The result in this first series of designs is especially satisfactory in the intelligence shown in grasping the essentials of the problem.  All of the remaining six drawings have points of excellence to commend them, and if we had space to reproduce them would prove instructive in showing the diversity of treatment possible while fully meeting the conditions imposed.

Reviews.

Beautiful Houses.  A study in house building. 
     By Louis H. Gibson.  Illustrated.  Boston T.Y.  Crowell & Co. 1895.
     pp. 346. $3.

This book is in many respects very attractive, and will be found useful to architectural readers as well as to the general public.

It is divided into two parts, the first under the heading “The World’s Houses” and the second, “Some House Plans” and “Materials and Details.”

The first part is that which will be of most value to the architectural reader.  In it are described the principal types of domestic architecture, giving most prominence to the work of France.  The illustrations of this portion of the work are well chosen and very well printed.  In fact, to the architect they form the most valuable part of the book.  The second part is devoted mainly to Mr. Gibson’s own designs.  These are mostly good, straightforward work, although we can hardly agree with all of his opinions.  His use of language is not always discriminating and is sometimes misleading.

[Illustration:  Design by Chas. F. Hogeboom, Jr.]

To the general reader there will be much of interest in all portions of the book, especially if he contemplates building a house.  And in this case we sincerely trust that its perusal will result in another commission for some fortunate architect.

[Illustration:  LXXXVII.  Manoir d’Ango, Normandy.]

Handbook of the New Public Library in Boston. Compiled by
     Herbert Small.  Fully illustrated.  Boston, 1895.  Curtis & Co.
     78 pp. 16c.

The unusual interest which has been aroused in architectural circles by the new building for the Boston Public Library is the reason for devoting special attention to this little book in these columns.  Although intended for general readers, it has a very instructive article by Mr. C. Howard Walker considering the building architecturally, which will interest architectural readers.  The illustrations, made from photographs by E.E.  Soderholtz, are excellent and numerous, and the cover, printed in green and black, from the design of B.G.  Goodhue, is an additional attraction.  On the whole, even after so much in the way of illustration of this building has been already published, it is worth the while of any architect or draughtsman to send for this little pamphlet.

Club Notes.

The Chicago Architectural Club is keeping its members guessing to know what scheme of work or entertainment will come next on its programme.

The annual meeting for election of officers was held October 7.  Several of the regular monthly competitions and an informal exhibition have already come and gone, and a “Bohemian Night” with all its accompaniments comes every fortnight.