AMONG THE BOOKS.

NARRATIVE AND CRITICAL HISTORY OF AMERICA. Edited by Justin Winsor. Vol. VIII. and last. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 1889. Pp. 604. $5.50 a volume.

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The last volume of this remarkable work is on "The Latin History of British, Spanish, and Portuguese America." Its "Critical Essays" and its "Critical Notes," its quaint, antique "Illustrations," its Bibliographical Notes," its Appendix on "The Manuscript Sources of the History of the United States of America with Particular Reference to the American Revolution," by the editor, and finally its "General Index" to the whole work, comprising nearly fifty three-column pages in fine type, make this a worthy completion of the most important history of America for historical scholars ever yet published. PLAIN AND SOLID GEOMETRY. By Edward Brooks, A. M., Ph. D., author of "Normal Series of Mathematics," etc. Philadelphia: Christopher Sower Company, 614 Arch street. 1889. Pp. 415.

In this latest addition to the lists of geometries prepared for school use, we find a volume which reflects credit upon its publishers, for its neatness, clearness of type, and general attractiveness, and upon its author, for its simplicity, clearness of expression, and general adaptability. In general, the approved methods of demonstration have been adopted, though relieved at times by the obvious improvements that new proofs and simplifications have furnished. The paragraphs given "To Prove" and "Proof," are an acceptable feature, the moderate use of the equational form simplifies examinations while not hindering logical thought, and the use of the "Doctrine of Limits" properly replaces the older method of "reductio ad absurdum.”

The ten to twenty practical examples which follow each book, the long list of theorems for original thought, and the supplement, containing additional matter, as a section on "Maxima and Minima," and another on "Supplementary Propositions," furnish material for those who wish to spend an extra amount of time; at the same time, those who require less than the entire course, can use the work with perfect ease and convenience. A valuable volume has thus been added to better equip the schools of our country.

THE CONVERSATIONAL METHOD FOR SPEAKING, READING, AND WRITING GERMAN. By Edmond Gastineau, A. M. New York: Ivison, Blakeman & Co. Pp. 534.

Great improvements have of late been made in the methods of teaching modern languages. This book embodies the latest and freshest and most important features for a first-class textbook in German. Its type is beautiful, its paper excellent, its binding good, and the arrangement of the subject matter is of the best. There is an art in book making, and this distinguished firm of publishers have acquired the highest principles and practices of this art. The book before us is a worthy example.

By William T. Harris, comarranged with commentary

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY. prising passages from his writings, selected and and illustrations, by Marietta Kies. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 1890. Pp. 287.

Those who have come in contact with the mind of Dr. Harris will appreciate

this book. It is the first attempt to collect and make into a continuous and consecutive whole his writings upon philosophical subjects. While, perhaps, it has not been done as Dr. Harris himself would have done it, yet the compilation is very creditable to Miss Kies. Doubtless it will not be the last compilation of this sort. The book is a valuable contribution to our American works upon philosophy.

THE HONORS OF THE EMPIRE STATE IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. By Thomas S. Townsend. New York: A. Lovell & Co. $2.50.

This admirable history of the regiments furnished by the State of New York contains more than four hundred pages, and is a worthy record of the part taken by the Empire State in the great war. Every soldier in that state will want a copy. The story of the war is well told, and the part taken by every regiment is clearly delineated.

When it is remembered that there were twenty-six cavalry regiments. twenty-eight artillery regiments and batteries, and one hundred and ninetythree infantry regiments, it will be seen what an immense task the author took upon himself in planning such a work. But the execution is admirable. It reflects great credit upon the author, the state, and the soldiers. It will also prove of immense value to all future historians of our country.

A PRACTICAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR WITH LESSONS IN COMPOSITION AND LETTER WRITING. By Judson Perry Welsh, A. M., West Chester Normal School, Pa. Philadelphia: Christopher Sower Co. Pp. 272.

A beautiful book, finely printed in elegant form and rich with thought of a practical nature, right from the schoolroom mint. Any teacher who tries this book will find it usable, practical, and scholarly. It is well for us to return to a little more grammar than the croakers have been giving us of late. The Christopher Sower Co., one of the oldest, if not the oldest book publishing house in the country, is giving to American teachers many of the best schoolbooks now in use.

By

MANUAL OF EMPIRICAL PSYCHOLOGY, AS AN INDUCTIVE SCIENCE. Gustave Adolf Lindner, of the University of Prague. Authorized translation by Charles De Garmo, Ph. D., of the Illinois State Normal University, Nornial, Ill. Boston: D. C. Heath & Co. 1889. Pp. 274. Price, $1.10. Charles De Garmo is one of the best educational thinkers in the country. He has done the profession great service by this beautiful translation of Dr. Lindner's great work. Only if he had written it himself could it have been better. The book is specially valuable because it does not stop with the intellect, but discusses with great clearness and precision "The Feelings," "Impulses,"" Desire," and "The Will." Every thoughtful teacher should read this book.

PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY. Some Social Studies. By Joseph Henry Crooker. Boston: George H. Ellis. 1889. Pp. 293.

This is a collection of essays upon selected subjects, including the following: The Student in American Life; Scientific Charity; The Root of the Temperance Problem; The Political Conscience; Moral and Religious Instruction in our Public Schools; and the Religious Destitution of Villages.

No teacher can read the careful discussion of "Moral and Religious Instruction in our Public Schools," whether he agrees with the positions of the author or not, without being wiser for the reading. He will have a clearer appreci

ation of the conditions of the problem, and be nearer its solution than before. The reading of this article alone is well worth to any teacher the price of the book.

THE RYERSON MEMORIAL VOLUME. Prepared on the occasion of the unveiling of the Ryerson Statue in the grounds of the education departinent on the Queen's Birthday, 1889. By J. George Hodgkins, M. A., LL. D. Toronto, 1889. Large octavo. Pp. 129.

This is a worthy tribute to the memory and distinguished service of Dr. Ryerson, so long Chief Superintendent of Public Instruction in Ontario. Dr. Ryerson was a distinguished educator, and the Canadian people have done themselves credit in erecting a beautiful bronze statue of Dr. Ryerson, which was unveiled on the 24th of May last. The book is throughout interesting and will prove valuable to our American educators, especially in showing us what Ontario has done.

WILBUR FISK. By George Prentice, D. D., Professor in Wesleyan University. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 1890. Pp. 289. Price, $1.25.

This addition to the publishers' new series of "American Religious Leaders,” will take high rank, and is worthy to stand alongside of Professor Allen's "Life of Jonathan Edwards." The book will prove of special interest to educators, inasmuch as it contains a careful history of Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, and of Wesleyan University, at Middletown, during the earlier period of both of these important institutions. It also deals vigorously with certain phases of religious controversy in New England.

GEMS FROM WALT WHITMAN.

Selected by Elizabeth Porter Gould. Philadel

phia: David McKey. 1889. Pp. 58. Walt Whitman has his friends and admirers, but not all people are included. Yet all must admit that he has written some elegant things. He is poetic, thoughtful, imaginative, full of human sympathy and fellow-feeling. Miss Gould has succeeded in culling his best thoughts, and has made a very attractive little souvenir. The volume includes a brief biography of the poet, and a longer account of his hospital work among the soldiers of the civil war. BIBLE SELECTIONS AND RESPONSIVE READINGS, for Use in Schools. Arranged by George W. Winslow, Principal of Observation School, Westfield, Mass. With an Introduction by Rev. Joseph T. Duryea, D. D. Boston: Charles H. Kilborn. 1889. Pp. 326. Price, 60 cents.

Many Bible Readers for school use have been published, but this seems to be the best of them all. The mechanical execution is excellent, the selections are appropriate and skilful, and the contents should be unobjectionable to all classes of religionists. The book will be found of the highest use in conducting proper devotional exercises, which ought to have a place in every school. The compiler and the publisher, — and the schools, are to be congratulated on the beauty, and skill, and adaptability of this book.

ELEMENTARY PHYSICS. By Mark R. Wright. London: Longmans, Green & Co. 1889. Pp. 248.

This is the latest, and many will call it the best of the textbooks on Physics. It embraces heat, sound, light, magnetism, frictional electricity, and Voltaic electricity. It is constructed on the experimental plan, and the topics are admirably presented.

It should take high rank, and come into wide use among our American schools.

MAGNETISM AND ELECTRICITY.
Longmans, Green & Co. 1889.
This treatise by Professor Poyser contains an excellent presentation of the
principles and uses of Magnetism, and frictional and Voltaic electricity. It
contains two hundred and thirty-five illustrations, and is constructed upon the
experimental plan. It is beyond question one of the best textbooks upon this
important subject yet presented to the American public. Every teacher of this
subject should send to the publishers and secure a copy.

By Arthur Wm. Poyser, M. A. London :
Pp. 247.

AMERICAN LITERATURE. A text-book for Schools, Academies and Colleges.
By Albert H. Smyth, A. B., of Johns Hopkins University; Professor
of Literature in the Philadelphia Central High School. Philadelphia:
Eldredge & Bro. Price 90 cents.

There has been for years past a growing demand for a text-book on American Literature, comprehensive in its scope, yet sufficiently concise to be completed in one term. It is certain that the text-book here presented will fill a long-felt want in many schools. It is upon a new plan, made by a practical teacher, and will commend itself to every instructor in the subject of Literature. The several periods of American history have been carefully discriminated. The "New York Writers," the "Awakening of New England," "Longfellow, Lowell and Holmes," the "Historians," the "Southern Poets," "From Cooper to the Civil War," and "After the Civil War," are the titles of chapters. Let every teacher send 90 cents for a sample copy.

NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION. JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS AND ADDRESSES. 1889, at Nashville, Tenn. Published by the Association. Distributed by the late Secretary, now President Canfield, Topeka, Kansas. Pp. 733.

This volume contains enough "weighty" documents to sink a ship. Every wide-awake teacher should secure a copy by sending $2.00 for membership fee to the President or to the Treasurer, E. C. Hewett, LL. D., Normal, Ill.

THE FRANKLIN SQUARE SONG COLLECTION. Devoted to School and Home Enjoyment. Songs and Hymns. No. 6. 200 favorites. Price, 50 cents in

paper.

One of the very best. It will prove a universal favorite.

CATALOGUE OF YALE UNIVERSITY. 1889. Pp. 240.

CXCth year.

1889-90. New Haven,

Number of students, 1,477. In Yale College proper, 736. Entire number in the Department of Philosophy and the Arts, 1,202. Divinity, 136. Medicine, 54. Law, 111.

THE CONGREGATIONALIST'S ANNUAL HANDBOOK has become a necessity to the denomination. It supplies in small compass, and at the nominal price of $1.25 per 100 (less than cost), a variety of matter that should be in the hands of every Congregationalist throughout the country. The edition for 1889 was over 100,000 copies. The new Manual for 1890 has forty pages, contains prayer-meeting topics, daily Bible readings, denominational, and other religious statistics, the Congregational Creed of 1883, accounts of each of the seven benevolent societies, and the official list of Christian Endeavor Prayer-meeting Topics. The cover design is by Ipsen, and is unique and attractive.

A VALUABLE AND UNIQUE BUSINESS CALENDAR for 1890, is the Columbia Bicycle Calendar and Stand, issued by the Pope Manufacturing Company, of