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CANADIAN.

There are twelve large coloured illustrations in the bound volume of the Boy's Own Annual for 1896. Besides these there are several hundred smaller illustrations, and as these are mostly by the leading artists, the fact is the more noteworthy. Among the contributors are: J. Macdonald Oxley, G. A. Henty, Clive Holland, George Manville Fenn, Principal John Adams, Arthur Lee Knight, Dr. Gordon Stables, Edward Roper, and a score of others whose writings are wellknown to Canadian readers. The stories and articles are selected, of course, with a view to having them specially attractive to boys, and at the same time instructive. No better volume could be put into the hands of a Canadian youth, and that Canadians appreciate it is shown by the fact that those sold here are bound by Warwick Bros. & Rutter, Toronto, who are sole agents for the publishers.

The Girl's Own Annual, The Leisure Hour and The Sunday at Home, are also issued by this firm in a special Canadian edition. The Girl's Own Annual is just as praiseworthy as The Boy's Own, the illustrations being fully as artistic, and decidedly more delicate. The reading matter is well up to the standard of attractiveness and wholesomeness which has been exhibited in the previous sixteen issues, and it is especially important in this free-and-easy age that parents should be careful of the literature which their children peruse.

The reading matter in The Leisure Hour is much heavier, and of a more intellectual calibre, than in the two previous vol umes. Yet it is decidedly interesting, whether one is seeking for information or pleasure. Some of the contributions are very valuable.

among the Boers, Police of Japan, Worms and its Jewish Legends, Russian Nomads, Doctor Adrian, a story of Old Holland, etc. What religious topics are discussed are of universal interest.

Canada should produce its own literature of the kinds represented by these four annuals, but until it does, these English books are the best substitutes.

An important book by a Canadian author is almost ready. It will bear the title, "Studies in Acts." The first part will consist of a series of essays, in which special attention is given to the organization and growth of the first church; to its historic environment, social, political, and religious; to the Jewish-Gentile controversy and its influence upon the church; to the majestic life and work of the Apostle Paul; and to the history of the Holy Spirit in the church. By adopt ing the form of the essay, the writer, the Rev. W. J. Lhamon is freed on the one hand from the routine of the commentator, and on the other from the conventionalisms of the sermonizer. The second part of the work will consist of select comments from the most scholarly sources upon the most critical and interesting portions of the book of Acts. considers this book the key-book to the New Testament, as having been written in the first century, as being the work of a great and very accurate historian, and as being an impregnable defence of the Christian faith.

The author

The book will appear in December, from the house of The Christian Publishing Co., in St. Louis, Mo.

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Under the title "Vikings of To-Day,"* Mr. Wilfred T. Grenfell gives us an interesting account of Labrador and its people, and also of the efforts made by the

While The Sunday at Home is more religious in tone, a great many of its articles are secular; e. g., Gipsy Encampments in London, Fiji and its People, Life Toronto: Fleming H. Revell Co.

"Vikings of To-Day," by Wilfred T. Grenfell, M.R. C.S.E, L.R.C.P. Cloth, $1.25. New York, Chicago and

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Canadians must always regard with reverence the halo of romantic glory thrown by Longfellow over the Land of Evangeline. To Nova Scotians, especially, the word "Evangeline" has a sacred ness which demands respect, and Roberts, Carman, Rand and a number of other writers have founded much of their description and romance on the historical associations which cling about the district where lived this national heroine. In Wolfville, N.S., lives an author who has endeavoured to write a story into which some of this historical romance might be woven; but "A Modern Evangeline " is a lamentable failure. Mrs. Harris lacks the artist's power of painting a rich scene or depicting a striking figure, and the philosopher's power of analyzing human character and human emotions. Her story is filled with personages, places and movement, but because she lacks the technique of the true litterateur, her novel is barren, insipid and colourless.

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The question of Canada's future is always a live one, and one which is always, for various reasons, presenting itself for fresh consideration. Some two years ago, there was published in New York a

*A Modern Evangeline, by Carrie J. Harris, author of "Mr. Perkins of Nova Scotia," etc. Windsor, N.S.: J. J. Anslow. Paper, 120 pp.

+ Canadian Independence, Annexation and British Imperial Federation, by James Douglas. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. Questions of the Day Series.

book entitled "Canadian Independence," by James Douglas, a native-born Canuck, but a resident of the United States. This book should not be lost sight of, as it presents a series of very plausible arguments in opposition to annexation to the United States. The argument cannot be said to be exhaustive, but it is certainly suggestive and worthy of attention. The book should have a place in the library of every Canadian citizen.

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"Leaves from Juliana Horatia Ewing's 'Canada Home is the rather formidable title of a book* by Elizabeth S. Tucker, of Fredericton, N.B. This is a collection of recollections and reminiscences of a two years' stay of Major and Mrs. Ewing in Fredericton. Major Ewing was in the 22nd, stationed at the capital of New Brunswick in 1867 and 1868, but was perhaps more famous as a musical composer than as a soldier, being author of many compositions, among them the beautiful hymn entitled "Jerusalem, the Golden," which has sometimes been wrong. ly credited to his uncle, Bishop Ewing. Mrs. Ewing was a noted English storywriter, and a most amiable and lovely person. These two were close friends of the late Bishop of Fredericton, John Medley, and at the end of Miss Tucker's beautiful book is inserted a letter written in 1885 by the venerable Bishop to Major Ewing, sympathizing with him after the passing away of his wife.

This volume is illustrated from many photographs and from drawings by the author, together with eight facsimiles of Mrs. Ewing's Canadian water-colour drawings. All are printed on heavy quarto leaves, and add much to the grace and beauty of a very valuable book. It should find a ready sale in Canada during the holiday

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A number of Canadian book-lovers in Quebee, with M. Raoul Renault at their head, are publishing in that city Le Courrier du Livre, a small monthly magazine devoted to current literature. In the October issue (No. 6) there are articles entit'ed, Edwin Tross; Les publications relatives a l'Amerique; Le Marquis de Levis; Petite Bibliologie Instructive (Paper III); Echos et Nouvelles; and Bibliographie. M. Renault is a son of the late M. Eugene Renault, who for years edited Le Courrier du Canada.

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It is announced that a new edition of Mrs. Macleod's "Carols of Canada" will soon appear. This Prince Edward Island poetess is too little known in Western Canada. Her work is marked by an intense patriotism, a strong loyalty, a broad conception of the importance of true living, and a musical style. Measured by modern standards, she is lacking in technique; yet the modern fads in poetry are hardly safe guides, and their hollowness cannot but bring them into contempt. longest poem in Mrs. Macleod's volume is "The Siege of Quebec," and it is worthy of a permanent place in our literature.

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A CHRISTMAS NUMBER.

The

Saturday Night's Christmas number contains good features, although perhaps the chief interest will attach to the coloured

premium plate, the Battle of Queenston Heights. The Marquis of Lorne contributes a story "The Amber Drop." Angus Evan Abbot's story, "The Cry of the Loon," opens in the Canadian north and ends in London. Miss Kathleen Sullivan

writes, perhaps, the most charming story in the book, "Made of Ether." William Bleasdell Cameron, Annie McQueen, Edmund E. Sheppard and others, contribute stories, and Lieut. Col. George T. Denison writes on the Battle of Queenston Heights The illustrations and the death of Brock. are by G. A. Reid, Arthur H. H. Heming, J. E. Laughlin, C. H. Kahrs and others.

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FOREIGN.

We do not seem to be weary yet of stories of Scottish life and character, for "Heather from the Brae,"* a series of Scottish character sketches by David Lyall, has met with a warm reception. Perhaps we relish these fresh, pure sketches of the life and character of a simple people because we have been so over-burdened with books which picture the sins and wickednesses of modern society. This return to what is pure and elevating in the prose fiction of the time is surely a most hopeful sign.

David Lyall has a style of his own, and shows himself capable of depicting in a charmingly realistic and sympathetic manner, the life and habits of these simple Scottish folk. "The Land o' the Leal," by the same author, will appear shortly, and there is even a hint of another"Scots Folk in London."

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and "Probable Sons," both by the author Two juvenile books, "Teddy's Button "† of "Eric's Good News," have been issued

by the Fleming H. Revell Co. They are attractively bound and just the thing for Christmas presents.

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Dean Farrar, in compliance with a request from the editor of The Young Man, ed in book form under the title of "The has written a series of papers, now publishYoung Man Master of Himself."§ His object in writing these is to help young men who are starting out in life, by giving them the benefit of his own experience, and, as he says in the introduction, he has

*Heather from the Brae, by David Lyall. Cloth, 75 cents.

New York, Chicago, Toronto: Fleming H. Revell Co.

"Teddy's Button," by the author of Eric's Good News. "Probable Sons," by the author of Eric's Good News. Cloth, 50 cents each. New York, Chicago, Toronto: Fleming H. Revell Co.

§ The Young Man Master of Himself,

Farrar, D.D., F.R.S.; cloth, 50 cents. ago, Toronto: Fleming H. Revell Co.

by the Rev. F. W.

New York, Chic

stated "in the simplest, and most straight forward manner, the advice which seemed to him most likely to be truly helpful to them." Under the various headings"The Young Man in the Home," "The Young Man in Business," "The Young Man in the Church," and " Young Men and Marriage"-the subject is very thoroughly treated and the book ought to prove truly helpful.

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Mrs. Wiggin's story "Marm Lisa,”* which was concluded in the November Atlantic, has been published in book form. It is the pathetic history of a poor halfwitted girl who, a child herself, has entrusted to her care an incorrigible pair of twins. By her faithful care of these she

wins for herself the name of "Marm Lisa." As the author describes her"Her mother thought she would be an imbecile, the Grubbs treated her as one, and nobody eared to find out what she really was or could be." But, fortunately for Lisa, she comes under the notice of kind friends, and the story follows the development, under their care, of Lisa's clouded brain and overworked body, until, at last, she proves herself a heroine. The story illustrates what wonders may be accomplished by loving kindness, and also the author's remarkable insight into

child life.

串本

Students of poetry are always interested in such sketches of their favourite authors. as will enable them to understand the view-points from which those authors looked out upon the world, the kind of lives they lived, and the persons and times with which they were associated. An An appeal to this interest is made by Annie Fields, in her "Authors and Friends," just published. The book is divided into eight parts of unequal length, and the headings of these parts are as follow: Longfellow; Glimpses of Emerson; Oliver Wendell Holmes, Personal Recollections and Unpublished Letters; Days with Mrs. Stowe; Celia Thaxter; Whittier: Notes of his Life and his Friendships; Tennyson; Lady Tennyson. The author has had special opportunities of knowing how these persons lived and worked, and has

*Marm Lisa, by Kate Douglas Wiggin, Cloth, $1.00. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mittlin & Co.

Authors and Friends, by Annie Fields. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. Cloth, 355 pp.

the faculty of giving this acquired knowledge in charming form and sequence. There is no attempt at giving a chronological or detailed biography of each of these great authors, but a simple endeavour to present a brief view of the inner life of each, as illustrated by episodes, letters and private doings. The volume is an exceedingly important addition to the literary history of the century.

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A collection of short stories by such well known writers as S. R. Crockett, Harold Frederick, Gilbert Parker, "Q," and W. Clark Russell, comes to us under the title of "Tales of our Coast."* They are all tales of the sea and full of adventure, but varied in style, as might be expected from the names of the authors, each having succeeded in giving his own peculiar touch to the story bearing his name. It would be difficult to state which is the best story, as each author has, of course, his own admirers, but Mr. Crockett's "Smugglers of the Clone tale of the Galloway seaboard, and “Roll Call of the Reef," by "Q," will, perhaps, be most generally admired.

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The United States Bureau of Education has just issued a valuable pamphlet entitled "Education and Patho-social Studies." The first chapter deals with the nature, means and progress of criminological studies, and the results of a special case. The second gives an account of some recent psychological, criminological and demographical congresses in Europe. The third is entitled "Social Pathology and Education." Doctors, economists, lawyers, and those interested in the study of civilized man and his present social conditions, will find much in this work to interest and instruct. The information is told in a clear, lucid manner, and all the facts are carefully arranged.

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The subject of man's origin, mission and destiny has occupied the attention of scholars in all ages, and in all countries, and among Christian nations. Especially during the last two centuries, great at

Tales of Our Coast, by S. R. Crockett, Gilbert Parker, Harold Frederick, "Q," and W. Clark Russell. Illustrated by Frank Brangwyn. Cloth, $1.25. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co.

tempts have been made either to justify, explain, or destroy the Mosaic account of creation. During the whole of the century, up to the present time, naturalistic, and materialistic, scientific scepticism has gained ground. In the eighteenth century its chief exponents were Hume, in England; Voltaire, in France; and Paine, in America; in the present century, Hæckel, Romanes, and Spencer have On been working towards the same end. the other hand, the late Sir Daniel Wilson, Sir William Dawson, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Gladstone, Professor Dana, and Brunetière have endeavoured to the preserve faith in the ancient doctrines. Prof.

Luther Tracy Townsend has just published "Evolution or Creation," "* which the learned writer hopes will be found to be an "exposition and illustration of the sublime truths of the Christian religion." The book is a calm and masterly treat ment of the whole subject, and is certainly a trenchant, if not successful, attack on rationalism. He believes implicitly in supernaturalism and in a literal explanation of the Mosaic teachings. Perhaps his most formidable chapter is that on "The Ice Age and the Mosaic Week," in which he shows that the pre-glacial species of animal life are extinct with a few exceptions, that vegetable life of that period has also mainly disappeared, and that during that age the world was a vast and silent burial-ground. He then proceeds to argue that the seven or ten thousand years that have elapsed since that period are not sufficient to have produced, by an evolutionary growth, our present flora and fauna. Hence, these must have been created; and, if so, then it is just as possible that they were created in one day as in a thousand years, and the Mosaic account may be taken in its literal significance.

The book is logical and the whole argument well-arranged. Whatever one's opinions may be, it must be conceded that the author has founded his own beliefs in good reasoning.

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this author has given us.* He has exhausted his theme of western military life, and has not the brilliancy either of description or plot to make up for this sameness of character and incident in his books. The chief characteristics of this volume would seem to be its bright cloth cover and its wonderful list of errata.

One of the most readable novels of the year is "A Puritan's Wife," by Max Pemberton, † author of "The Little Hugenot." It is a love-story of a man who was one of Cromwell's Ironsides, and for this was a fugitive during nearly the Hugh whole of the reign of Charles II. Peters and the beautiful Marjory are two characters whom one may take to one's heart and love. Their constancy and self-sacrificing affection in the face of much that would blanche the bravest are impressive and touching. The author writes simply and gracefully in an old-fashioned style. He never strains after effect, and the easy progress of the story is delightful. It must add much to his reputation.

Autobiographies, as a rule, are tame and wearisome, but Elizabeth Stuart Phelps' "Chapters from a Life "‡ are bright and entertaining. The chaste binding and the beautiful illustrations make the book such as the friends of this widely-read author will appreciate. And she is widely-read, "The Gates Ajar" being now in its seventy-eighth thousand, and "Beyond the Gates" in its thirtieth thousand; and she has published twenty-three books besides. She opens her book with a description of, her Andover home and something about her scholarly ancestors, goes on to describe the environment of people and things in which she has lived, her early successes, and the origin of her best ideas. Then she tells of some of the great persons who have made little Andover famous, and of the famous men of letters with whom she has been personally acquainted-Longfellow, Whittier, Holmes, Phillips Brooks, Mrs. Stowe, etc. It is somewhat noteworthy that this book should appear about the same time as

* A Garrison Tangle, by Charles King, New York: F. Tennyson Neely. Toronto: The Toronto News Co. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co. Cloth, $1 25. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. Cloth; illustrated; 278 pp., $1.50.

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