyes and assist in some pursuit or collection, it is only the exceptional ones with a developed taste who will voluntarily read more than an occasional story. Where there is a real taste in one direction, technical books can be supplied, but the aim of the lending library can only be to give out works of general information or interest, such as may lead to a love of nature, prevent wanton or careless barbarity, and possibly excite a wholesome taste in some special direction. The S.P.C.K. has excellent technical and popular manuals, but these are fit for those who wish to _study_ their subject, and should be possessed, not borrowed.

For lending may be suggested:—

=820. Population of an Old Pear Tree.= From the French of VAN BRUYSSELL. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Capitally illustrated, and full of loveliness of description of the insect inhabitants of the tree.

=821. Chapters on Popular Natural History.= By Sir J. LUBBOCK. (National Society) 1_s._ 6_d._ and 2_s._

Though published as a reading book, this is better for lending.

=822. Outdoor Common Birds.= Eighty illustrations. (Warne) 1_s._ 6_d._

Even country children need this. They observe birds very little, and hardly know the names of any; even local provincial names are few, and they need to learn not to regard birds as enemies to be robbed and slaughtered.

=823. Our Dogs.= By Mrs. BEECHER STOWE. (Nelson) 1_s._

Real dogs—very good for readings and prizes for a Band of Mercy.

=824. Songs of Animal Life.= By MARY HOWITT. (Nelson) 1_s._

=825. With the Birds.= By MARY HOWITT. (Nelson) 1_s._

Perhaps children have come to look on poetry as necessarily lessons. If not, these are excellent gift-books for little ones.

=826. Talks with Uncle Richard about Wild Animals.= By Mrs. CUPPLES. (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

=827. Stories of the Cat and her Cousins.= By Mrs. SURR. (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

=828. Stories of the Dog and his Cousins.= By Mrs. SURR. (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

=829. Tappy’s Chicks.= By Mrs. CUPPLES. (Sonnenschein) 2_s._ 6_d._

Interesting stories of animal life.

=830. Homes without Hands.= By the Rev. J. G. WOOD. (Longmans) 10_s._ 6_d._

Very delightful accounts of the constructions of moles, bees, &c.

=831. Hidden Homes.= By M. A. PAULL. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

Many of the same facts as in Mr. Wood’s book, but made easy and put into a story. The ants and bees tell their habits pleasantly.

=832. Birds’ Nests and Eggs.= By the Rev. C. A. JOHNS. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

Encouragement in birds’ nesting is not desirable, but if there be a school museum such a book as this is wanted.

=833. Bird Songs and Bird Pictures.= (R.T.S.) 1_s._

=834. Homes of the Birds.= (Nelson) 2_s._

=835. Lessons taught by Dumb Animals.= (S.P.C.K.) 8_d._

=836. Jenny and the Insects.= (Nelson) 2_s._

=837. Botany Reading Books.= (National Society) 1_s._ and 1_s._ 8_d._

=838. Rambles in Search of Wild Flowers.= By Miss PLUES. (Bell) 7_s._ 6_d._

This is a real manual by which the names of English flowers may be found.

=839. The Herb of the Field.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 6_s._

Easy botany for young children.

=840. Apples and Oranges.= By Mrs. DYSON. (R.T.S.) 3_s._ 6_d._

An excellent book, giving the marvellous structure and history of fruits in a delightful manner, fit for any reader.

=841. White’s Selborne.= (Macmillan) 6_s._ (Walter Scott) 1_s._

=842. Sea Monsters and Sea Birds.= By Dr. G. HARTWIG. (Longmans) 2_s._ 6_d._

=843. Wild Animals of the Tropics.= By Dr. G. HARTWIG. (Longmans) 3_s._ 6_d._

=844. Wild Animals of the Bible.= By the Rev. J. G. WOOD. (Longmans) 3_s._ 6_d._

=845. Homes under the Ground.= By the Rev. J. G. WOOD. (Longmans) 3_s._ 6_d._

These are full of anecdote and interest for young people.

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BOOKS ON SCIENCE AND INVENTION.

These are few, but lending library books should not be treatises, they should only excite curiosity and give general information.

=846. Star Lessons.= By R. A. PROCTOR. (Chatto & Windus) 6_s._

Substantial and real study.

=847. Pictures of the Heavens.= By C. DYSON. (Walter Smith) 3_s._

Beginnings of astronomy.

=848. Sun, Moon, and Stars.= By AGNES GIBERNE. (Seeley) 5_s._

=849. Among the Stars.= By AGNES GIBERNE. (Seeley) 5_s._

Valuable introductions to astronomy, such as young people of any intelligence ought to be induced to read.

=850. Madam How and Lady Why.= By Canon KINGSLEY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

Unrivalled exposition of the earth we tread on.

=851. The World’s Lumber Room.= By SELINA GAYE. (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

Interesting information about the various uses to which refuse materials can be applied.

=852. Engine-Driving Life.= (Crosby Lockwood) 1_s._ 6_d._

The true history of the training and the adventures met with on the railroad by the brave men to whom so many lives are entrusted. It is keenly interesting.

=853. Stories of Invention.= By E. HALE. (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._

If a very American ‘setting’ be no objection, this gives a capital account of inventors and inventions.

=854. Nature’s Wonders.= By the Rev. R. NEWTON, D.D.

=855. Science Gleanings.= (Nelson) Each 2_s._ 6_d._

Collections of striking phenomena with their explanation.

=856. Chips from the Earth’s Crust.= (Nelson) 2_s._ 6_d._

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RELIGIOUS BOOKS.

Very few directly religious books are here suggested. It is not well to give a very serious book in a chance way to a young creature expecting amusement. And the best books are fit rather to make a lengthened stay with the reader than to be handed on in the library. Tracts for special purposes do not belong to the general class of books in circulation, and those here set down are chiefly such as give information on principles, rather than actually devotional books or sermons.

=857. Plain Words.= By the Bishop of BEDFORD. (Wells Gardner Darton, & Co.) 4 vols. 2_s._ each.

No words are wanted to praise this well-known book.

=858. The Light of Conscience.= (Rivingtons) 2_s._ 6_d._

Useful as showing how to deal with oneself.

=859. Church Doctrine and Bible Truths.= (Bell & Daldy) 3_s._ 6_d._

Excellent instruction.

=860. Last Years of Our Lord’s Ministry.= By Dean HOOK. (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 5_s._

Needs no praise.

=861. Holy Living and Dying.= By Bishop JEREMY TAYLOR. (Rivingtons) 1_s._ each.

Still as true as ever.

=862. Readings for the Aged.= (Sackville College Sermons.) By the Rev. J. M. NEALE. (Masters) Complete set, 4 vols., 28_s._ 6_d._

Discourses to the inmates of Sackville College, chiefly on Blackletter Saints.

=863. Plain Church Teaching.= (Masters) 3_s._ and 4_s._

Short and excellent readings on the Sundays of the year.

=864. Tracts on Church Principles.= (Masters) 1_s._ 6_d._

=865. Personal Religion.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

Often makes a great impression.

=866. The Pursuit of Holiness.= By Dean GOULBURN. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

The sequel of the above.

=867. Household Theology.= By Rev. J. H. BLUNT. (Rivingtons) 3_s._ 6_d._

=868. Twilight of Life.= By the Rev. J. ELLERTON. (Cassell)

One of the few books in large type for aged eyes.

=869. Heart Chords.= (Cassell) 1_s._

There are a number of these little books, by different authors, among them Bishops Boyd Carpenter and Ashton Oxenden. Useful religious books; good gifts for thoughtful persons.

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MAGAZINES.

It is very desirable to get good magazines taken in by the parishioners. They are the most effectual means of occupying the ground against hurtful publications, and serial stories running on keep up the interest. If a shopkeeper can be made an agent, with a small percentage, the affair will thrive, as children’s magazines may be subscribed for at school.

=870. Little One’s Own Picture Paper.= (Dean) 1_d._

The pictures are wonderfully good, so are the verses. Capital for showing to the infant class at a Sunday school.

=871. The Rosebud.= (Clarke & Co.) 1_d._

For very small children.

=872. The Children’s Pictorial.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_d._

Full of chromolithographs; but the stories are not serial, and this _some_ children do not like.

=873. The Prize.= (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 1_d._

This bears a highly coloured ‘picture,’ and is greatly liked.

=874. The Child’s Companion.= (R.T.S.) 1_d._

Well illustrated, and with pretty stories and short religious lessons.

=875. Chatterbox.= (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) Weekly, ½_d._ Monthly, 3_d._

Well illustrated and amusing; fit for young people somewhat older. The information is capital.

=876. Little Folks.= (Cassell) 6_d._

A somewhat superior article, with sensible tales, original correspondence, and prize competitions. Matter fairly good.

=877. My Sunday Friend.= (Mowbray) 1_d._

With the strongest Church tone of all these, and useful Sunday questions. Stories good.

=878. Sunshine.= 1_d._

Fairly good; but the Bible questions are too like riddles.

=879. Boy’s Own Paper.= (R.T.S.) 1_d._ weekly, 6_d._ monthly.

Capital, and full of adventurous tales.

=880. Girl’s Own Paper.= (R.T.S.) 1_d._ weekly, 6_d._ monthly.

Hardly equal to the Boy’s, but very much appreciated by girls in their teens, whose wants it seems to satisfy in a sensible, innocent way.

=881. Dawn of Day.= (S.P.C.K.) ½_d._

Fit for older children and young people. Can be localised.

=882. Atalanta.= (Hatchards) 6_d._

Especially for young girls, and proposing very useful subjects for competition.

=883. Penny Post.= (Parker) 1_d._

The eldest of all these, and still keeping up its reputation.

=884. The Youth’s Companion.=

An American weekly published by Perry, 41 Temple Place, Boston. A subscription of 10_s._ per annum would bring it to England, and it has some of the best reading for young folks that we know.

=885. Parish Magazine.= (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 1_d._

The first of all to be localised. Always fairly good.

=886. Banner of Faith.= (Church Extension Society) 3_s._ 6_d._ per volume.

With a strong Church tone. Very spirited. Can be localised.

=887. The Gospeller.= (Mowbray) 1_d._

More decidedly religious reading. Can be localised.

=888. The Leisure Hour.= Monthly, 6_d._; 7_s._ per volume.

A mixture of tales and information.

=889. The Quiver.= (Cassell) 6_d._

Of the same character. Monthly, and for Sunday reading, and thus containing articles on Holy Scripture.

=890. Cassell’s Family Magazine.= Monthly, 7_d._

Of a more secular but wholesome character, with tales and substantial information.

=891. Good Words.= (Isbister) 6_d._

Commands the ablest writers and comes the nearest to literature. Men are more likely to read it than the others. There is always a religious article or two—‘unsectarian.’

=892. The Net.= (Bemrose & Sons) 1_d._

Valuable as giving vivid accounts of missions.

=893. The Gospel Missionary.= (Bell) ½_d._

Keeping up interest in missions.

=894. The Coral Magazine.= (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 1_d._

On the part of the Church Missionary Society.

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PENNY READINGS.

The foremost counsel to be given to those commencing Penny Readings is to beware of exciting an expectation that all readings and recitations shall be comic. It is probable that a considerable proportion of the audience will enjoy what is adventurous or pathetic; but if the lads, whose prime object is to make a noise, once get into the habit of expecting that everything shall be the occasion of laughing, they will consider themselves defrauded by anything else, and spoil all chance of listening. Even if they come in a civilised mood, a little excitement will set them off, and make them unmanageable all the rest of the time, and habits will set in which will drive the readers at last into mere buffoonery. Drollery is quite expedient, but it should be only just at the end, as a _bonne bouche_, when the uproariousness which it creates can speedily be worked off out of doors, or else a race of young tyrants will be raised up who will effectually prevent taste from being raised among the audience.

_POETRY FOR READING OR RECITATION._

Poetry answers better than prose if WELL recited or read, and a child is generally rapturously listened to if it can do the thing with spirit and not like a lesson.

=895. The Lifeboat, and Other Poems.= By GEORGE R. SIMS. (Fuller) 1_s._

The first of these has been known to excite tears where the audience had not been demoralised by overmuch of the comic.

=896. The Platelayer.= In MAY PROCTER’S Poems.

=897. The Noble Mercer.= By JEAN INGELOW.

The story of Winstanley’s lighthouse at the Eddystone. Rather long, but very effective.

=898. Brough Bells.= By SOUTHEY.

The legend of the bells given by John Brunskill to Brough.

=899. The Bear and the Goblin.= By the Rev. F. DAWSON.

To be found in ‘Aunt Charlotte’s Evenings at Home.’ (Marcus Ward) Rather long, but very amusing.

=900. George Nidiver.= From ‘Society and Solitude.’ (Emerson)

An heroic incident. Also to be found in ‘Aunt Charlotte’s Evenings at Home.’

=901. Paul Revere’s Ride.= By LONGFELLOW.

A spirited incident of the first American war.

=902. Barbara Fritchie.= By WHITTIER.

A heroine of the War of the Secession.

=903. Sir Humphrey Gilbert.= By LONGFELLOW.

=904. King Robert of Sicily.= By LONGFELLOW.

=905. Loss of the ‘Birkenhead.’= By Sir F. DOYLE.

=906. George the Triller.= By C. M. YONGE. From ‘Book of Golden Deeds.’

The capture and rescue of the two princes of Saxony, ancestors of the Prince Consort.

Some of Lockhart’s ‘Spanish Ballads’ would be liked in some places, and to many the ‘Children in the Wood’ and others of the old English ballads would be new.

=907. Bells of Botreaux.= By the Rev. R. HAWKER.

The bells sunk in the bay just after the captain had pronounced the safe voyage due to his own seamanship.

=908. Sir Richard Grenville.= By Lord TENNYSON.

=909. Song of the Shirt.= By HOOD.

=910. Charge of the Light Brigade.= By Sir F. DOYLE.

Could not this be followed up by singing Tennyson’s Charge?

=911. Ballads.= By the Rev. F. LANGBRIDGE. (Cassell)

Some serious, some comic, well suited for the purpose.

_COMIC RECITATIONS._

=912. The Crocodile King.= By SOUTHEY.

=913. Pairing Time Anticipated.= By COWPER.

=914. The Distressed Travellers; or, Labour in Vain.= By COWPER.

A dialogue. If not in his poems, in Southey’s ‘Life of Cowper;’ also in ‘Aunt Charlotte’s Evenings at Home.’

=915. Miss Kilmansegg and Her Golden Leg.= By HOOD.

If judiciously abridged, this will answer well.

=916. The Walrus and the Carpenter.= By LEWIS CARROLL. From ‘Through the Looking-Glass.’

=917. The Elephant.= In ‘Aunt Charlotte’s Evenings at Home.’

=918. The Lady and the Pie.= By HANNAH MORE.

A clever and now forgotten fable on curiosity. To be found in H. More’s works.

=919. The ‘Anon, Anon, Sir,’ Scene.= Shakespeare’s Henry IV.,