Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/318

 258 Sloan's Architectural Review and Builders' Journal. [October, alike to the health, comfort, and happi- ness of our citizens. But, as we said, the people authorized to look after such matters are actually doing something: towards ameliorating the degraded condition of the Battery. Who can say, what some good genius may do for it yet, or how near our de- sires for its regeneration may be to fruition ? [Our contributor is right. New York has a splendid opportunity in the Bat- tery, which should be renovated and enlarged ; and, in addition, be furnished with a stately monument to Heudrick Hudson. — Eds.] REVIEW OF NEW BOOKS. The Workshop. A Monthly Journal, devoted to the Progress of the Useful Arts. Edited by Prof. W. Baumer, J. Schnorr and others. 4to., IS pp. per monthly part, with artistic and elegantly engraved illustrations on wood. New York: E. Steiger. This is a work of great usefulness, executed literarily in a very satisfactory manner, and typographically very tastefully presented. By no means, as many might sup- pose from its title, intended entirely for Designers or Aitizans, it will be found by general readers, a very eliicient aid toward Ihe attainment of that knowledge, qualifying them for the proper appreciation of most pro- ductions of taste. Enlarged with this number On the Construction of Iron Roofs. A Theoretical and Practical Treatise by Francis C ampin, C. E., &c, &c. With wood cuts, and plates of roofs recently executed. 1 vol. 8vo., pp. 38. Printed by the Photo- graphic Process. New York : D Van Nostrand, 1S68. A very useful book for young architects, and tor build- ers and mechanics in the branch of which it treats. Its very purpose required compendious succinctness, and there is certainly no waste of matter. It is divided in three parts, Introductory, Theoretical and Practical ; and appears to contain all needful formulas and demonstra- tions. Children with the Poets. By Harriet B. McKeever. 1 vol. 12mo., pp. 3G0. Phila. : Claxton, Reinsen & Haf- felfinger, 1868. Those educating children, often feel the want of a good and suitable volume of poetry, in order to select thence subjects, whose rhythm and rhyme may help fasten cer- tain truths upon the memory. To aid this want has been the aim of the compiler of this volume. Her work has been well and conscientiously done. The book contains no mere frivolity, but much to amuse and instruct. Callamura. By Julia Plsasani'S. 12mo.,pp.454. Phila.: Claxton, Rcmsen & Haffdfing-n-. Callamura is the name of a Southern country seat, to which "only the most aristocratic families were wel- c ime," whose inmates and frequenters discourse a la haid ton; in which a wedding occurs early, and over which broods desolation to close. This is a well-written society novel of that class which, having direct reference to the effects of the late civil war, certainly cannot much benefit the country at present. As Americans, we need neither sentimeut nor ratiocination on this subject, which is too raw and re- cent; but honest application and persistent indu-try in the ordinary pursuits of life. All through the confl.ct histories were compiling, novels and dramas writing, and poems rose and fell throughout the land. The con- vulsion was entirely abnormal in many things, but in none more than this strange contemporary occupition of the inkstand and the printing pre-*-. Diaries nniials. etc. we want, it is true ; but it is ueedlossto say. thai all ^iskind of work, executed in passion, or in prejudice, is to do over. These remarks have no special reference to "Callamura," which will doubtless find plenty of readers inclined towards the "lost cause." The Bachelor of Salamanca, translated from the French of M, Le Sage. 2 vols. 18mo. Phila. : Thos. W. Hartley, 819 and S21 Market street. It is almost superfluous to say a word of commenda- tion concerning Le Sage. The author of Gil Bias and Le Diable Buiteaux was so keen an observer of human nature, so agreeable a narrator of what he saw, so good an inventor, and so brimming with geniality, that he claimed, and commanded at once, a large public, whose numbers have continually increased from his day to the present. The work in question, though not by any means his master-piece, is extremely readable, and well adapted to while away a leisure hour. Tales of Algeria, or Life among the Arabs, from the " Vei.oce" of Alexandre Dumas. By Richard Meade Bache. 1 vol. 12mo. Four spirited illustrations on wood. Phila.: Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfinger. The "Veloce" is the French frigate feigned to be placed at the disposal of the narrator of quite a number of short descriptions, tales and incidents, having no special con- nection, but agreeably set forth in the course of the voy- age, and terminated by a contrast between " The Arab and the Frenchman." The work appears to be well trans- lated, and is well suited for a desultory hour. Elements of Art Criticism, Comprising a Treatise on the Principles of Man's Nature, as addressed by Art. Designed as a text-book for schools and college-, and as a hand-book for amateurs and artists, by G. W. Samson, D. D. 1 vol. 12mo., pp. 406. Phila. : J. B Lippincott k Co., 1868. With illustrations. For popularizing art-knowledge, no better means could be devised than the preparation of just such books as this; and, while Dr. Samson worked out a happy con- ception exceedingly well in his larger work, he made a still more desirable advance towards his object, by this neat and comprehensive abridgment, which deserves and will certainly find a large sale. A History of the New School, and of the Questions Involved in the Disruption of the Presbyterian- Church in 1S38. By Samuel J. Baird, D D. 1 vol 12mo., pp. 564. Phila : Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfinger. Dr. Baird stands deservedly high in his brauch of the Church, and claims, in the possession of the papers of his father, Rev. Thomas D. Baird, peculiar facilities for the preparation of this work, which has been called forth by the late attempts to unite the two great branches of the Presbyterian Church in America. This history is prepared by an adherent of the Old School, and of course leam towards that interest ; but it appears to be carefully and well prewired, and those in search of facts bearing upon differences into which we do not enter here, for obvious reasons, would do well to consult this book.