The latest contribution to this large and constantly increasing department of literature is the present work by the Master of Marlborough College, the Rev. Dr. W. R. Farrar. To review it according to its deserts, and from a Jewish stand-point, would be a task which would lead us far beyond the limits of magazine criticism, for in order to refute many of the Doctor's statements of facts, as well as to show the weakness and inconsequence of many of his arguments and deductions, it would be almost necessary to write another life of Jesus. We shall therefore at present attempt no more than a cursory notice. There is no doubt that the work before us bears evidence of great scholarship, deep research, and careful preparation. As is to be expected, however, the peculiar training of the doctor's mind, so far as his theology is concerned, constrains him to certain dogmatic views on the subject of Christianity which every now and then crop out in striking contrast to the freedom of many of his criticisms. His basis is of course the divinity of Jesus, and this idea permeates the entire work. It is evident that the doctor is an orthodox clergyman, and he has certainly done his best, not only to present his subject from the recognized ecclesiastical stand-points, but to claim for Christianity the sole merit of having done everything that is noble in the world. Before the advent of Christ, there was no virtue, no purity, no good of any kind to be found on earth; everybody was wicked and corrupt and vicious; but since our worthy brother died, all this has been wonderfully changed, and now the world has, through his teachings, become so extremely holy that it is impossible for any vice to exist anywhere—that is, inside the bosom of the Christian Church. Such, in plain words, is the sum total of what our author says. Skeptics and those who do not belong to the Christian faith may be apt to cavil at this and call it a gratuitous assumption, but the great mass of "believers" will accept it as inspired truth, and it is for this class that the work is written. The main purpose of the author is, as he himself describes it, "to tell the full story of the gospels in such a manner, and with such illustrations, as might serve to

enable at least the simple and the unlearned to understand and enter into the human surroundings of the life of the Son of God." He has, however, done more than this, for he has furnished a great deal which even learned readers may value.

The work, apart from its theological character, abounds in beautiful passages wherein the genius of the author is strikingly displayed. His descriptions of the manners and customs of the East, and the

characteristics of its people, are excellent and will amply repay the reader. As a literary production, therefore, it is entitled to high consideration, but as soon as it is regarded merely as a life of Christ, it lacks many of those qualifications which have made other histories of the same person peculiarly interesting even to those who must necessarily dissent from the Christian idea of Jesus.

A SYSTEM OF LOGIC, RATIOCINATIVE AND INDUCTIVE: being a connected view of the principles of evidence and the methods of scientific investigation. By JOHN STUART MILL. New York: Harper & Brothers.

This work of the great English logician is so well known to all students of the important subjects upon which it treats, that it is hardly necessary at this late day to do more than merely call passing attention to some of its merits. In the first place, it embodies and systematizes the best ideas which have either been promulgated or adopted by the leading thinkers of the world in the prosecution of their scientific inquiries. It cements together the several fragments of a subject which have never yet been properly treated as a whole, and harmonizes the true portions of discordant theories by disentangling them from the errors with which they are connected, and supplying the necessary links of thought to reconcile them with each other. To say that the work is the production of Mr. John Stuart Mill is simply to say that it is comprehensive in thought, sound in principle, thorough in method, and admirably calculated not only to make men think, but to teach them how to think correctly. It is no wonder, then, that it should so long have remained the standard work on logic in the English language. There have doubtless appeared many excellent treatises on the same subject by writers whose names are sufficient guarantees for the worth of their productions, but careful analysis and comparison will reveal the fact that they are all more or less modifications of the essential method and idea which characterize Mr. Mill's work. As a logician our author undoubtedly is without a rival, and those who desire to obtain an adequate idea of the immense powers of his intellect would do well to read this masterwork of modern philosophy. The American edition, which is reprinted from the eighth and last London edition, is produced in the usual style of excellence characteristic of all the scientific publica tions of Messrs. Harper & Brothers.

A HISTORY OF GERMANY, FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES. Founded on DR. DAVID MULLER'S "History of the German People." By CHARLTON T. LEWIS. New York: Harper & Brothers.

The author of this History of Germany has in his present work supplied a want in this country which has long been felt to exist. With the exception of Great Britain, there is no people in Europe with whom we hold more intimate association than with the Germans. The events of the past few years also have contributed in no small degree to the general interest which all educated persons take now in this nation, and therefore it is of much importance to have a correct knowledge of their character, history, and achievements. Dr. Müller's History of the German People" enjoys great popularity in the "fatherland," and is regarded as one of the best and most useful of German histories. It is from this work that Mr. Lewis has compiled his present volume. Recognizing, however, that there is much in the original work of but small interest to Americans, Mr. Lewis has very wisely condensed it, but has nevertheless given us a full narrative of the growth and progress of the German race from the earliest times to the present day. He has also added, in a final chapter, a brief outline of the principal events in the new empire since the peace of Frankfort, and by this has continued the history of Germany to a later date than that at which the last edition of Dr. Müller's work ends. As a text-book to the student, no less than as a manual for the general reader, Mr. Lewis has prepared a work which will prove highly interesting and serviceable.

OTHER BOOKS RECEIVED.

A RAMBLE ROUND THE WORLD, 1871.
Translated by LADY HERBERT.
ORIENTAL AND LINGUISTIC STUDIES,
DWIGHT WHITNEY. New York:

BY M. LE BARON DE HUBNER. New York: Macmillan & Co. Second Series. BY WILLIAM Scribner, Armstrong & Co.

PROSPER MERIMEE'S LETTERS TO AN INCOGNITA, with recollections by LAMARTINE and GEORGE SAND. Being THE THIRD VOLUME OF THE BRIO-A-BRAC SERIES, edited by RICHARD HENRY STODDARD. New York: Scribner, Armstrong & Co.

NAST'S ILLUSTRATED ALMANAC for 1875. New York: Harper & Brothers.

THE STAGE.

THE debt of gratitude which the music-loving portion of the public owes to Mr. Strakosch for the energy and enterprise he has exhibited during the past three seasons of Italian opera, has been greatly enhanced by the engagement of Mlle. Emma Albani as the prima donna of the present company. This lady's performances may safely be set down as the leading attractions and most marked features of the season. We do not mean to imply by this, that without her aid the company now singing at the Academy would be inferior as compared to others who have been heard within its walls, but simply that Mlle. Albani possesses, in her own immense powers, sufficient merit to attract large and enthusiastic gatherings wherever she may perform. With but one exception-that of Adelina Patti-no purer, sweeter, or richer voice has been heard in this country, or per haps in any other. To say that her execution is faultless, her manner unimpeachable, and her skill as a songstress wonderful, is but to describe inadequately her great merits. Her work in the several operas in which she has taken part has been so many revelations and has permanently established her in public opinion as an artist of the highest rank. The triumph she has won in her native land has but confirmed the verdict already pronounced in London, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Italy, and must be exceedingly gratifying, not only to the young lady and her friends, but also to her impressario who with her has achieved a real and deserving success. It would perhaps be injudicious to draw any contrast between her several performances, for whether as Amina, Lucia, Gilda, or Mignon, she fairly carries away the hearts of her hearers and elicits enthusiastic and prolonged applause.

Among the other new-comers who have gained a fair share of public admiration, must be mentioned especially the leading tenor, Sig. Carpi; the baritone, Sig. Tagliapietra; and the bass, Signor Fiorini. The two sopranos, Mlles. Heilbron and Potentini, have also produced very favorable impressions, both ladies possessing agreeable voices, and sufficient artistic talent to render their performances pleasant, smooth, and gratifying. Of our former favorites, Miss Cary and Signor Del Puente, it is hardly necessary to offer any remarks. Their merits are well recognized and their appearance on the stage is always the signal for a hearty welcome, which in itself is

ample evidence of the high estimation in which they are held. The orchestra and chorus, under the able direction of Sig. Muzio, are remarkably efficient and quite equal to what they were last season. Besides the three regular subscription nights and the Saturday matinee performance, which take place every week, Mr. Strakosch, who seems determined to cultivate the musical taste of the public, gives every Sunday evening a representation at the Grand Opera House. On these occasions, the bâton is wielded by Mr. S. Behrens, whose reputation as an accomplished musician is too well acknowledged to need comment at our hands. The repertoire, so far as the season has advanced, has included five of Verdi's productions, viz., "La Traviata," "Il Trovatore," "Ernani," "Rigoletto," and "Aida;" two of Donizetti's, "Lucia,” and “ La Figlia del Reggimento;" one of Rossini's, "Il Barbiere ;" one of Bellini's, "La Sonnambula;" besides Gounod's "Faust," Thomas' "Mignon," and Marchetti's new opera "Ruy Blas." Verdi's great "Messa da Requiem" and Wagner's "Lohengrin" are in active rehearsal, and will doubtless be heard at the Academy very soon.

Of the theatres which have all of late been catering so well to the public taste, we regret that our space will not permit us in this issue to give more than a brief mention. At the Union Square, “The Hunchback" was revived on a magnificent scale, the charming rôle of Julia being sustained by Miss Clara Morris, with a delicacy, nicety, and power which place her portrayal of this exceedingly difficult character among her best efforts. Independently of the great attraction of Miss Morris' acting, the entire cast was as complete as it could possibly be. Mr. Frederic Robinson pictured Master Walter with much earnestness and depth of feeling, while Clifford was filled by Mr. C. R. Thorne, Jr., with dignity and ease and with his usual elocutionary skill. Mr. Stuart Robson's Modus was on a par with his other performances and excited much hearty laughter. Miss Claxton's Helen was in some instances slightly overdone, but not sufficiently so as to detract from its general excellence. With the termination of Miss Morris' engagement, the piece was withdrawn, and "Jane Eyre" substituted in its place.

At Booth's, Mr. Joe Jefferson is giving his inimitable representation of "Rip Van Winkle;" at the Park Theatre, Mr. Raymond still continues to delight the habitues of that house in his great character specialty of Col. Mulberry Sellers; at the Lyceum, the Soldene company is giving English Opera Bouffe in a style with which the most squeamish cannot possibly find fault.