| OCR Text |
Show A ROMANCE OF THE GERMAN SECRET SERVICE. "The Man With the Clubfoot," by Valentine Val-entine Williams. Published by Robert M. McBride & Co., New York. Price 51-50 net. An English soldier's endeavor to find Ids lost brother, which Incidentally leads to the foiling of Germany's master spy, is the basis of this novel. It is full of adventure and dramatic movement and will awaken the interest of the most languid. lan-guid. During a leave of absence because of sickness, Captain Desmond Oak wood receives re-ceives a mysterious message which convinces con-vinces him that his brother, Francis, long thought dead, is alive in Berlin and needs help. While woViderlng how he can go to the rescue, he is thrown by accident into the company of an agent of -Der Stelze, the crippled, leader of the kaiser's secret service. There is a marked resemblance between the spy and the Englishman, and, when the former suddenly dies of heart failure, Desmond promptly seizes Ills effects. ef-fects. Among them is a portion of a letter which, because it is so carefully concealed, con-cealed, is judged to be of military importance im-portance and sent to headquarters. The rest of the dead man's luggage, including his credentials and a badge of the secret order that no German dare challenge, is appropriated by the Britisher, and, disguised dis-guised as an enemy spy, Captain Oakwood reaches Berlin. Here the fraud is soon discovered, and only by the greatest ingenuity in-genuity coupled with "the best of good luck does he succeed in finding his brother broth-er and escaping to the border. The tale is intense from beginning to the last chapter, and complications that seem impossible of solution fairly chase each other out of the story. It is one of those, "yellow" novels wherein the situation situa-tion is repeatedly saved by a sudden twist of fortune. The plot as a whole is well worked out, but could have been made more effective by placing greater emphasis on the importance of -the divided letter. THE VALUE OF A SMILE. . "The Gigglequtcks," by Mariam Clark Porter. Illustrated by Tony Sarg. Published Pub-lished by P. F. Voliand company, New York. Price 50 cents net. . The psychological fact that an attitude atti-tude of cheerfulness, even when assumed against one's actual feelings, so stimulates stimu-lates the senses that real joy results is utilized in this "sunny" story. It gives an account of the Gigglequicks, a fairy people from Happy Highlands, whose mission mis-sion is to dispel human sorrow. But ere these messengers of laughter can perform per-form their task, the person in distress must begin of his own accord to smile. An easy-flowing verse is the method of expression, and the narrative is confined to the sorrows of children. It is an excellent ex-cellent tale to impress upon those of tender years the value of resisting despondency. The book is substantially bound and has a beautiful cover design. It is thoroughly thorough-ly illustrated with full color drawings that emphasize Its lessons and add to the little lit-tle ones' delight. LIFE AMID WAR'S DESOLATION. "Home Fires in France, " by Dorothy Canfield. Published by Henry Holt & Co., New York, price $1.35 net. In answer to an inquiry concerning the status of her book, the author of this volume replied: "You can say that not one single detail de-tail was invented by me, "that I ha. taken the greatest care to not 'make up' anything out of my head, except the framework which holds the story together. togeth-er. Everything that happens to anybody in this book has happened to somebody in France, of whom I have personal knowledge." The work consists of short stories drawn from the various phases of life today to-day In France. It was written by one who is on the scene, for the purpose of giving America a better understanding of the trials and sacrifices of her ally. In the opening number a description Is given of a French village in the war zone, which reviews the historical reasons that gave rise to the peculiar mode of rural life, describes the town before hostilities began, and explans what the catastrophe has meant to the lives of the farmers. "The Permissionaire" is an account of a soldier's endeavor during furlough to rehabilitate re-habilitate the ruins of his once happy home. It is a most touching tale, and it vividly portrays the studied vandalism of the Germans. In "Vignettes From IJfe at the Rear" the experiences of a worker among the convalescent are narrated. A suggestion of things that may tend to prevent greater business between the United States and the Gallican republic is offered in "A Fair Exchange." "The Refugee" is a description, by one who escaped, of the barbarities to which the women and children of conquered Bel-glum Bel-glum are subjected. The story of an American stenographer who goes to Europe Eu-rope as a W. Y. C. A. worker is told In "A Little Kansas Leaven." "Eyes for the Blind" and "The First Time After" are tales of those who have lost their sight in the defense of country. In "Hats" is discussed the slavery of women to fashion and the reasons why Paris models will always determine the style. A honeymoon that counted for good is the subject of "Vive l'Ameriquel" "Da Pharmacfenne" gives the struggles of a young woman with a new-born baby to save her absent husband's business from the invading Huns. As fiction the stories, though tragic, are interesting. They have realistic characters, char-acters, vivid descriptions and plots that satisfy. But it is for the message con- 1 veyed that their collection is most welcome. wel-come. Everyone who desires to know and feel what France is enduring for the world's freedom should read the book. YOUTHFUL VALOR. "The Children of France." Published by the Henry AJtemus company, Philadelphia, Philadel-phia, The heroism and sacrifice displayed by French children when caught in the German Ger-man invasion furnish the subject matter of this volume. It consists of stories told by a returned American soldier to the boys and girls of his neighborhood. The tales are full of adventure and pathos that thrill the emotions with sympathy and admiration. The first one is of a 14-year-old lad called Remi, who, having lost all his other relatives, followed his uncle to the front and there won the cross of war by obtaining ob-taining information that led to the capture cap-ture of an enemy position. "The Heroine of Fort Montere" tells how a little girl saved a French garrison by escaping from her home, in which she was held prisoner, and giving warning of the boches' approach. ap-proach. In "Francois Outwits the Prussians," the story of a youthful spy la given. "Little "Lit-tle Pierres Sacrifice" shows the unfaltering unfalter-ing courage of a youth who was condemned con-demned to die because he sought to comfort com-fort his wounded brother. The devotion of a boy of 12 to the captain who allowed him to remain with the army is shown in "A Little Soldier of France." "Saved by a Child's Wit" is the account of how little lit-tle Jaenne prevented the capture of a town by an ingenious answer to the Hun commander's quest for information. The adventures of "The Child Dispatch Bearer" is a picture of the fidelity of youthful France. "Gene and the Bavarian Dragoons" describes how a small girl effected ef-fected the rescue of her father from the enemy. "The Little Soldier of Mercy" relieved the suffering of the battlefield by carrying water to the wounded. A touching tale of a youth who gave his life to save the dying Is told in "The Brave Little Coward." "The Hero of the Guns" describes the saving of a battle by a lad who knew how to manipulate a machine gun. "Marie, the Courageous," was a maiden spy who gave her life for F ranee. The stories are adapted to the understanding under-standing of children between the ages of 12 and 14 years. They are interesting, wholesome and inspiring, and should be widely read among younger America. TALE OF THE MEXICAN BORDER. "Firecracker Jane," by Alice Calhoun Haines. Published by -Henry Holt and Company, New York. Price $1.50 net. The chaos that reigned in Mexico three years ago is the background of this novel, and its heroine is the daughter of an American cavalry officer who, because of an imagined slight on the part of her father, elopes with her Mexican cousin and is thrown into the hands of Valdes, the "Lion of the North." Jane Dudley's mother, who is heiress to the famous De Cadena estate, dies when her daughter is a little child, and the girl Is reared In the house of her aunt, with her father and Samuel Smith, a young officer whom she calls "S. O. S.," as her only close companions. In due time Jane goes to boarding-school boarding-school and makes friends among the girls. Some of these she invites to her home, and one of them is chosen by Colonel Dudley as his second wife. This angers the impulsive maid and she resolves re-solves never to live with her father again. About this time her cousin, Riccardo, arrives in Washington on a diplomatic mission, and, Incidentally, he calls on Miss Dudley to dfsoMss matters pertaining to the estate. He Is Infatuated by the beauty of the maiden and proposes marriage. She accepts, and, without Informing her father, they leave for Mexico. Riccardo proves a man, and, despite her previous love for "S. O. S.." he wins and merits his wife's affections. But he Is an enemy to a band of outlaws, and finally they murder him and carry the woman away. Then Jane goes through a series of painful and thrilling adventures adven-tures which come to a happy ending when she is reunited with her father and other .childhood friends. The story is full of life, romance and color, and gives an excellent description of the conditions that General Pershing met when he invaded Mexico. The characters char-acters are real and well delineated, and the events move fast. It is a tale that grips the interest from beginning to end. THE MUSICIANS OF TODAY. "Contemporary Composers," by Daniel Gregory Mason. Published by the Mac-m Mac-m ill an Company, New York. Price $2 net. In this, the final -volume of his series oh great creative musicians, Mr. Mason reviews the lives and works of the leading lead-ing composers of todny. There are also two general essays-y-one dealing with the effect of democraoj on music, the other, treating the status of the art in America. Strauss, Elgar, Debussy and d'Indy are the composers under consideration. In his discussions of their productions the author does not assume, as too many-critics many-critics do, that the readers will know all about the subject and that his duty ends with the recording of personal impressions. impres-sions. The passages used for illustration illustra-tion are printed in the text, and the analyses are so complete that even those who have never heard the music of which he writes can understand and appreciate them. The discourse on "Democracy and Music." which is placed as an introduction introduc-tion to the book, describes the effects on the art of the breaking down of aristocratic aristo-cratic patronage and the admitting to the circle of the uncultured masses. It calls attention to the damper placed on all the better things of life by the present capitalistic system, and prophesies that unless a change is made the fine arts will disappear. The essay is an illuminating treatment of our economic problems from a novel' point of view and will be of interest in-terest to a far greater audience than the musicians. It also furnishes an excellent background to the discussions that follow. fol-low. In the concluding chapter of the work American music Is considered. The underlying principles of ragtime and the negro melodies are reviewed and the reasons rea-sons for their popularity are explained. What the future holds for the art in this country is also discussed. FOR PATRIOTIC HOUSEWIVES. "Economical Wartime Cook Book." by Janet McKenzie Hill, editor of "American "Amer-ican Cookery." Published by George Slly and Company, New York. Price 50 cents net. The question of preparing palatable and economical meals that comply with the rules and regulations of the food administration ad-ministration Is ever before the patriotic housewife, and to aid her in Its solution the present volume was compiled. In It the substances that murt be conserved are enumerated and their Viost practical substitutes are pointed out. Directions are given for making wheatless bread? and 'Victory'" rolls, and the best methods of saving sugar and fats are discussed. There are also Instructions for canning and preserving. Accuracy and completeness mark the formulae, and the following of directions insures good results. It is a book especially espe-cially adapted to the needs of those of little experience. ART OF SUCCESSFUL COMMAND. "Winning and Wearing Shoulder Strap," by Charles F. Martin, Lieutenant Colonel, Colo-nel, U. 6. Cavalry. Published by the Macmillan Company. New York. Price 51 net. For the benefit of young officers and soldiers who are striving to win the shoulder straps, a military expert has prepared this manual. It discusses the psychology of successfully commanding men, explains the duties and responsibilities responsibili-ties of army officers, and points out the subjects that should be pursued by those who aspire to military distinction. The dominant elements of efficiency which every officer should cultivate are enumerated, and the military qualities and habits essential to effective execution are described. The value of discipline and morale and the most effective means of obtaining them are explained. leadership leader-ship and command are considered In their relation to subordination, and the necessity neces-sity of absolute obedience is made clear. There is also a chapter on "Why Are You a Soldier?" Although written primarily for those tn the army, the book will prove valuable to leaders in any profession. It deals with the fundamental principles of h-andling- men, and those principles are the same in every department of human endeavor. THE CHALLENGE OF THE RECONSTRUCTION. "What Is National Honor?" by Loo Ferla. Published by the Macmillan' company, New York. Price, $1.50 net. Although national honor has been the actual cause of nearly every war in history, his-tory, tribunals for Insuring peace have always ruled it out of their jurisdiction. The two Hague conferences ' avoided It, the proposed league of nations excludes it from its consideration, and even the interallied labor conference declared that questions concerning it could not be arbitrated. And yet this quality, which is so sacred that human blood must defend de-fend it. has never been subject to rational ra-tional definition. It was for the purpose of removing this defect that the present book was written. The author does not ask the question as a cynic, but with the sincere belief that an analysis of I he basic motive for war will help the world find a means of lasting peace. The fallacy of the doctrine that nations take up arms -because they hope to procure pro-cure economic gains Is clearly . pointed out, and the thesis that honor is the moving cause of belligerency is definitely established. Then follows a symposium of 135 conceptions of national honor as found In the Speeches of notable diplomats, diplo-mats, which shows that Its Interpretation depends upon the particular circumstances circum-stances and the individual speaking. Having thus demonstrated that, while men will eagerly lay down their lives in its defense, no two persons can agree on what national honor really is, the author seeks its meaning by a rigid psychological psycho-logical analysis of the phenomena it evokes. His conclusion is that national honor is only a strong emotion and has no rational definition. But since men's feelings are more potent than their thoughts, this emotion constitutes the greatest obstacle possible to the securing of a lasting peace. The author, however, does not despair. The pacific goal can be reached, he says, if we change our method of approach. "Let us appeal to the heart Instead of to the head. Three ways are suggested for accomplishing ac-complishing this. The first is ethical. It proposes the moral Izatlon of national honor bv defining it on the basis of rational ra-tional ideals. The. second has a political foundation. By it is recommended the establishment of a court of international honor, which would secure frorii each nation na-tion a definite list of the points it would refuse to arbitrate, and be imbued with the authority of deciding whether a given question comes within the list. In this way the powers would know where each other stood and could g-ovcrn their acts accordingly. The last, which is the most ambitious, is predicated on psychology. psychol-ogy. It would supplant national honor with an equally emotional love for the whole of humanity, and thus man's integrity in-tegrity to the race would be made to prevent tho clash of arms. The work Is carefully and consistently written. It is purety intellectual and makes no statements that are not supported sup-ported by logical conclusions, drawn from indfsputahlc facts. A special introduction to the work by Norman Angell takes a view contrary to the author's and thua enables the reader to check up on the arguments of the text. THE GAMES OF BABYHOOD. "Come Plav With Me," by Olive Baupro Miller. Illustrated by Carmen L. Browne. Published by P. F. Voliand Company, New York. Price 50 cents net. The little poems which compose this volume are taken from the natural play of children. They reflect the thoughts and feelings of our little oneH during the hours when adult Influence is withdrawn. The flowers, the birds, the sunshine, the richness of color in twilight's clouds and the dreariness of coming night all have a living significance for babies, and the stories they tell are ncre recorded. record-ed. There are, moreover, different meanings mean-ings than wc know attached by the infant in-fant mind to playthings, furniture and many other common ohjects, and these, also, are herein explained. The verses are carefully written in the form that children enjoy. Their subject matter ia delightful, their experience beautiful, and their sentiments rmulate only the most desirable traits of childhood child-hood nature. The book, which is one of Voliand 's "Sunny" series, fs artistically and subsLtntially bound, and containu numerous full color illustrations. A ROMANCE OF THE SEA. "Wilbur Crane's Handicap." by John Maxwell Forbes. Published by George Sully & Co., New York. Price, $1.35 net. The vindication, by bis actions on a disastrous sea voyage, of a man who has spent five years in the penitentiary for a crime of which he Is innocent, Is the subject of this story- It Is a tale of exciting adventure, in which love, peril and intrigue, are happily blended. On the day that his sentence expires Wilbur Crane is approached by Simon Burke. Junior partner of Martell & Burke, the shipping firm in whose employ the young man was when convicted of forgery, for-gery, with an offer of a large sum of money If he will assist In the scuttling of a ship the cargo of which is insured for many times its value. Wilbur spurns tho idea and resolves to leave town. Later he learns that Jessie Mar tell, daughter of the senior member of the firm, to whom he was betrothed before his misfortune, is to sail on the "Red Arrow," and events take place that convince con-vince him that this is the ship that is to be destroyed. Resolved to save the young1 woman, he endeavors to give warning, but is scorned because he is an ex-convict. He then tries to secure work on the vessel, that he may be present if the worst comes to pass, and again is rebuffed re-buffed on account of his prison record. At last, in desperation, the unfortunate man stows away on board the boat. Grandon Burke, tho actual forger of the check that sent Crane to prison, and the present fiance of Jessie, is also on board. Tho "Red Arrow" proves to be other than the doomed vessel, but after a sensational wreck and many days on a raft in midoeean, during which time Wilbur Wil-bur i establishes himself as a hero, the three are picked up by the "Fedora." which also belongs to Bartell & Burke; and among its crew Crane instantly recognizes rec-ognizes the men who were to aid him in the dastardly plot. A struggle fraught with thrilling adventures, in which the one-time "jailhlrd" is pitted against the ship's crew, Grandon and Jessie, then takes place. It is a tale in which the events move rapidly and the interest never lags. It will be enjoyed by all who lovo a romance which tests the hero's courage. A ROMANCE BY FARNOL. "Our Admirable Betty," by Jeffery Far-nol. Far-nol. Published by Little, Brown & Co., Boston. Price $1.60 net In response to a popular demand, Mr. Farnol has returned to the scenes and period of his earliest stories and from them produced the present novel. Jt, is a romance of the country life of Kngland in the first part of the eighteenth century. cen-tury. Major d'Arcy, wounded veteran of the Ramilles, who has lived for many years a quiet bachelor life at his manor house, suddenly finds his peace of mind disturbed dis-turbed by the appearance In the neighborhood neigh-borhood of the Lady Elizabeth, a vivacious viva-cious lass with many a gallant wooer. From the first meeting it Is evident that i Betty will lovo no other than the major; and" he, though he scoVns tho idea, slowly slow-ly falls victim to her fascination, and they become engaged. But there Is a villain in the story who ' has a strange Influence over the lady, I and her secret meetings with Mr. Dal-j Dal-j royd are discovered by her lover. He demands an explanation. She chides htm for doubting her, and assures him that If he will only trust and wait everything will be made clear. D' Arcy tries to believe her, but the evidence is too strong, and duels, abductions, rescues and thrilling escapes result. The story, though good when compared with, the average novel, is far below the excellence expected from tho pen oF the man who wrote "The Broad I ligh v;i. ." It is a disappointment io the lovers of Farnol. A poverty of the events which play a vital part 'in the development of the plot is noted throughout, and at times the story Is dull. Of course, the author's brilliant style keeps the Interest from entirely en-tirely flagging, but the tale is far too bulky for the adventures it includes. THE ROAD TO SUCCESS. "Living the Creative T,lfe." by Joseph Hi Appel. Published bv Robert M. McBride Mc-Bride & Co., New York. Price $1.60 net. The application to life of tho. philosophy of Thomas Troward, the English psychologist, psy-chologist, which teaches that sitlrft Id thought and that thought Is the ultimate cause of all creation, is the aubjecH of this volume. It consists of a clear, torsi statement of the doctrine and a careful analysis of the author's experience In ap-plylng ap-plylng It to the problems of everyday life. Efficiency, as based on the materialistic materialis-tic concept, Is examined and found to be a failure. The qualities that lead to a creative life ar shown to he doing, knowing, know-ing, growing, living and blng. Theso are reviewed In their relation to the questions that are commonly met, and their effects on success are pointed out. The book, while supporting an ultra-Ideallsnd ultra-Ideallsnd thesis, Is thoroughly practical In Its deductions. The advice it gives has all been tested and will actually produce good results. It answers In a new light the problems t hat everyone must solve, nnd its perusal is delightful and instructive. in-structive. A TALE FOR THE BABY. "Sunny Bunny." by Nina Wilcox Putnam. Put-nam. Illustrated by .'lohnny Gruelle. Published by the P. F. Voliand Company. Com-pany. New York. Price fo cents net-Volland's net-Volland's "Sunny Books" continue to arrive, and each of them brings joy to the reviewer. Though designed especially for children and containing only the most juvenile stories, and verses, they have sentiment so tweet and cheering that everybody likes to read them. And, as works of art, the books are almost perfect. per-fect. Binding, paper, printing, arrangement arrange-ment of matter and Illustration all corn-bine corn-bine to make each volume a delight ful thing to look at The pictures and cover designs, which are always Jn full color, ar? from the brushes of fnmouH art ists, and no paf ns or expense are spared in making then effective. The present number contains the account ac-count of a rabbit family's endeavors to find a new home after the old one has been destroj-ed by a farmer's plow. It Is a touching story, and, with its alternating pathos and humor, awakens the children's Imagination to sympathy and kindness. Moreover, the skillful Imbuing of the rabbits with personal qualities, and yet not impairing their fundamental animal characteristics, gives a fairy lale the nature na-ture lessons of which will never have to be unlearned. U is a book that will bring nothing but ple.asure and benefit to thfl little ones fort una te enough to hear it resd and view Its nr-tty illustrations. |
