Keble’s “Christmas Hymn;” The Rev. E.H.  Sears’s “Angel’s Song;” William Drummond’s “The Angels;” George MacDonald’s “Babe Jesus;” James Montgomery’s “Christmas Vision;” Wordsworth’s “Christmas Carol,” and Whittier’s “Christmas Carmen.”  All those diverse in form and expression, breathe the one pure spirit of Christmas tide.

AMERICA.  Our National Hymn.  With Twelve other Patriotic Poems.  Illustrated.  By Rev. S.F.  Smith, D.D.  Boston:  D. Lothrop & Co.  Price, $3.00.  For the past two or three years there has been a strong demand for a new edition of this unique and elegant volume, which was originally published in 1879.  The publishers have responded to the call by its reissue the present season, the work being extended by the addition of twelve new poems, all upon patriotic themes.  The words of America, were written fifty-two years ago, while the author was a theological student at Andover.  An American gentleman, who had spent some time in Germany, on returning home brought with him a number of books used in the German schools, containing both words and music.  These were presented to Lowell Mason, who placed them in the hands of the young student, asking him to translate anything he might find worthy, or to furnish original words to such music as might suit him.  In the collection was the air—­unknown at that time to Americans—­to which Dr. Smith set the words now so widely known and sung.  There was not the slightest idea on his part that he was producing a national lyric, but it caught the popular taste at once, and every year has fixed it more firmly in the hearts of the people as an expression of patriotic feeling.  It was first sung at a children’s festival at Park Street Church, July 4, 1832, and very soon found its way into district schools, Sabbath-schools, concerts and patriotic gatherings throughout the country.  Some years ago a delegation from the Boston Board of Trade sung it together at the summit of the Rocky Mountains.  It has been used at the celebration by Americans of the national holiday in nearly every country on the globe, and served during the war to brace the hearts and stimulate the courage of our soldiers in camp and hospital and in prison.  The author’s college friends for more than fifty years made it the first song sung at their annual class dinner.

The poems which are added in the present edition include among others, “The Pilgrims,” written some years ago for Forefathers’ Day; “The Flag;” “Washington;” “The Student Soldiers;” “The Sleep of the Brave;” “Decoration Day;” “Abraham Lincoln,” and “My Native Land.”  They are all imbued with the fervent spirit of patriotism and represent a high poetic standard.  The volume is splendidly illustrated by Harry Fenn, Robert Lewis, and other artists of reputation.

MY CURIOSITY SHOP.  Illustrated.  Boston:  D. Lothrop & Co.  Price, $1.25.  The little boy or girl who finds this book by the bedside Christmas morning, ought to be supremely happy.  From cover to cover it is filled with the most delightful stories and rhymes and pictures, all written and drawn expressly for little readers, and by those who love them, and understand their likes and dislikes.