[191] The whole range of ancient or modern literature would be searched in vain for more beautiful specimens of letter-writing than some of General Lee's letters which are given in this book. In a word, it is a work to carry into our homes, to put into the hands of our boys, to be read and studied as a fine portrayal of the character of the noblest man who ever trod this continent.
These books are all published by John Murphy & Co., Baltimore, to whom we are indebted for copies, and in paper, type, binding, etc., are beautiful specimens of the book-maker's art. Miss Mason has been generously devoting the proceeds of their sale to the education of the daughters of Conlederate soldiers, and this, in addition to their real merits, ought to secure for them a wide and continuing sale. They may be ordered directly from the publishers.
The poems of Frank O. Ticknor, M. D. Edited by K. M. R., with an introductory notice of the Author by Paul H. Hayne. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co.
This book is very carefully and skillfully edited by the accomplished lady who has done the work and modestly withholds her name. The publishers have performed their part admirably, and thousands who have admired and wept over Ticknor's sweet poems that have appeared from tile to time in the newspapers, will rejoice to have these and others never before published collected together in this beautiful volume. Paul H. Hayne — himself no mean authority — concludes his admirable introductory by saying; “Burns, himself, was not more direct, more transparently honest in his metrical appeals than Ticknor. There are no fantastic conceits, no farfetched similes, no dillettanteism of any sort in his verses. The man's soul-sturdy yet gentle, stalwart yet touched by a feminine sweetness--‘ informed ’ them always; and, if it can hardly be said of his lyrics that each was ‘polished as the bosom of a star,’ still the light irradiating them seldom failed to be light from the heaven of a true inspiration.”
The Virginians of the Valley and Little Giffen of Tennessee, have long taken their places among the standard poems that will live, and we hesitate not to declare that there other gems in the volume equally worthy.
The book is published by subscription, and may be had by sending the price ($1.50) to Miss K. M. Rowland, 225 Freemont street, Baltimore.
