The extracts are of considerable length from fewer sources, rather than a greater number of more fragmentary ones from a wider range.  The translations have all been made with care, but for the sake of younger pupils simplified and modernized as much as close adherence to the sense would permit.  An introductory explanation, giving at some length the historical setting of the extract, with comments on its general significance, and also a brief sketch of the writer, accompany each selection or group of selections.  The footnotes supply somewhat detailed aid to the understanding of obscure illusions, omitted passages, and especially names and technical terms.  The index is very full.  Typographically the book is unusually well arranged with a view of aiding the pupil in its interpretation.

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY

ESSENTIALS IN ENGLISH HISTORY

From the Earliest Records to the Present Day.  By ALBERT PERRY WALKER, A.M., Master in History, English High School, Boston.  In consultation with ALBERT BUSHNELL HART, LL.D., Professor of History, Harvard University

Like the other volumes of the Essentials in History Series, this text-book is intended to form a year’s work in secondary schools, following out the recommendation of the Committee of Seven, and meeting the requirements of the College Entrance Examination Board, and of the New York State Education Department.  It contains the same general features, the same pedagogic apparatus, and the same topical method of treatment.  The text is continuous, the sectional headings being placed in the margin.  The maps and illustrations are worthy of special mention.

The book is a model of good historical exposition, unusually clear in expression, logical and coherent in arrangement, and accurate in statement.  The essential facts in the development of the British Empire are vividly described, and the relation of cause and effect is clearly brought out.

The treatment begins with a brief survey of the whole course of English history, deducing therefrom three general movements:  (1) the fusing of several races into the English people; (2) the solution by that people of two great problems:  free and democratic home government, and practical, enlightened government of foreign dependencies; and (3) the extreme development of two great fields of industry, commerce and manufacture.  The narrative follows the chronological order, and is full of matter which is as interesting as it is significant, ending with a masterly summary of England’s contribution to civilization.

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY

WEBSTER’S SECONDARY SCHOOL DICTIONARY

Full cloth, 8vol., 864 pages.  Containing over 70,000 words, with 1000 illustrations.

This new dictionary is based on Webster’s New International Dictionary, and therefore conforms to the best present usage.  It presents the largest number of words and phrases ever included in a school dictionary—­all those, however new, likely to be needed by any pupil.  It is a reference book for the reader and a guide in the use of English, both oral and written.  It fills every requirement that can reasonably be expected of a dictionary of moderate size.