Search:
A \ B \ C \ D \ E \ F \ G \ H \ I \ J \ K \ L \ M \ N \ O \ P \ R \ S \ T \ U \ V \ W \Z

The Bay State Monthly, Vol. II, No. 6, March, 1885 by Various

V >> Various >> The Bay State Monthly, Vol. II, No. 6, March, 1885

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18



Everyone who desires a trustworthy political guide, an entertaining and
instructive family journal, entirely free from objectionable features,
in either letterpress or illustrations, should subscribe to HARPER'S
WEEKLY.


HARPER'S PERIODICALS.

Per Year:

HARPER'S WEEKLY $4 00
HARPER'S MAGAZINE 4 00
HARPER'S BAZAR 4 00
HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE 2 00
HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE
LIBRARY, One Year (52 numbers) 10 00

_Postage Free to all Subscribers in the United States or Canada._

The volumes of the WEEKLY begin with the first Number for January of
each year. When no time is mentioned, it will be understood that the
subscriber wishes to commence with the Number next after the receipt of
order.

The last Five Annual Volumes of HARPER'S WEEKLY, in neat cloth binding,
will be sent by mail, postage paid, or by express, free of expense
(provided the freight does not exceed one dollar per volume) for $7 00
per volume.

Cloth cases for each volume, suitable for binding, will be sent by mail,
postpaid, on receipt of $1 each.

Remittances should be made by Post-Office Money Order or Draft, to avoid
chance of loss.

_Newspapers are not to copy this advertisement without the express order
of_ HARPER & BROTHERS.

Address HARPER & BROTHERS, New York,

* * * * *

1885.

HARPER'S BAZAR.

_ILLUSTRATED_.

Harper's Bazar is the only paper in the world that combines the choicest
literature and the finest art illustrations with the latest fashions and
methods of household adornment. Its weekly illustrations and
descriptions of the newest Paris and New York styles, with its useful
pattern-sheet supplements and cut patterns, by enabling ladies to be
their own dressmakers, save many times the cost of subscription. Its
papers on cooking, the management of servants, and housekeeping in its
various details are eminently practical. Much attention is given to the
interesting topic of social etiquette, and its illustrations of art
needlework are acknowledged to be unequalled. Its literary merit is of
the highest excellence, and the unique character of its humorous
pictures has won for it the name of the American _Punch_.


HARPER'S PERIODICALS.

Per Year:

HARPER'S BAZAR $4 00
HARPER'S MAGAZINE 4 00
HARPER'S WEEKLY 4 00
HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE 2 00
HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE
LIBRARY, One Year (52 numbers) 10 00

_Postage Free to all Subscribers in the United States or Canada._

The volumes of the BAZAR begin with the first Number for January of each
year. When no time is mentioned, it will be understood that the
subscriber wishes to commence with the Number next after the receipt of
order.

The last Five Annual Volumes of HARPER'S BAZAR, in neat cloth binding,
will be sent by mail, postage paid, or by express, free of expense
(provided the freight does not exceed one dollar per volume) for $7 00
per volume.

Cloth cases for each volume, suitable for binding, will be sent by mail,
postpaid, on receipt of $1 each.

Remittances should be made by Post-Office Money Order or Draft, to avoid
chance of loss.

_Newspapers are not to copy this advertisement without the express order
of_ HARPER & BROTHERS.

Address HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

* * * * *

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN

ESTABLISHED 1846.


The most popular Weekly newspaper devoted to science, mechanics,
engineering, discoveries, inventions and patents ever published. Every
number illustrated with splendid engravings. This publication, furnishes
a most valuable encyclopedia of information which no person should be
without. The popularity of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is such that its
circulation nearly equals that of all other papers of its class
combined. Price $3.20 a year. Discount to Clubs. Sold by all
newsdealers. MUNN & CO., Publishers, No. 361 Broadway, N.Y.

* * * * *

PATENTS

Munn & Co. have also had Thirty-Seven Years' practice before the Patent
Office, and have prepared more than One Hundred Thousand applications
for patents in the United States and foreign countries. Caveats,
Trade-Marks, Copyrights, Assignments, and all other papers for securing
to inventors their rights in the United States, Canada, England, France,
Germany and other foreign countries, prepared at short notice and on
reasonable terms.

Information as to obtaining patents cheerfully given without charge.
Hand-books of information sent free. Patents obtained through Munn & Co.
are noticed in the Scientific American free. The advantage of such
notice is well understood by all persons who wish to dispose of their
patents.

Address MUNN & CO. Office SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 361 Broadway, New York.

* * * * *

JOHN N. McCLINTOCK & CO.,

Publishers, Printers, Stereotypers, and Electrotypers, have facilities
for doing Book Work and Job Printing.

_ESTIMATES CHEERFULLY FURNISHED._

31 MILK ST., ROOM 46, BOSTON, MASS.

* * * * *

PHOTO-ELECTROTYPE

Is the name of a new process of

_ENGRAVING BY PHOTOGRAPHY_

at less than

ONE-HALF THE COST OF WOOD ENGRAVING!

The plates are equal to the finest wood cuts, and in point of depth,
superior. We furnish an electrotype all ready for the printer's use.

We can do every description of work, Machinery, Furniture, Buildings,
Autograph Letters, Illustrations for Trade Catalogues, etc.

For specimen sheet of our work and further particulars address

PHOTO-ELECTROTYPE CO.,

63 OLIVER STREET, BOSTON.

* * * * *

_ANTIQUE_

Views of Ye Town of Boston.

By JAMES H. STARK.


This is the title of one of the most valuable contributions to the
HISTORY of BOSTON that has been made in many years. It embraces a series
of upwards of ONE HUNDRED VIEWS of OLD BOSTON, that have been gathered
from private and public collections, and most faithfully reproduced by
the Photo-Electrotype Engraving Company's process of Boston.

The Book is handsomely BOUND IN CLOTH. On the front cover is a view of
the Old State House, embossed in gold; on the back cover is a veneer
made from the Old Elm, on which is printed a view of the old tree, and
an autograph letter from Mayor Cobb (who was mayor of Boston at the time
of the destruction of the tree), certifying to its authenticity. It is a
book of 400 pages, imperial octavo, and a limited number is offered at

$6.00 PER COPY.

ADDRESS PHOTO-ELECTROTYPE CO., 63 OLIVER STREET, BOSTON.

* * * * *

STARK'S ILLUSTRATED

BERMUDA GUIDE.


The Bermuda Islands are coming more prominently before the public each
season, as a health resort and winter watering place. Although it is but
sixty-five hours' sail from New York to these coral islands, yet they
are strangely unfamiliar to most well informed Americans. Speaking our
own language, having the same origin, with manners and customs prevalent
in New England a century ago, it is only now that these islands and
their inhabitants have attracted much attention and led the public to
inquire concerning them.

It is to satisfy this demand and also to bring to the notice of those
unacquainted with the beauties of these semi-tropical islands that the
writer has been led to issue this work, which is the first illustrated
guide-book and history of Bermuda yet published. The book contains two
hundred pages, and is embellished with sixteen photo-mechanical prints
made by a new process from negatives (taken by the author during the
past winter) of the finest scenery in Bermuda. This is a new feature in
the matter of book illustrations, and it makes the work both unique and
valuable.

_BOUND IN CLOTH, PRICE $2.00, POST-PAID_

ADDRESS ALL ORDERS TO

PHOTO-ELECTROTYPE COMPANY,

_No. 63 Oliver Street, Boston, Mass._

* * * * *

Battle Maps and Charts of the American Revolution.

By HENRY B. CARRINGTON, M.A., LL.D., U.S.A.

Published by A.S. BARNES & CO., 111 & 113 William Street, New York.

The publishers issue this work for the use of teachers and scholars, as
well as for its fitness as a companion to all Histories of the United
States, with confidence that it will prove a valuable specialty to all.

The RED Lettering represents British Movements and Leading Topics, for
the convenience of Teachers and Scholars.

The ¶ and Page references to various School Histories, which mention the
Battles, make it available for use by Teachers throughout the United
States.

The volume contains the 41 maps which were the result of thirty years of
study, and are found in his standard volume, "Battles of the American
Revolution."

The SECRETARY OF WAR has placed the "BATTLE MAPS AND CHARTS" at ARMY
POST SCHOOLS, at government expense.

FIVE STEEL ENGRAVINGS of WASHINGTON accompany the volume. The ST. MEMIN
(crayon) as frontispiece, engraved by Hall & Sons; also PEALE'S painting
(1772), HOUDON'S bust (1784). TRUMBULL'S painting (1792) and STUART'S
painting (1796) are furnished, in steel.

Price, $1.25. Sent, postpaid, to School Superintendents and Teachers,
for introduction, upon receipt of $1.00.

Liberal terms made with Schools, Military and Civil, Army Officers and
Posts, State Militia, and the Trade.

NOTICES.

Invaluable to the student of American History.--_Baltimore (Md.)
Herald._

Deserves a welcome in every school district, as well as in every
historical library in the land.--_Army and Navy Journal._

In our opinion, General Carrington's work is an authority, showing great
labor and careful study, and it should become a national test-book, and
find a place in all public and private libraries.--_Indianapolis (Ind.)
Herald._

Each map is accompanied with a statement of the generals and number of
men engaged on both sides, to which is appended the reason for such
battle or engagement, with remarks by the author, who is excellent
authority in military matters.--_The Educator (New Haven, Ct.)._

A valuable compilation from the author's large work, and cannot fail to
make a more lasting impression upon the reader's mind than could be
derived from the perusal of many volumes of history.--_N.Y. Herald._

Each map is accompanied by a page of text, arranged upon a compact and
original system, so as to present a singularly clear view of the history
and significance of the engagement in question, the names of the chief
and subordinate commanders, the forces, nominal and available, the
losses on each side, and the incidents of the battle.--_N.Y. Evening
Post._

* * * * *

MACDONALD & SONS,

51 CHARDON STREET,

BOSTON.

CLOTH AND EXTRA

BOOK-BINDING,

TREE CALF A SPECIALTY.

LARGE EDITIONS, IN ANY STYLE, AT LOWEST RATES.

* * * * *

L. PRANG & CO,

FINE ART PUBLISHERS,

BOSTON.

* * * * *

Christmas and New Year Cards

(ILLUSTRATED CHRISTMAS CATALOGUES SENT ON APPLICATION.)

New Artistic Painting Copies.

New Scripture Text Cards,

New Marriage Certificates,

New Birthday Cards.

New Artistic Satin Prints.

* * * * *

CALENDARS FOR 1885

THACKERAY CALENDAR. RUSKIN CALENDAR. TENNYSON CALENDAR.

AN ELEGANT LOT OF

Valentine and Easter Cards

IN PREPARATION,

INCLUDING SEVERAL STRIKING NOVELTIES.

* * * * *

AGENCIES:

New York: 38 Bond Street.

Philadelphia: 1110 Walnut Street.

Chicago: 112 Monroe Street.

San Francisco: 529 Commercial Street.

Canada; Toronto News Co. and Montreal News Co.

* * * * *

CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.


NUMBER 1.

Steel plate portrait of James G. Elaine
James Gillespie Elaine. Sketch of the life of
Boundary Lines of Old Groton. III. By the Hon. Samuel Abbott Green, M.D.
The Boston Herald
Wachusett Mountain and Princeton. By Atherton P. Mason, M.D.
Washington and the Flag. By Gen. Henry B. Carrington, LL.D
A Summer on the Great Lakes. By Fred Myron Colby
Our National Cemeteries. By Charles Cowley, LL.D.


NUMBER 2.

Steel plate portrait of President Elect Cleveland
Grover Cleveland. Sketch of the life of. By Henry H. Metcalf
Boundary Lines of Old Groton. IV. By the Hon. Samuel Abbott Green, M.D.
Sails
Elizabeth: a Romance of Colonial Days. I, II. By Frances C. Sparhawk
The Protection of Children. By Ernest Nusse
The Middlesex Canal. By Lorin L. Dame, A.M.
The Taverns of Boston in Ye Olden Times. By David M. Balfour
Editor's Table


NUMBER 3.

Steel plate portrait of Daniel Lothrop
Daniel Lothrop. Sketch of the life of
The New England Conservatory of Music. By Mrs. M.J. Davis
Historical Sketch of the Town of Saugus. By E.P. Robinson
The Bartholdi Colossus. By William Howe Downes
Elizabeth: a Romance of Colonial Days. III, IV, V. By Frances C. Sparhawk
Glorifying Trial by Jury. By Charles Cowley, LL.D
Publishers' Department--Chromo-Lithography
Book Notices


For contents of No. 4 (current number) see first page of cover.

Terms, $3.00 per year; Single Numbers, 25 cents.

JOHN N. McCLINTOCK AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS.

Arthur P. Dodge, Business Manager.

31 MILK STREET, BOSTON, Mass,

* * * * *

ADVERTISEMENT.


The editors who have missed any numbers of the BAY STATE MONTHLY, and
who desire to preserve a complete file of the publication for reference,
will kindly notify the publishers of the BAY STATE MONTHLY of the
numbers which they lack, and as soon as possible the missing numbers
shall be supplied.

It is needless to remind the gentlemen of the newspaper fraternity how
dependent is such a publication as the BAY STATE MONTHLY upon their good
will and favor.

What we need, to fully carry out the idea of giving to the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts a Magazine of biography, history and, literature
devoted especially to the State, is the hearty support of readers and
advertisers. We want an increased subscription list so that every hamlet
in the State will be supplied with the magazine.

We need notices that will increase our subscription list.

JOHN N. McCLINTOCK AND COMPANY. PUBLISHERS.

* * * * *

EMPHATIC GUARANTEES.

WHICH ARE JUSTIFIED BY AN EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC EXPERIENCE.


TO THE PUBLIC.--_Greeting_: As the conductors of the largest business of
the kind in the world, (and therefore having an extraordinary
experience), we feel justified in making the following statements:


OUR THEORY PROVED.

First.--We have held from the beginning that most of the common ailments
are caused primarily by kidney and liver disorders, not primarily by bad
blood; that bad blood is caused by temporary or chronic derangement of
the kidneys and liver, and that by restoring these blood-purifying
organs to health, we could cure most of the common ailments. Other
practitioners, however, have held that extreme kidney and liver
disorders were incurable. We, have proved to the contrary in thousands
of cases.


SAFEGUARDS AGAINST EPIDEMICS.

SECOND.--The kidneys and liver are the sewers of the system, and unless
they are kept in perfect working order no amount of public sanitation
can prevent epidemics raging among the people. The prudent man, _in the
winter and spring_, will fortify the system against an such possibility.
Dr. Koch, the celebrated German scientist and physician, says, for
instance, that cholera will have but little effect among those who keep
the digestive organs and the kidneys and liver in healthful operation.
Warner's SAFE Remedies are the best scientific curatives and
preventives, and should be used _now_ as a safeguard against any future
scourge.


SCIENTIFIC SPECIFICS.

THIRD.--_We do not cure every known disease from one bottle_, for
Warner's SAFE Remedies number seven scientific specifics, which have
been put upon the market, only in obedience to strong public demand.


RECOGNIZED STANDARDS.

FOURTH.--Warner's SAFE Remedies, spite of all opposition, have won the
favor of the profession as well as the masses, and are recognized as the
leading standard medical preparations.


STRONG GUARANTEES.

FIFTH.--After six years of unequaled experience, we can give these
unqualified guarantees:

GUARANTEE I.--_Pure and Harmless._ That Warner's SAFE Remedies are pure
and harmless.

GUARANTEE II.--_Testimonials Genuine._ That the Testimonials used by us,
so far as we know, are bona fide, with a forfeit of $5,000 for proof to
the contrary.

GUARANTEE III.--_Curative Effects Permanent._ That Warner's SAFE
Remedies are not _merely temporary, but permanent_, in their curative
effects and will sustain every claim, if used _sufficiently_ and as
directed.


PROOFS OF PERMANENCY.

SIXTH.--Special inquiry among hundreds of our oldest patients results in
unequivocal testimony that the cures wrought six, five, four, and three
years ago, were _permanent_. And most of these patients _were pronounced
incurable_ when they began Warner's SAFE Remedies.

Read a _few_ of thousands of testimonials.

B.F. LARRABEE, 42 Chester Square, Boston, Mass., in 1879 was pronounced
incurable of acute Bright's Disease. From 1880 to 1882 he used over 200
bottles of Warner's Safe Cure, and October 6th, 1884, he said that his
cure was as permanent as surprising.

REV. S.P. SMITH, Marblehead, Mass., after years of suffering from
Bilious attacks and Gall Stones, began Warner's Safe Cure in 1882 and in
June, 1884, reported that he had had no trouble since.

HON. N.A. PLYMPTON, Worcester, Mass., in 1880 suffered frightful
tortures from Gravel of the Kidneys; failing of relief otherwise he used
a few bottles of Warner's Safe Cure and recently wrote: "It perfectly
cured me, four years ago."

L. Dow, Esq., 204 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass., was cured of Kidney
disorder by Warner's Safe Cure in 1882, and November 28th, 1884, he
wrote that the cure was permanent.

MRS. S.A. CLARK, East Granby, Conn., suffered for over ten years from
Constitutional and Sex disorders of the worst kind. In November, 1884,
she wrote: "Warner's Safe Cure cured me four years ago and has kept me
well to this day."

SEVENTH.--It is a source of great gratification to us that Warner's Safe
Remedies have been permanently beneficial to so many sufferers. This
permanency of power over disease gives them the most exalted rank, and
in this particular they have no equal. H.H. WARNER & CO. _Rochester,
N.Y., Jan. 1, 1885._

* * * * *

1885

HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE,

_AN ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY._

The serial and short stories in HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE have all the
dramatic interest that juvenile fiction can possess, while they are
wholly free from what is pernicious or vulgarly sensational. The
humorous stories and pictures are full of innocent fun, and the papers
on natural history and science, travel and the facts of life, are by
writers whose names give the best assurance of accuracy and value.
Illustrated papers on athletic sports, games, and pastimes give full
information on these subjects. There is nothing cheap about it but its
price.

An epitome of everything that is attractive and desirable in juvenile
literature.--_Boston Courier._

A weekly feast of good things to the boys and girls in every family
which it visits.--_Brooklyn Union._

It is wonderful in its wealth of pictures, information, and
interest.--_Christian Advocate_, N.Y.

Terms: Postage Prepaid, $2 per Year.

_Vol. VI. commences November 4, 1884._

SINGLE NUMBERS, Five Cents each.

Remittances should be made by Post-Office Money Order or Draft, to avoid
chance of loss.

_Newspapers are not to copy this advertisement without the express order
of_ HARPER & BROTHERS.

Address HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

* * * * *

If you want to buy a cheap

FRUIT FARM

ON EASY TERMS,

Address J. WANSER, P.O. Box 1276, Vineland, N.J.

Reference: Arthur P. Dodge, 31 Milk St., Boston.

* * * * *

SAFE INVESTMENTS

Carefully selected and approved First Mortgage Coupon Bonds on Improved
Western Farms, in amounts from $200 to $10,000 Principal and Interest
payable on day of maturity at the Third National Bank, New York.
Interest, Seven per Cent., payable semi-annually. Coupons Bankable at
Par at any Bank in the United States.


EVERY LOAN GUARANTEED.

Tenth Year of Business. No Investor ever had to Pay Taxes, Costs of
Foreclosure, Wait for Interest, or Take Land, and not a Dollar has been
Lost.


REFERENCES BY PERMISSION.

A.P. Palmer, Cashier Albany City National Bank, Albany, N.Y.
B.W. Arnold, of Arnold & Co., Albany, N.Y., and President Spanish River
Lumber Co., Spanish River, Ont.
Samuel N. Bacon, Esq., of Bacon, Stickney & Co., Albany, N.Y.
Dr. F.C. Curtis, of State Board of Health, Albany, N.Y.
Rev. Samuel V. Leech, D.D., Chaplain of New York State Senate, Albany, N.Y.
Third National Bank, New York City.
National Bank, Lawrence, Kansas.
E.B. Lathrop, Cashier National Bank of America, Chicago, Ill.
Thos. D. Robertson, President Winnebago National Bank, Rockford, Ill.
Biddle Hardware Co., Philadelphia, Pa.
Rev. Henry Darling, D.D., LL.D., President Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y.
W.O. McClure, Esq., Utica, N.Y.
Hon. John E. Pound, Lockport, N.Y.
Samuel Buell, Esq., Lyons, N.Y.
M.H. Tarbox, Esq., Lockport, N.Y.
A.N. Bentley, Esq., Greenville, N.Y.
Solomon L. Gillett, Esq., Elmira, N.Y.
A.B. Kellogg, Esq., Buffalo, N.Y.
A.L. Chapin, President Beloit College, Beloit, Wis.
E.H. Fairchild, President Berea College, Berea, Ky.
Hon. G.B. McElroy, Treasurer Adrian College, Adrian, Mich.
R.C. Crampton, President Illinois College, Jacksonville. Ill.
Prof. E.P. Harris, Amherst College, Mass.
Rev. W.D. Hart, Pastor Congregational Church, Little Compton, R.I.
Rev. William H. Wilcox, D.D., Malden, Mass.
Rev. A. Beattie, D.D., Rector Trinity Church, Lawrence, Kansas.
Rev. A.M. Richardson, Pastor Congregational Church, Lawrence, Kansas.
Rev. Rufus Case, Hubbardston, Mass.
Hon. Charles Robinson, ex-Governor of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
Hon. T.W. Cheenery, Deputy County Treasurer, Springfield, Ill.
E.R. Upham, Esq., County Clerk of Morgan County, Jacksonville, Ill.
Louis Ticknor, Esq., County Clerk of Sangamon County, Ill.
General G.W. Babcock, Lawrence, Kansas.
Hon. Owen A. Bassett, ex-Judge Fourth Judicial District, Lawrence, Kansas.
Dr. H. Warren, Danville, Conn.
Dr. Moses Parker, Groveland, Mass.

These securities are negotiated by an incorporated company of large
experience and strong financial standing. Their charter is perpetual, so
the care of the loans will not be thrown upon the investor, as it would
be in case of the death, change of business or location of an individual
or firm negotiating the same. They combine the loan, tax, legal, and
insurance departments, making this an exclusive business; personally
investigating every application and guaranteeing every loan, thereby
protecting the investor by a double security.

_M.V.B. BULL & CO._,

TWEDDLE BUILDING, ALBANY, N.Y.

Financial Agents WESTERN FARM MORTGAGE CO., of Lawrence, Kansas.

* * * * *


ST. NICHOLAS
FOR
YOUNG FOLKS.

Attractions for 1884-5.

This magazine, during its eleven happy years of existence, under the
editorial charge of

MARY MAPES DODCE,

has grown familiar to hundreds of thousands of young readers; and their
interest and intelligent enjoyment have constantly inspired the editor
and publishers to fresh effort. The following are some of the good
things already secured for future numbers of St. Nicholas.

"His One Fault," a serial story for boys, by the popular author, J.T.
Trowbridge.

"Personally Conducted," illustrated papers on famous places in Europe.
By Frank R. Stockton.

"Historic Girls," a companion series to "Historic Boys." By E.S. Brooks.

"Ready for Business"; suggestions to boys about to choose an occupation.
By G.J. Manson.

"Driven Back to Eden," a serial. By E.P. Roe.

"Talks for Young Folks," a series of popular papers, by H.H. (Helen
Jackson).

"Among the Law-makers": recollections of a boy-page in the U.S.
Senate,--containing much political information, both instructive and
amusing. By Edmund Alton.

"Davy and the Goblin," a very funny serial story by a new writer,
Charles Carryl.

Short Stories by Louisa M. Alcott.

"The Progress of Invention": from "Palanquin to Parlor-car," "From
Cross-bow to 100-ton Gun," etc. Descriptive papers, by Charles E.
Bolton.

"Art Work for Young Folks"; papers on decorative handicraft, by Charles
G. Leland.

"Sheep or Silver?" a story of Texan life. By the late Rev. William M.
Baker.

"A Garden of Girls," being six short stories for girls, by Six Leading
Writers.

"Tales of Two Continents"; stories of adventure, by H.H. Boyesen.

"Cartoons for Boys and Girls," funny pictures by St. Nicholas Artists.

"From Bach to Wagner"; brief, pointed biographies of great musicians. By
Agatha Tunis.

Special Papers by chosen writers, including Mary Hallock Foote, Joaquin
Miller, Alice Wellington Rollins, G.B. Bartlett, Harriet Prescott
Spofford, Rev. Washington Gladden, Julia Schayer, Anna Lea Merritt, W.O.
Stoddard, D. Ker, Ernest Ingersoll, Clara E. Clement, Lieutenant
Schwatka.

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18
Copyright (c) 2007. bestextbooks.com. All rights reserved.

How Scientologists pressurise publishers
Articles published by guardian.co.uk Books

Review: Morality tales confound all but the loyal fanbase, says Tim Dowling
David V Barrett: Over and over again, critical publications have been blocked

Proceeds from JK Rowling's new book to go to east European children's charity

There was once a kindly old wizard who used his magic generously and wisely for the benefit of his neighbours." So begins the first tale, the Wizard and the Hopping Pot, an odd story about a cauldron that takes on the troubles of afflicted people and hops about on its own brass foot.

Fans of the Harry Potter series will know that the Tales of Beedle the Bard is a well-known book among wizard children, "as familiar to many of the students of Hogwarts as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are to Muggle children."

It is in fact the very book that Dumbledore bequeathed to Hermione in the final Harry Potter instalment, the Deathly Hallows, in which she discovered the highly significant symbol of the Hallows. The plot of that story, told in full in the Deathly Hallows, is said to owe a debt to Chaucer's Pardoner.

In the Fountain of Fair Fortune, three woeful witches and a luckless knight (Sir Luckless, as it happens) seek to bathe in a magical fountain which can cure them of their ills.

Along the journey they manage to cure each other, and "none of them ever knew or suspected that the Fountain's waters carried no enchantment at all".

This reviewer, it must be said, saw that one coming. The Warlock's Hairy Heart is an unhappy tale concerning a wizard who uses magic to inoculate himself against falling in love (a decidedly qualified success); Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump has a charlatan instructing a foolish king in wizardry.

These little morality tales are complicated (and for those of us without a background in the Dark Arts, muddled) by the varying degrees of powers which the characters do or do not possess, and which may or may not work when the time comes.

This edition of The Tales carries explanatory notes by Dumbledore himself. These are more anecdote than exegesis but they occasionally amuse, and encourage further study. On the subject of bringing back the dead, for example, Dumbledore quotes the author of A Study into the Possibility of Reversing the Actual and Metaphysical Effects of Natural Death, With Particular Regard to the Reintegration of Essence and Matter, who famously said: "Give it up. It's never going to happen."

Additional footnotes by Rowling only serve further to confuse the lay reader. This one is strictly for the fan base, and it should make them very happy.

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2008 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds