Life — November 13, 1890 — page 6: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE TRIUMPH OF RIGHT. AN INTERRUPTION. thing without avail. IRST MEDICAL STUDENT: Do you know, I have a suspicion that this fellow isn’t dead ? Second Mepicat Srupenr: He certainly does bear some resemblance to life. But we've tried every- THe Dead MAN: I wish you fellows would quit talking, or else send me back to Philadelphia. SOME HOLIDAY BOOKS. JITHIN the past few weeks there has been published an un- usual number of beautiful holiday books at very reasonable pri Any one familiar with the actual cost of producing illustra- tions, and fine printing and binding, will marvel at the modest figures asked for books, which, not many years ago, would have been luxuries for the rich, The secret of it lies in the work accom- plished by the leading illustrated papers and magazines, ‘They have developed artists and engravers by furnishing them a steady market at good prices for meritorious work. ‘They have fostered the best processes for the photo-mechanical reproduction of the exact effects of the artists’ work. This has made possible more abundant illustration for a given sum of money, and better illustration, because the artist knows that the mechanical processes faithfully reproduce both defects and merits. They have found it possible (through their large circulations and advertising patronage), to undertake literary and artistic projects of a magnitude that would be impracticable if the results were to be published only in book form. ‘The consequence of all this is that you can purchase at holiday time, for a very few dollars, books that have commanded the best services of authors, editors, artists and engravers, through several years of arduous preparation. O of the most beautiful products of these causes is “* The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” (The Century Co.). The embossed parchment binding of unique design, the clear typography and printing, the excellent paper and skilful engraving, combine to make a volume that delights the eye and the aesthetic sense, as wholly as Mr. Jefferson's narrative warms the heart of the reader. From cover to cover it is an American book. On the other hand, Daudet’s “ Port Tarascon” (Harper's), is an illustration of our readiness to receive what is best in other nations. And we seem to do this without losing our individuality, Here are French artists and a great French writer interpreted through an American medium. With Henry James as the translator, the English version has the added grace of another artist's hand. «The Tsar and his People” (Harper's), is another sumptuous volume made possible by magazine enterprise. The Seribners announce for early publication several noticeable volumes to be added to this holiday list—‘ Electricity in Daily Life,” written by the highest authorities and elaborately illustrated ; “The Life of John Ericsson,” by his authorized biographer; “In Scripture Lands,” by Edward L, Wilson, whose remarkable photo- graphs have been reproduced by the best artists and engravers; and “In the Footprints of Charles Lamb,” by Benjamin Ellis Mar- tin, with E. D. North's complete bibliography, and drawings by Railton and Fulleylov Henry T. Finck’s ‘Pacific Coast Scenic Tour” (Scribner's), should also be classed with holiday books—both for its text, which is the pleasant record of a holiday which lasted for a year, and comicbooks.com