Part 3

Boys are here treated as separate subjects. The mild tales that girls will read simply to pass away the time are ineffective with them. Many will not read at all. Those who will read require something either solid, droll, or exciting. There are lads who will study books of real information with all their might, and will take up pursuits of science, or enter into poetry. This, however, comes (if at all) at the age when school is over and labour has begun, so that intellectual occupation is not the task but the refreshment. The solid, therefore, is not attempted in the present list. What it aims at giving is such a choice of books as boys will listen to with interest, or if they read in quieter moments, or in illness, may find so amusing as not to be tempted to think that nothing diverting or stimulating is to be found beyond the Penny Dreadful. If their taste can be kept unsullied during the time of growth, there is more hope for it afterwards.

The books here mentioned are all suitable for circulation in any general library, but are placed separately as an answer to the oft-asked question, ‘Do you know of anything my boys _will_ read?’

Many well-intentioned and really pretty books are omitted, even though written _for_ boys, because they do not seem to hit off the peculiar taste of that large class. Others are omitted because, though there is little harm in them, and we should not object to seeing a lad reading them, if of his own catering, yet parish libraries and school rewards give a kind of recommendation to a book which makes it needful that it should be beyond censure. For instance, that exciting and entrancing tale, ‘King Solomon’s Mines,’ is marred by the falsehoods told to the natives, and (more injuriously perhaps) by the constant reference to bad language on the part of the naval lieutenant, in a style to confirm boys in their notion of its being a manly fashion. Its successor, ‘The Phantom City,’ has none of these defects. Be it remembered that this catalogue is only intended to suggest and assist, not to exclude, and likewise that the works therein are not merely suited to lads, for though girls will often greatly prefer a book about the other sex, boys almost universally disdain books about girls.

=116. Robinson Crusoe.= By DEFOE. (Warne), 1_s._ 6_d._ (S.P.C.K.), 3_s._ 6_d._ (Cassell), 3_s._ 6_d._ (Marcus Ward), 1_s._ 6_d._, 2_s._, 3_s._

We need only name this first and best of all desert island tales, which ought to be read as an English classic by all young people—not boys alone.

=117. The Swiss Family Robinson.= (Warne), 1_s._ 6_d._, (Cassell), 5_s._, (Marcus Ward), 2_s._ 6_d._, 3_s._

It is a curious fact that this book was written by the tutor of Baron Humboldt and his brothers. It certainly encouraged a considerable spirit of adventure, and perhaps was partly inspired by the pupils’ interest in it as it proceeded. The second edition here mentioned is well illustrated, and is a fresh translation, more accurate perhaps, but scarcely so inviting to the childish English reader as the first more freely abridged version. The adventures are unfortunately more charming than possible in either naval or scientific eyes.

=118. Masterman Ready.= By Captain MARRYAT. (Warne) 5_s._

The outcome of a sailor’s disgust at the Swiss family’s raft of tubs and other impossibilities. Written with the ability of a distinguished novelist, and exercising over the children the fascination of the two preceding tales.

=119. The Island Queen.= By R. M. BALLANTYNE. (Nisbet) 3_s._ 6_d._

Here a young lady is by general consent elected to be queen of a shipwrecked crew. Mr. Ballantyne’s tales of adventure are perfectly safe from the moral point of view, and always have a religious tone, but when any matter brings forward points of difference, the tone is not that of the Church. Happily, however, there is seldom room for any such difficulty.

=120. The Young Crusoe.= By Mrs. HOFLAND. (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

The best of this once popular author’s stories republished.

=121. The Fate of the ‘Black Swan.’= By F. FRANKFORT MOORE. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

A search in New Guinea for a missing brother.

=122. The Fortunes of Hassan.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

Hassan is a dog who sees a good deal of the fortunes of war in Bulgaria.

=123. The Good Ship ‘Barbara.’= By S. W. SADLER, R.N. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Two brothers, one in the navy, the other in the merchant service, see a good deal of the coast of Africa. The introduction of an ‘unattached’ and helpless missionary is the only weak point.

=124. Ned in the Blockhouse.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=125. Ned in the Woods.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=126. Ned on the River.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=127. The Camp Fire and the Wigwam.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=128. The Lost Trail.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

=129. Footsteps in the Forest.= (Cassell) 2_s._ 6_d._

American, Fenimore Cooper-like adventures, but without the love or the somewhat stilted language. There is an admirable Red Indian hero, a Christian, who appears in all difficulties. Boys revel in these books, which seem to have an unusual attraction for them. The three first form the ‘Boy Pioneer Series,’ the three last the ‘Log Cabin Series.’ Many of the real pioneers of Kentucky are introduced.

=130. Lost in the Backwoods.= By Mrs. TRAILL. (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

Adventures in a Canadian forest of fifty or sixty years ago. Well worthy of its republication.

=131. The French Prisoners.= By BERBY. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

The friendship that springs up between some German boys and their French captives, well told.

=132. Treasure Island.= By R. L. STEVENSON. (Cassell) 5_s._

So exciting and engrossing that it must be mentioned, but bringing the reader into rough company, among a good many horrors.

=133. Tom Brown’s School Days.= By T. HUGHES. (Macmillan) 2_s._ or 6_d._

The life is so fresh and wholesome in spirit that, though the sphere is so different from that of the elementary school-boy, his tone may be raised by it.

=134. Ascott Hope’s Tales.=

These are too numerous and have too many different publishers for enumeration, but all are lively and wholesome tales of boyhood mostly in school life, and are good to lend and give.

=135. The Crofton Boys.= By HARRIET MARTINEAU. (Routledge) 1_s._ and 1_s._ 6_d._ (With 40 illustrations, 2_s._)

A very attractive story of a brave little boy at school, who loses his foot by an accident, and resolutely conceals the name of the perpetrator.

=136. Follow the Leader.= By TALBOT B. REED. (Cassell) 5_s._

Another public-school story, sound and spirited, and likely to interest. People sometimes learn best from what does not profess to be about their own life.

=137. In Quest of Gold on the Whanga Falls.= By C. H. JOHNSTONE. (Cassell) 3_s._ 6_d._

Exciting Australian adventures. It is to be hoped they will not inspire the gold fever, for which, however, ‘True Gold’ (see No. 602) may be an antidote.

=138. The Boy with an Idea.= By Mrs. EILOART. (Warne) 2_s._ 6_d._

An inventive genius, always getting into exquisitely droll predicaments, some of which are quite fit to do duty at a penny reading.

=139. Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea.= By JULES VERNE. Two parts. (Low) Cloth 3_s._ 6_d._, boards, 2 parts, 1_s._ each.

=140. The Mysterious Island.= Three parts. (Low) Cloth 2_s._, boards 1_s._ each.

=141. The Earth to the Moon and a Trip round it.= (Low) Cloth 2_s._, boards 1_s._ each.

=142. Five Weeks in a Balloon.= (Low) Cloth 2_s._, boards 1_s._

=143. Dr. Ox’s Experiment.= (Low) Cloth 2_s._, boards 1_s._

=144. The Steam House.= (Low) Two parts. Cloth 2_s._, boards 1_s._ each.

Jules Verne is a modern Baron Munchausen with an air of science and a Frenchman’s ironical gravity. To some he is perfectly enchanting, but there are soberer minds who are bewildered as to whether the wonders they read of are meant for truth or fiction, and dislike him accordingly. We have only mentioned a small selection of his translated works, but all are perfectly safe, for he is a religious, sound-hearted man. ‘Dr. Ox’s Experiment’ is short enough for a penny reading among intelligent people.

=145. Ben Sylvester’s Word.= (See No. 55.)

=146. Frank’s Debt.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 3_d._

The dull rude lad raised by better surroundings.

=147. The Little Duke.= (See No. 488.)

=148. The Caged Lion.= (See No. 410.) 6_s._

=149. Harry and Archie.= (See No. 254.)

=150. Pickle and his Page Boy.= (See No. 30.)

=151. For Fortune and Glory, a Story of the Soudan War.= By LEWIS HOUGH. (Cassell) 5_s._

A somewhat wild story, involving adventures with an old semi-madman who has turned Mahometan, but with a very graphic description of life in the English army.

=152. On Board the ‘Esmeralda.’= By J. HUTCHESON. (Cassell) 3_s._ 6_d._

No harm in it, though the Squeers establishment at the beginning might have been spared.

=153. Jackanapes.= By J. H. EWING. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

This beautiful story wins the attention of boys, but those who read it to them find it advisable to skip the unnecessary incident of the elopement.

=154. Mutiny on the ‘Albatross.’= By F. FRANKFORT MOORE. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Exactly fulfilling the boy’s description, ‘A pretty book with plenty of killing.’

=155. Nimrod Nunn.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

A village waif becomes a brave soldier, and is killed in Egypt.

=156. Pirates’ Creek.= By S. W. SADLER. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

=157. Tales by W. H. Kingston.=

There are so many of these, and brought out by so many publishers (S.P.C.K.), (Griffith, Farran, & Co.), (Warne), (Shaw), (Nisbet), (Routledge), that it is hardly possible to collect or enumerate them, and one description answers for all. They are full of adventure, well studied from travels and geography, perfectly safe and innocent, with more incident than character, and very useful for those who love adventurous tales.

=158. Tales by R. M. Ballantyne.=

These also are too numerous for individual mention. They teach much as to manners, geography, &c., and there is a conscientious, religious tone about both authors, but Mr. Ballantyne’s are apt to be rather confused where any Church matter comes in question.

=159. A Hero: Philip’s Book.= By the Author of ‘John Halifax.’ (Routledge) 1_s._

A very striking picture of moral _versus_ physical courage.

=160. Straight to the Mark.= By the Rev. T. S. MILLINGTON. (R.T.S.) 5_s._

A good schoolboy tale.

=161. Paul Howard’s Captivity.= (Griffith, Farran, & Co.) 1_s._ 6_d._

A boy who propitiated his Chinese captors by his knowledge of watches.

=162. Will’s Voyages.= By F. F. MOORE. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._ 6_d._

=163. The ‘Great Orion.’= By F. F. MOORE. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

=164. The Adventurous Voyage of the ‘Polly.’= By S. W. SADLER. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

=165. Scapegrace Dick.= (See No. 460.)

=166. In the Land of the Moose, the Bear, and the Beaver.= By ACHILLES DAUNT. (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

=167. In the Bush and on the Trail.= (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

Both these are beautifully got up, and will make the boy who gets either of them for a prize happy at the moment, and sure to imbibe some real knowledge of the places named and animals described.

=168. Yussuf the Guide.= By G. MANVILLE FENN. (Blackie) 5_s._

Travels in Asia Minor. Full of adventures and often very droll.

=169. Devon Boys.= By G. MANVILLE FENN. (Blackie) 6_s._

An excellent set of seaside adventures near Barnstaple in the old smuggling times.

=170. The Final Reckoning.= By G. A. HENTY. (Blackie) 5_s._

Bush life in Australia in the convict times.

=171. Beyond the Himalayas.= By JOHN GEDDIE. (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

=172. Lake Regions of Central Africa.= By JOHN GEDDIE. (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

=173. The Castaways in the Wilds of Borneo.= By MAYNE REID. (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

=174. Frank Redcliffe.= (Nelson) 3_s._ 6_d._

Adventures in South America.

=175. Mark Willis.= (Nelson) 1_s._ 6_d._

Adventures of a sailor boy.

All these are interesting tales of enterprise conveying much useful geographical information, and wholesomely sound and amusing.

DRAWING-ROOM STORIES.

The stories under this head are chosen for their unusual excellence, but they deal in general with a way of life, with pursuits, allusions, and temptations, so much out of the line of the ordinary clients of the parish library that we do not recommend them for that purpose, although they would do no harm but decidedly good, so far as they were understood, and, where readers of a superior degree are included, would be excellent.

=176. The Langdales of Langdale End.= By ELEANOR LLOYD. (Marcus Ward) 3_s._ 6_d._

A lively, clever set of children, slightly over-independent of their parents. They get into a scrape by secretiveness about their pleasures, and their discussions of their clergyman might not be edifying to some readers.

=177. Hermy, the Story of a Little Girl.= By Mrs. MOLESWORTH. (Routledge) 2_s._ 6_d._

A pleasant nursery tale.

=178. Miss Fenwick’s Failures.= By ESMÉ STUART. (Blackie) 2_s._ 6_d._

A governess’s troubles with naughty children.

=179. A York and a Lancaster Rose.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Macmillan) 6_s._

One Rose is a professor’s daughter, the other is a carpenter’s. They come into connection at the soup kitchen of a Sisterhood, much to their mutual benefit. The trials of the professor’s daughter are those of a large intellectual family in a London house, where inclination often has to be silently sacrificed.

=180. Laneton Parsonage.= By ELIZABETH SEWELL. (Longmans) 1_s._

The catechism illustrated practically by three periods of the lives of a clergyman’s daughters—at home, at school, and after the return from school.

=181. Sweet William.= By Mrs. ERSKINE. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

An engaging little girl, devoted to her butterfly-hunting brothers, but waking to high and deep aspirations, which find their first fulfilment in the discovery of an old cottage woman’s lost son.

=182. Grumble.= By Mrs. ERSKINE. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

The pinch of agricultural depression felt but not understood in the nursery drives a little damsel to try to mend matters by _wishing_ in a fairy ring.

=183. The Birthday.= By Lady HARRIET HOWARD. (Masters) 3_s._ 6_d._

A charming set of children in high life, simple, natural, and wholesome, a favourite of many years’ standing.

=184. The White Gipsy.= By ANNETTE LYSTER. (S.P.C.K.) 3_s._

A child picked up by gipsies after a railway accident, and bred up among them till recovered by his mother.

=185. Decima’s Promise.= By AGNES GIBERNE. (Nisbet) 3_s._ 6_d._

This is made to a servant girl not to reveal an accident to a young child of which both alike are guilty. It results in the poor child’s idiocy, and thus would be a wholesome warning to nurses, but Decima’s other troubles are rather out of their beat.

=186. In the Marsh.= By BESSIE CURTEIS. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

A very clever portrait of life on the Sussex coast, as seen by some young folks quartered in a farmhouse.

=187. Rosamond Ferrars.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

A girl hardened by want of home life introduced into a good and happy home where the key of life is given to her.

=188. The Little Brown Girl.= By ESMÉ STUART. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

An orphan unkindly treated by children who are prejudiced against her, and nearly frighten her to death.

=189. The Runaway.= (Macmillan) 2_s._ 6_d._

Exceedingly droll mishaps befall the little maid who hides the runaway from school in her cupboard.

=190. When I was a Little Girl.= (Macmillan) 2_s._ 6_d._

=191. Nine Years Old.= (Macmillan) 2_s._ 6_d._

Great favourites with children; without much plot, but flowing on naturally.

=192. Little Alice and her Sister.= (Masters) 2_s._

A charmingly told cure of a spoilt and passionate little girl caused by an elder sister returned from India.

=193. P’s and Q’s.= By C. M. YONGE. (Macmillan) 4_s._ 6_d._

Turns on the difficulty of submitting to a fresh government.

=194. Henrietta’s Wish.= By C. M. YONGE. (Masters) 4_s._ 6_d._

On vehemently carrying out a personal wish.

=195. The Two Guardians.= By C. M. YONGE. (Masters) 6_s._

A religiously brought-up girl transplanted into a worldly family.

=196. The Wynnes.= (Masters) 5_s._

A sensible, thoughtful picture of the trials of a large family.

=197. One of a Covey.= (Wells Gardner, Darton & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A little girl taken away from a home full of brothers and sisters to find solitary luxury very wearisome.

=198. Regent Rosalind.= (S. Tinsley) 7_s._ 6_d._

The difficulties of a young girl brought home from school to become head of a motherless household.

=199. Phil’s Mother.= (S. Tinsley) 5_s._

Several short and good stories, of which ‘Georgie’s Christmas Holidays’ is the best.

=200. Elly’s Choice.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

=201. Boys and Girls.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

The best thing in these is a remarkable fable or allegory, quite fit to be read separately, where each person is represented as chained for life to some animal symbolising character, and the question in each case is, Will the animal subdue the human being to the ruin of both, or will the human creature make the animal his obedient servant to the salvation of both?

=202. Ella’s Mistake.= By LAURA LANE. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

The damsel takes to sensational religion and despises her mother, but learns her error.

=203. Courage and Cowards.= By SELINA GAYE. (Nisbet) 2_s._ 6_d._

The contrast between physical daring and moral courage well brought out.

=204. The Autocrat of the Nursery.= By L. T. MEADE. (Hodder) 5_s._

This is delightfully illustrated and is a charming story, but it has the fault—a serious one if reverence is desired—of giving holy Names misspelt for baby utterance. A touch of the pen will alter this.

=205. Countess Kate and the Stokesley Secret.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 5_s._

One is a plunge into high life and the other a merry scrambling family.

=206. The Six Cushions.= By C. M. YONGE. (Walter Smith) 2_s._

The varying fates of six cushions for the chancel step, dealt out to be worked by as many young ladies.

=207. Trixy; or, Those who Live in Glass Houses should not Throw Stones.= By MARGERY SYMINGTON. (Cassell) 1_s._ 6_d._

Pleasant scenes of life in a small Swiss young ladies’ school.

=208. Studies for Stories.= By JEAN INGELOW. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

A collection of really powerful short tales, not half sufficiently known, chiefly of girls’ school life.

=209. The Old House in the Square.= By ALICE WEBER. (Routledge) 3_s._ 6_d._

A well-drawn family, who are too exclusive to be hospitable to their father’s pupil, and need to be brought to a better mind.

=210. North Wind and Sunshine.= By ANNETTE LYSTER. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

The contrast between piety and charity at home, and anywhere except at home.

=211. Five Pounds Reward.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

Very droll.

=212. Heart Service.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

Useful warning against selfish neglect.

=213. Snowball Society.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

=214. Home and School.= By M. BRAMSTON. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._ 6_d._

These tell of the same family—the first of a scheme for providing poor children with a playground; the second is of high school adventures.

=215. Lob Lie by the Fire.= By J. H. EWING. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

=216. Story of a Short Life.= By J. H. EWING. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

=217. Jan of the Mill.= By J. H. EWING. (Bell) 1_s._

=218. Daddy Darwin’s Dovecote.= By J. H. EWING. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._

These exquisite pieces of Mrs. Ewing’s are too delicately worked for the ordinary style of children or the poor, though they may be appreciated by those who have time to dream over them and, as it were, imbibe them.

=219. Story of a Happy Home.= By MARY HOWITT. (Nelson) 2_s._

Real childish incidents of a year; hardly story, but told with the charm of Mrs. Howitt.

=220. Sue and I.= By Mrs. O’REILLY. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 3_s._ 6_d._

Delightful reminiscences of childhood.

=221. Aunt Judy’s Tales.= By Mrs. GATTY. (Bell) 3_s._ 6_d._

=222. Aunt Judy’s Letters.= By Mrs. GATTY. (Bell) 3_s._ 6_d._

=223. Aunt Sally’s History.= By Mrs. GATTY. (Bell) 2_s._ 6_d._

Needing no words of recommendation.

=224. Castle Blair.= By FLORA SHAW. (Kegan Paul) 3_s._ 6_d._

A wild Irish story, very attractive and exciting.

=225.= EDGEWORTH’S =Early Lessons=. ” =Frank=. ” =Rosamond=. ” =Parent’s Assistant=. ” =Harry and Lucy=.

These are real classics, and ought to be well read by every child. There are many points of good sense, refinement, and honour better given in them than in most modern books. They have been so often republished that they may be had at almost any price.

=226. Tip Cat.= (Smith) 3_s._ 6_d._

Has much grace and tenderness.

=227. May Cunningham’s Trial.= (Cassell) 2_s._

Interesting and spirited.

=228. Pat.= By STELLA AUSTIN. (Masters) 3_s._ 6_d._

By far the best of Stella Austin’s stories, which are popular, but have for the most part the fault of admiring the children’s simplicity too palpably, and might foster affectation or self-consciousness.

=229. Sidney Grey.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

A story of much excellence and reality.

=230. The School-boy Baronet.= By the Hon. Mrs. GREENE. (Warne) 3_s._ 6_d._

A young tyrant cured of his overbearing ways by seeing their exaggeration in lower life.

=231. Cushions and Corners.= By the Hon. Mrs. GREENE. (Warne) 2_s._ 6_d._

A clever story on angular and gentle tempers.

=232. Blind Man’s Holiday.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Warne) 2_s._

=233. Father Phim.= By ANNIE KEARY. (Warne) 1_s._

In the first we have touches from the author’s own childhood. The second is very beautiful, and perhaps the most perfect of the author’s works.

=234. New Honours.= By Mrs. SELBY LOWNDES. (Warne) 2_s._

Children whose first experiences of their father’s peerage are not pleasant.

=235. Mistress Mary.= By Mrs. SITWELL. (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

A charming story of a quaint little girl and her noble-minded parents.

=236. Dora and Nora.= By ANNETTE LYSTER. (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

Two girls who endure in a very different manner the trial of living with a cross old aunt.

=237. Carry’s Rose.= By Mrs. CUPPLES. (Nelson) 9_d._

Against teasing.

=238. The Launch of the ‘Victory.’= (Nelson) 6_d._

Of a wholesome friendship made over a toy ship.

=239. The Phantom Picture.= By the Hon. Mrs. GREENE. (Nelson) 2_s._

Disobedience detected by the culprit unconsciously photographing himself.

=240. Silverthorns.= By Mrs. MOLESWORTH. (Hatchard) 6_s._

A harsh judgment and incipient jealousy confuted. Very sweet characters.

=241. The Linen Room Window.= By C. BIRLEY. (Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.) 1_s._ 6_d._

The effect of sunshine through a convex bit of glass.

=242. A Story for the Schoolroom.= (S.P.C.K.) 2_s._

Excitement at going to stay with a girl of higher rank ending in wholesome discipline and mortification of self-importance.

ON THE CATECHISM.

These are not studies on the Catechism, but illustrations.

=243. Stories and Lessons on the Catechism.= (Walter Smith) 3 vols. 13_s._

A companion to the lessons on the Collects, with a class of girls instead of boys. The using of it for many years has tested its excellence.

=244. Stories on the Catechism.= By C. A. JONES. (Masters) 4 vols. 2_s._ 6_d._ each.

Detached stories, with questions at the end of each on the portion to which it applies.

=245. Laneton Parsonage.= (See No. 180.)

Written mainly to illustrate the Catechism.

=246. Tales illustrative of the Apostles’ Creed.= By J. M. NEALE. (Masters) 2_s._ 6_d._

=247. Stories on the Commandments.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

=248. Stories on my Duty to God.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._

=249. Stories on my Duty to my Neighbour.= (S.P.C.K.) 1_s._ 6_d._