Book Notices

THE IDLE THOUÖHTS OF AS IDLE FELLOW, by Jerome K. Jerome. Philadel]hia, Henry Altemus, 507-513 Cherry st..pubUsher8. Por sule iu Anu Arbor ly Sheehan & Co. This handsoine little volume is just wlnit it purports to be, a volume to occupy one's idle moments with. It is beautit'ully printed and illustrated, and its contents are not only readable but attractive. The dedicátion is a strange one, "To the cornpanion of my idle hours, the soother oL my sorrows, the confidant of my joys and hopes - my oldest and strongest "pipe." The intröduction by the author is also unique in its way : "One or two friends to whom I showed these papers in MS. having observed that they were not half bad ; and ome of my relations liaviug promised to buy the book if it ever came out, I feel I have no right to longer delay its issue. But for this, as one may say, public demand, I, perhaps, shouíd not have ventured to offer these mere "idle thoughts" of mine as mental food for the English speaking pcoples of the earth. What readers ask now-a-days in a book is that itshould improve,instruct, and eleyate. This book wouldn't elévate a cow. I cannot conscientiously recommend itforanyuseful purpose whate ver. All I can sugg"est is, that when you get tired of reading "the best hundred books," you may take this up for half an hour. It will.be a "change." TOLD AFTER SUPI'ER, by Jerome K. Jerome, with 96 or 97 illustrations. Philadcl]hia, puhlished by Henry Altemus. Tor sale in Arm Arbor by Sheehan & Co. This book is printed entirely in blue illustrations and all. It is a story of stories, in other words it is e pluribus unum, many united in one. It is of the "Idle Hour" series, and suitable to the Christmas and holiday season. Some queer fancies are placed before the reader on its pages. It is properly given to the public, in blue.