Pomona's Travels. That shrewd, sharptongued, good-hearted Yankee woman, Pomona, is one of Frank Stockton's most delightful creations, and it was a happy thought to make her the chief character in an imaginary journey through England and Scotland. Pomona's Travels take her, in company with Jonas, her husband, to many of the famous shrines from London to Edinburgh, and her experiences written home in letters to her former mistress, the Euphemia of "Rudder Grange," provide material for a volume that abounds, says The Beacon, in humor and sagacious reflections on life abroad. Pomona's mistakes are such as many better educated Americans than she sometimes make when they try to appear at home in a foreign land, and her observations on local types of character and on the manners and customs of the average Britisher are thoroughly refreshing. There is fun in plenty in this book, and fun of the wholesome sort, and no one can read it without learning something new about human nature. Mr. Frost has supplied illustrations that, if anything, are four degrees funnier than Pomona's letters. (Scribner. $2.)

Thomas Nelson Page and George W. Cable."Polly: A Christmas Recollection," that sweet combination of pathos and fun, has been made into a companion holiday volume for "Meh Lady" and "Marse Chan," the great favorites of former years. The illustrator is A. Castaigne, and he has caught the spirit of one of the most exquisite tales ever penned by a Southern writer. This work is very effective, and the

publishers have made a handsome book. ($1.50.) Mr. Page's new volume, "The Burial of the Guns," contains six stories, rich in the pictures of old Virginia life and character for which he is justly celebrated. They are distinguished by humorous, pathetic, and dramatic touches, and are told with that simple, exquisite art that stamps Mr. Page as the finest exponent of the old and new South in fiction. ($1.25.) Mr. Cable's new novel, "John March, Southerner," displays his talents in the fulness of their power. Never before has such a complete picture been given of the complex life of an old Southern town during the period of its industrial resurrection by means of a "boom." The story is dramatic, full of humor, and presents with fidelity many interesting types of Southern character. (Scribner. $1.50.)

Pen Drawing and Pen Draughtsmen was intended primarily for the student, but it was a work that no book-lover could neglect. Within the few years that have elapsed since its first publication there has arisen a very strong interest in pen-and-ink drawings, and this may have been the warrant for the new edition which has just been issued. The book, formerly the only one on the subject, is still the most complete in its selections and the most judicious in its criticism. In a large measure this is due to the fact that Mr. Joseph Pennell, the author, is a working pen draughtsman, thoroughly informed as to the history and development of his craft. In addition, he is a man of sober and instructed judgment, and seems to be particularly free from the prejudices that usually distinguish the artist who writes on art. I do not see any reason for quarrelling with his views on the early draughtsmen, although from the tone of his preface one is led to believe that they have

found dissenters. To me they seem essentially sound. The book is admirable-a monument of discreet industry and instructed appreciation. It is indispensable to the artist, and almost indispensable to the man who loves books. (Macmillan. $15.)

Schools and Masters of Sculpture. To those who know Miss A. G. Radcliffe's "Schools and Masters of Painting," her present work will require no commendation. She shows the same grasp of subject and thoroughness of treatment as in her former work. The difficulties of condensation are extreme. Miss Radcliffe gives not only the strict history of sculpture, but some glimpses of the fresh vistas of description lately opened up, of the strange illuminations cast by modern discovery, and of the new promise discernible in modern achievement. Successive schools of sculpture are therefore shown by the flash-light of single chapters, and the personality of the great masters is brought briefly before us. Miss Radcliffe tells the story of the progress of plastic art clearly, vividly, and accurately, but without needless technicalities. She aims to arouse an interest in the subject which tempts the reader to further research, and leads him to share intelligently the love for sculpture now awakened in the public mind. In addition to her popular but thorough survey of the history of sculpture in all countries, Miss Radcliffe sketches the various American collections of casts, and explains the opportunities for study which we have at hand. The book is illustrated the best-known pieces of Assyrian, Egyptian, with thirty-five full-page cuts, showing some of Asiatic, Greek, Roman, French, German, English, and American sculpture. Her book is a very useful manual in that it really forms a directory to the very best sculptures to be found in the great museums of the world. This book should not be overlooked in choosing a gift for an artistic friend. (Appleton. $3.)

Brentano's French and German Luxuries.Brentano's have some rare books of great worth among their German and French importations. "Les Aventures de Guerre," covering personal adventures in the Napoleonic wars from 1792 to 1809, edited by F. Masson, describes a volunteer of 1792, military ballooning 1792-1794, Nicopolis, 1799; Marengo, 1800; Austerlitz, 1805; Somo-Sierra, 1807, and Essling-Wagram, 1809. It has 104 illustrations, by F. de Myrbach, all in color, and 160 pages of text. ($7.50-$10.) "Les Demoiselles de Liré," by Paul Perret, is an original story of the war of 1832, illustrated in collaboration by Charles Delort and M. Leloir. Sixteen of these illustrations are full-page, and there are sixteen head and tail pieces all in Goupilgravure. The ordinary edition is $15, and there are de luxe editions, one at $120, the other at $350. Times are getting good, and works of art, such as these, must be bought while they are offered, and must be seen if possible before they are added to the treasures of "him that hath." "Freund Allers; ein Künstlerleben," by Dr. A. Olinda, has over 400 illustrations by C. W. Allers ($6.70); and "The WoodArchitecture of Norway," with German text by Dietrichsen and Munthe, has thirty-one folio plates and 220 illustrations, a most valuable work for architects and builders, full of suggestion and rare information. (Bds., $15.)

The Alhambra and Sketch-Book. All the glamour of Moorish poetry and art seems to be conjured up by that one word Alhambra." Irving's ever-fresh and delightful word-pictures of the scenery and history of that palace are undoubtedly destined to live as long as the language in which they are composed. Similar praise may be given to "The Sketch-Book," which contains the immortal story of "Rip Van Winkle" and "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," as well as delightful pictures of life, scenery, and character in old England. These, illustrated with appropriate photogravures, make a sumptuous and fascinating companion volume to "The Alhambra." (Crowell. 2 v., $3.)

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Boswell's Life of Johnson. It has been marked that, next to Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson is quoted and misquoted the most frequently of all English writers. Boswell, who had markably good opportunities of studying the great man in every mood and phase of his character, produced a biography which has, by unanimous consent, taken its place in the very front rank. The present edition is carefully edited by Mowbray Morris, and contains many elucidatory notes in addition. It is admirably printed, and illustrated with portraits of the principal persons mentioned in the text. (Crowell. 2 v., $3.)

Scott's Complete Poetica Works.-There seems to be no falling off in the demand for the prose or poetical tales of "The Wizard of the North." The present text, carefully prepared by collation of the best English and Scotch editions, is believed to be substantially accurate. Professor Charles Eliot Norton supplies a brief but brilliant introductory essay, accounting for Scott's popularity and justifying it. Mr. N. H. Dole contributes an interesting biographical sketch, based upon the most recent records in the way of journals and letters, and a series of fascinating engravings well illustrate dramatic and picturesque portions of the poems. Its reasonable price brings this edition within the reach of all. (Crowell. 2 v., $3.)

Milton's Complete Poetical Works. - David Masson is the undisputed authority on all that concerns the life and times of John Milton, and his edition of Milton's Poems, enriched with bibliographical notes, is the standard as re

gards perfect accuracy. His text has been reproduced in its integrity, and the value of the edition has been greatly increased by a careful biography, and by the ever-popular illustrations of Doré. It makes by all odds the best and most satisfactory edition on the market. (Crowell. 2 v., $3.)

Dumas' Masterpieces.-T. Y. Crowell & Co. have brought out an excellent two-volume edi

Copyright, 1894, by T. Y. Crowell & Co. THE VILLAGE CHOIR.

tion of Dumas' immortal "Three Musketeers." This is perhaps his best and most characteristic romance, showing from beginning to end his boundless invention, his fresh and vivacious style, his ever youthful and contagious enthusiasm. The two hundred and fifty illustrations, by Maurice Leloir, are in every way admirable. They have been faithfully reproduced and add vastly to the attractiveness of this edition. The new illustrated edition of "Monte Cristo" will also be hailed with delight. The illustrations of the present edition are from the pencil of Mr. Frank T. Merrill, one of the most skilful and best known of our American illustrators. (Ea., 2 v., $3-$6.)

Dumas' Three Musketeers. Fifty years have gone by since Alexandre Dumas conceived the brilliant idea of imitating Walter Scott, and in one short year produced "Monte Cristo" and "The Three Musketeers," and made himself a European reputation. The extraordinary color, the never-flagging interest, the endless surprises, and the air of nature which was cast over even the most extravagant situations, make these works worthy of the popularity they have enjoyed in almost every country of the world. These productions are the more remarkable in that they were written from day to day for the readers of a newspaper. In spite of all that has been written about Dumas' lack of originality -his plagiarism in fact-it remains true that even if he took his plan from Walter Scott, and much of his method from his successful predecessor, Eugène Sue, he put into his creations a something that has not yet been classified by the carping critics. His success has been repeatedly traced to the great talents of his assistants, of whom at one time he kept a small army, but no one of these when writing over his own name has ever produced the fascination that flows from the pages of Dumas upon young and old, even after fifty years. The books have been printed in every language and brought out in every style of book-making. Year after year among the Christmas books comes some new edition of "The Three Musketeers," and this year a specially beautiful edition has been secured for the American market. By arrangement with the French publishers, Messrs. D. Appleton & Co. have secured the American rights for this the finest edition of Dumas' immortal romance which has been published. The illustrations by Maurice Leloir, beautifully engraved on wood by J. Huyot, are carefully printed from the original blocks, and this edition therefore has an unapproachable distinction in point of pictorial quality. The translation has been scrupulously revised, and every effort has been made to present a perfect edition of Dumas' masterpiece. The work is published in two volumes, elaborately bound. The edition is limited to 750 copies in this country. To own this book is beyond some readers, but they should all ask their bookseller to let them see it. (Appleton. 2 v., $12.)

From "The Three Musketeers." By permission of D. Appleton & Co.

THROUGH THE LOOPHOLE I THREW MY LASSOO.

Paul and Virginia.-Saint Pierre's lovely idyl is this year brought out uniform with the pretty editions of "The Story of Colette," "An Attic Philosopher in Paris," and "Picciola." It is believed this latest "foreign classic" will be even more popular in its new attractive dress than the very successful stories which have preceded it. It has Maurice Leloir's bewitching illustrations and is prefaced by a biographical sketch of that rolling-stone among the literary men of his time, the restless, happy, roving Bernardin de Saint Pierre. This ideal love-tale first appeared in 1787, and has ever since been a great favorite with reading people. Despite its sentimental tone it is still a pretty picture of the natural life led by the two young lovers in the tropics. (Appleton. $1.50.)

Water-Color Gift-Books." Fac-similes of color paintings by E. Percy Moran, reproduced Water-Colors" is a collection of twelve wateralmost in fac-simile. These pictures all contain one or more figures, mostly children, dressed in the picturesque costumes of colonial times. The publishers believe that these reproductions have been executed as perfectly as any ever "Out of Town Aquarelles " is a published. ($3.) collection of six water-color paintings, by Miss E. G. Emmett, reproduced in fac-simile. Miss Emmett has chosen for her subjects scenes of out-of-door life, which are connected with sports, such as skating, riding, yachting, hunting, and polo. She has caught accurately the spirit of these scenes, and the brightly colored costumes appropriate to such sports add greatly to the Madonnas" is effect of her pictures. ($2.) made up of six pictures of Madonnas famous in art, with original coloring by Fanny I. Edgerton. A choice book, especially appropriate as a gift to all persons interested in the Madonna in art. These reproductions are almost perfect facsimiles of the original water-color sketches, and are well worthy of framing. ($1.75.) The bindings of these fine art volumes are all that taste can imagine, and their neatness of manufacture testifies to the experience and generosity of their publishers. (Stokes.)

Dumas' Napoleon Romances.-"The Companions of Jehu" and "The Whites and Blues" both deal with the French Republic under the Directory and with the Consulate of Napoleon. They introduce such famous characters as Napoleon, Bourrienne, Josephine, Georges Cadoudal, General Pichegru, Madame de Staël, and Comte d'Artois, afterwards Louis XVIII. "The She-Wolves of Machecoul" has for its historical theme the last Vendée rising, in the reign of Louis Philippe, and the Duchesse de Berry is its leading historical personage. To this romance has been added a new translation of "The Corsican Brothers," the story upon which was founded the famous play of that name. All the stories in the series are faithful and unabridged renderings of these masterpieces of

the great French novelist, which, with those previously issued, form a collection of unrivalled historical romances, spanning French history from the reign of Henry II. to that of Louis Philippe-a period extending over more than three centuries. very fair idea of the spirit of those days is given by Dumas. Profusely illustrated by experts. (Little, Brown & Co. 6 v. $9.)

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A Shelf of Old Books.-A volume of unique literary interest is Mrs. Fields' "A Shelf of Old Books." The late James T. Fields was the personal friend of nearly all the great writers of his time, and he left a library remarkable for its character and associations, and especially distinguished for its personal relics of eminent men of letters, including Scott, Leigh Hunt, Charles Lamb, Shelley, Keats, and others. Mrs. Fields presents here a sympathetic account of these treasures that will attract all interested in the personalities of literary men and women. Rare books, volumes with signatures and annotations of celebrated owners, rare portraits and autograph letters, form some of the many interesting features of the work which is fully and attractively illustrated. Most of these books were once the property of Leigh Hunt and have many rare associations. (Scribner. $2.50.)

The Fordham Edition of Edgar Allan Poe.The complete works of Edgar Allan Poe, with a memoir and introduction on the genius of Poe, by Richard Henry Stoddard, is published by A. C. Armstrong & Son. It is in six tastefully printed volumes. This is known as the Fordham edition, and contains etchings by Gifford, Church, Platt, Pennell, and other artists, also a portrait in steel of Poe, and a Japan proof illustration of the Poe cottage at Fordham, made specially for this edition, while there are added fac-similes of the first draft of "The Bells," and a number of letters. The etchings are printed on India paper in the best possible manner. The set is bound in a durable and attractive cloth binding, with uncut edges and gilt top, and is also issued in half calf and crushed levant. Deserves to be the final edition of Edgar Allan Poe. (Armstrong. 6 v.)

Pictures of Swedish Life.-Mrs. Woods Baker, who has lived for many years in "Svea's dominions," and is well acquainted with her fireside doings, has gathered in this volume a series of chatty sketches of the country and its people, presenting in a graphic and pleasant style, not only scenes of modern home and social life, but such sketches of its previous history as illustrate the rise, progress, and present position of Sweden among the nations of modern Europe. She is thoroughly au fait in her subject, and vividly portrays the varied phases of modern Swedish life on the background of a most interesting historical picture. She tells of Sweden of today, of manners and social etiquette, of its cities, its court, its daily family life and quaint local customs, its history, its famous men and women, its laws and government, its past, present, and probable future. Her narrative is bright and gossipy, interspersed with bits of personal experience and pleasant anecdotes. The many illustrations admirably supplement the text, and bring "Mother Svea" and her children clearly before the reader. It is a charming book, not only to those who know that interesting northern land but for the stayat-homes, who may visit through its pages the country of Hans Andersen and Frederika Bremer and find it full of novelty and interest. (Randolph. $3.75.)

The Life of Christ as Represented in Art.Archdeacon Farrar's very important book, "The Life of Christ as Represented in Art," is just ready. Dr. Farrar does not intrude upon the functions of the art critic, but passes in review the predominant conceptions of Christ, and of the events narrated in the Gospels as they are expressed by great painters in varying epochs. One object of the book is to show how widely the theological and religious views of later times differ from that simplicity of which we possess the disappearing records in the many paintings of the catacombs during the first three centuries. The book is profusely illustrated, and forms one of the most important of the Christmas books. (Macmillan. $6.)

Children of Colonial Days.-A dozen of the little men and women of pre-revolutionary times are introduced to the fin-de-siècle children of today in this charming quarto. Very dainty and pretty were the little folk of that bygone generation, if we can trust Mr. Percy Moran's artistic pencil. Round his water-color picturesreproduced in excellent full-page color platesMiss Elizabeth S. Tucker has woven a pleasant medley of verse and story, interspersed with quaint sketches, each page of text being surrounded by gracefully designed borders in monotint. The pictures are delightful, with their old-fashioned lads and lassies in quaint attire. First we find little Nellie Custis, at the harpsichord given her by George Washington, where, practising four hours each day perforce, "she would cry and play, and play and cry for hours." Then we see a spinning lesson, superintended by a charming elder sister; a winter sleigh ride; a stately minuet, danced by a childish couple; a cosey story-hour in the chimney corner; "the little ladie of the sedanchair;" a game of battledore and shuttlecock; a fencing lesson; and an old-time Sunday morning. Miss Tucker's verses and stories make these little people very real indeed, and form a charming accompaniment to the pictures. Besides the large volume, "Children of Colonial Days" ($2.50) containing the twelve colored plates, two smaller books have been made, each containing six of Mr. Moran's pictures, with the entitled "Rhymes and Stories of Olden Time" (Ea., $1.50.) These are accompanying text. and "Tales and Verses of Long Ago." They production of one of Mr. Moran's pictures on are attractively bound in boards, with a re

the cover.

Days" is just twice as good as the others, but Of course, "Children of Colonial any one of the three will delight an artist's heart. (Stokes.)

A New Smaller Edition of" The Last Leaf."It would seem a neglect of the proprieties to allow a holiday season to pass without something of Dr. Holmes. He has contributed so bountifully, not only to the " gayety of nations," but to their enlightenment as well, that on festive occasions he should always be gratefully remembered. Last year he figured as the perennially welcome "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table." This year his popular poem, "The Last Leaf," appears in a small volume, like "Dorothy Q" and "The One-Hoss Shay," with excellent illustrations by Hopkinson Smith and George Wharton Edwards. These are carefully reproduced from the designs made some years since for the large edition, which enjoyed much popular favor. This edition is beautifully printed and bound, but perhaps its principal attraction for many is the prefatory note by Dr. Holmes, which appears in fac-simile of his handwriting. It is exceedingly touching in its allusion to himself as illustrating his own marks every word of it. No more appropriate poem, and sweet in the tender serenity which memorial of the lamented author could be selected. (Houghton, Mifflin & Co. $1.50.)

The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám.-The designs made by Mr. Vedder for the "Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám" reach the high-water mark of imaginative art in American illustration. Their singular power, grace, and beauty give them a place by themselves, and even lend new force and suggestion to the marvellous quatrains for