The Alden Catalogue of Choice Books, May 30, 1889

THE BIBLE ILLUMINATED

– Hours with the Bible. By Cunningham Geikie, D.D. In 6 vols., 12mo, illustrated. I. Creation to Patriarchs: II. Moses to Judges: III. Samson to Solomon: IV. Rehoboam to Hezekiah: V. Manasseh to Zedekiah: VI. Exile to Malachi. Per vol. cloth, 50c. (20c); half Mco., 65c. (25c); per set, cloth, $2.75 (90c); half Morocco, $3.50 ($1.20) Index vol. including Texts of the Bible Illustrated; cloth, 30c. (10c); half Mco., 40c. (11c)

“Taken altogether, we know no work of like design that can be commended with so little qualification. For the average reader there is nothing that compares to it.” —Christian Evangelist, St. Louis.

“Fills a place which no commentary can occupy, as it brings to bear upon the Biblical record a vast amount of information – geographical, historical, scientific – not available in an ordinary commentary.” —The Guardian, Philadelphia.

THE BEST LIFE OF CHRIST

– Life and Words of Christ. By Cunningham Geikie. 12mo, cl., 45c. (15c); hf. Mco., 60c. (20c)

“It breathes the spirit of true faith in Christ. I rejoice at such a magnificent creation.” – Dr. Delitzsch.

A BOOK FOR YOUNG MEN

– Entering on Life. By Cunningham Geikie. A Book for Young Men. 12mo, cloth, 40c. (15c)

“We earnestly recommend young men to read what has been to ourselves a truly delightful work.” – Dean Alford.

“When such a man as the wise and gentle Dean Alford recommends a book, all is said, and said as only a few can say it. Every parent, every teacher, every friend of the race, every believer in things of good repute, must echo his convictions, and join with him in bearing witness to the good sense, the exquisite fancy, the pathos, piety, and sound moral reasoning that illuminate every page.” —The Week, Toronto.

The Confessions of St. Augustine

St. Augustine, Confessions of. Translated by E. D. Pusey, D.D. Ideal Edition, cloth. 60c. (16c)

“No one mind has ever made such an impression on Christian thought. No one can hesitate to acknowledge the depth of his spiritual conviction and the strength, solidity, and penetration with which he handled the most difficult questions, and wrought all the elements of his experience, and his profound scriptural knowledge, into a great system.” – John Tulloch, Principal of St. Andrew’s University.

Macaulay. Prescott. Rawlinson

*Macaulay’s England. 5 vols., 12mo, cloth, $5.00, reduced to $2.00 (40c) The same half Russia, $7.50 reduced to $3.50 (60c)

Macaulay’s Essays. On Bacon, Hastings, and Pitt: Ideal Ed., cloth, 35c. (8c)

“Macaulay’s essays are remarkable for their brilliant rhetorical power, their splendid tone of coloring and their affluence of illustration. He excels in the delineation of historical characters and in the art of carrying his readers into a distant period and reproducing the past with the distinctness of the present.” – Geo. S. Hillard.

“Both his turn of mind and style of writing are peculiar, and exhibit a combination rarely if ever before witnessed in modern literature. He is deeply learned in ancient and modern lore; he is eminently dramatic and pictorial; alternately speaks poetry to the soul and pictures to the eye. His learning is prodigious; in many of his writings there are reflections, equally just and original, which were never surpassed in the philosophy of history.” – Sir Archibald Allison.

Spain in its Golden Age

Prescott. Ferdinand and Isabella. By Wm. H. Prescott. Illustrated Library Edition. In two vols small octavo, $1.25 (35c) Popular edition, without illustrations, one vol., 85c. (20c)

– Prescott’s Biographical and Critical Miscellanies. Ideal Edition, cl., 40c. (15c); hf Mco., 55c. (20c)

“Every one who reads at all should read Prescott.” —The Presbyterian, Philadelphia, Pa.

“Prescott was a prince among historians.” —Christian Secretary, Hartford, Ct.

“Mr. Prescott ranks among the most successful historical writers of all times.” —Sunday Morning Herald, Minneapolis, Minn.

Rawlinson’s Great Historical Works

Rawlinson. Seven Great Monarchies. By George Rawlinson. 3 vols., 12mo, with many hundred illustrations and maps. Cloth, gilt tops, $2.75 (80c)

“This edition includes all the maps, notes and illustrations of the edition for which $18 has heretofore been charged, and the illustrations are actually superior to those of the $18 edition.” —Oregonian, Portland, Oregon.

– Rawlinson’s History of Ancient Egypt. With Several Hundred Illustrations, in two large 12mo vols., cloth, gilt tops. Price of the set reduced from $6.00 to $1.50 (50c)

“He that would have the best History of Egypt will choose Rawlinson’s, and he that would have the cheapest will buy Alden’s. This most valuable work, an almost exhaustive treatise on all that pertains to Egypt, could not formerly be bought for less than $6.00, but is here offered, profusely illustrated, and in Mr. Alden’s excellent style of workmanship, at the exceedingly low price of $1.50.” —Guardian, Philadelphia.

– Historical Evidences. By Rawlinson. 12mo, cloth, gilt top, 60c. (20c)

– Egypt and Babylon from Sacred and Profane Sources. By Rawlinson, cl., gilt top, 50c. (15c)

– Religions of the Ancient World. By Rawlinson. 12mo, cloth, gilt top, 50c. (15c)

“Mr. Rawlinson is doubtless the best modern authority in Biblical researches as sources of evidence of the credibility of the Scripture records. He seems to have devoted his life to this department of study, and to him the world is greatly indebted therefor.” —Journal and Messenger, Cincinnati, O.

Kingdoms of the World

*Kingdoms of the World. Popular Histories, brought down to the present time. Each in one vol., 8vo. cloth, $2.00, reduced to $1.25 (20c)

Italy, By J. S. C. Abbott.

Russia, By J. S. C. Abbott.

Austria, By J. S. C. Abbott.

Prussia. By J. S. C. Abbott.

Turkey. By Edson L. Clark.

Egypt. By J. C. McCoan.

Germany. By Baring-Gould.

A series of volumes that are justly held in high estimation; now reduced in price nearly one-half, they ought to secure wide circulation.

“The books received. It is a never-ceasing wonder how such fine editions can be supplied in exchange for the very small sum you ask for them.” – S. B. Walker, Castle Rock, Colo.

“The book ordered from you was a pleasant surprise to me, in type, binding and general appearance. Will send you another and larger order soon.” – A. R. Read, Principal of Schools, Ebensburg, Pa.

Picturesque America!

*Williams. America Illustrated. Edited by J. David Williams. 100 fine wood-cuts. Quarto, cloth, gilt edges, printed on fine tinted paper, $2.50 reduced to $1.40 (25c)

The grandeur and vastness of our mountains, the beautiful scenery of many of our rivers, the magnificence of our great waterfalls – all present a field for the artist, who has made excellent use of the same. The descriptive matter is also very interesting as well as instructive. Printing and binding are very fine. An excellent presentation volume and an ornament to any parlor or library. The price is extremely low.

Great Novels, Amazingly Cheap!

Bronte. Jane Eyre. By Charlotte Bronte, 12mo, cloth, 3Oc. (6c)

Charles. The Schonberg-Cotta Family. Small quarto. Paper 15c. (7c); cloth, 30c. (10c)

Cooper. The Last of the Mohicans. By J. Fenimore Cooper. 12mo, cloth, 35c. (10c)

Cummins. The Lamplighter. A Novel, by Maria S. Cummins. New Edition. Cloth, 50c. (20c)

De Stael. Corinne. A Novel. By Madam De Stael, 12mo, cloth, 30c. (9c)

Ebers. Uarda, A Romance of Ancient Egypt. By George Ebers, 12mo, cloth, 3Oc. (7c)

Eliot, George: Silas Marner. Small Pica type, small quarto, paper 10c. (4c); cloth, 25c. (7c)

– Romola. 12mo, cloth, 35c. (7c)

Goldsmith. Vicar of Wakefield: By Oliver Goldsmith. Ideal Edition. Cloth, 30c. (11c)

Haggard. King Solomon’s Mines. By H. Rider Haggard. Paper 5c., cloth, 20c. (4c)

Hughes. Tom Brown at Rugby. By Thomas Hughes. Paper, 10c. cloth, 25c. (7c)

Johnson. Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia. By Samuel Johnson. Ideal Edition, cloth, 25c. (7c)

Kingsley. Hypatia: A Novel. By Charles Kingsley. 12mo, cloth, 40c. (15c)

Reade. A Good Fight. By Chas. Reade, 12mo, cloth, 30c. (6c)

St. Pierre. Paul and Virginia. By Bernadin St Pierre. Ideal Ed., cl., 30c. (12c)

Stevenson. The Merry Men and Other Tales. By R. L. Stevenson. 12mo, cloth, 30c. (8c)

– Prince Otto; A Romance. By R. L. Stevenson. Paper, 5c.; cloth, 20c. (4c)

Stretton. Bede’s Charity: A Novel, by Hesba Stretton. 12mo, cloth, 30c. (10c)

“I cannot find language to express my surprise and delight at the quality of your books, and then the prices are really nominal compared with the prices I have been paying for similar books. I shall order from you as fast as my means will allow, until I fill my library.” – Annie Kelly, New Switzerland, Ga.

“Your prices are very tempting, and all the books that I have heretofore gotten of you more than fulfilled my expectations.” – Lewis M. Ayer, Anderson, S. C.

The Gospel Story

Pittenger. The Interwoven Gospels. The four histories of Jesus Christ blended into a complete and continuous narrative in the words of the Gospels. According to the American Revised Version of 1881. Compiled by Rev. William Pittenger. 12mo, cloth, with maps, 90c. (30c)

In this ingenious work the four biographies of Christ are given in the language of the Gospels, but so arranged and blended as to form one continuous narrative. When known, the period and place at which the events described occurred are noted. Where the Evangelists have given more than one account, the fullest one, or the one which best harmonized with the preceding subject, has been taken and the peculiarities of the others interwoven therewith.

“The work is well done, and will be welcome aid to many in the study of the New Testament.” —The Examiner, N. Y. City.

“Mr. Pittenger has done his work skillfully and the book cannot but prove helpful to the Bible student.” —Witness, Montreal.

“It is a useful and important work for Sunday-Schools and Bible classes engaged in the study of the Word.” —Western Christian Advocate, Cincinnati.

“The Interwoven Gospels is an exceedingly helpful and convenient arrangement, based on a good plan, and well wrought.” – Rev. Richard G. Greene, East Orange, N. J.

“The work supplies an arrangement that most readers feel the need of, for obvious reasons, and is very useful as an introduction to study of the New Testament.” —The Globe, Boston.

“The advantage of such a book, both to a young reader and to a teacher of New Testament history, in bringing the gospel narratives into their proper relations, and in giving a clear mental view of the times and seasons to which events belong, must be apparent,” —The Interior, Chicago, Ill.

“The author has made the Gospels (in the language of the Gospels) an easy and finished biography of Jesus Christ, and offers a book to the Bible student second to none other on the life and works of Christ. It is worthy of room in every family and Sunday-School library.” —Express, Easton, Pa.

“If put into the hand of a child as his first introduction to the study of the New Testament, it will be read as an ordinary connected history; and when the Gospels in their common form are afterward read, the relation of their different parts will be at once understood, and many otherwise perplexing questions may never even arise.” —The Church Year, Jacksonville.

“This is not a Harmony, in the general sense of the term. Though in the general line of helps in the study of the Evangelical Narrative, it is something more practical, more living, and shows ‘the mark of the tool’ less than any Harmony we are acquainted with. This, we believe, can be read, and may be used intelligently in the study of The Word. It should find its way into the libraries of our pastors and Sunday-School teachers.” —The Guardian, Philadelphia.

“The task, which the title indicates, is not as easy as might be at first sight supposed. The passages referring to a particular incident have not to be merely pitched into a common pile, but built into a symmetrical structure; and some of the faults which the compiler has to avoid are the impairing of the authority of the Gospel narrative by the addition of many words; the sense of incompleteness caused by omissions, and the disadvantages of references too many and references too few. The plan which Mr. Pittenger has adopted appears to obviate many of these difficulties.” —Globe, Toronto.

“You have wisely chosen the Revised Version with the American Readings incorporated in the text. The arrangement is in harmony with the best results of chronological study, and the most natural. The blending of particular accounts shows good judgment, in the selection of one as a standard, and filling up the narrative from the others. In performing this delicate task the golden mean has been quite nearly reached, of not doing too little or too much. For consecutive reading by either old or young and for general and popular use, I regard your work as the best now before the public.” – G. W. Clark, D.D.

Popular Historical Works

Green’s Larger History of the English People. 5 vols., 16mo, illustrated with about 100 fine engravings; half Morocco, $3.50 ($1.00); the same without illustrations, Elzevir Edition, cloth, $2.25 (40c); half morocco, $2.75 (60c)

“The enthusiasm and painstaking accuracy of the author, and the luminous style in which he writes, stamp the history as a classic. Every man who has Anglo-Saxon blood in his veins will be thrilled through and through by the author’s tribute to the race.” —Central Baptist, St. Louis.

“It is far the best popular history of English civilization and the progress of civil liberty and social advancement.” —Zion’s Herald, Boston.

“As yet I have no regrets over any investment in books I have made with you, and among them I can number Irving, Guizot, Green, Geikie, Dickens and Scott.” – J. W. Thompson, Winchester, Ind.

Guizot’s France and Civilization

Guizot’s History of France. Illustrated Library Edition, 427 fine engravings, 8 vols., 12mo. half Morocco, $6.00 ($1.25)

“Guizot’s History of France, has held its place as by far the best popular history of that country. Clear, vigorous, graphic, even eloquent, it is as fascinating as a romance: and it is, as well, comprehensive and thorough. The work has been one of the longed-for prizes of the general reader of history.” —Republican, Springfield, Mass.

“This is a standard work, and Mr. Alden has not only done himself credit, but has conferred a lasting benefit upon the world, by placing it within the reach of those of limited means.” —Christian Standard, Phila.

Guizot’s History of Civilization. 12mo, cloth, 50c. (15c)

“His ‘History of Civilization’ is classical, and his ‘History of France’ the best.” —Bible Banner, Philadelphia, Pa.

“The history loving portion of the American public may be congratulated on its opportunity.” —Standard, Syracuse.

Livingstone, Stanley, and Africa

Livingstone, Stanley and other celebrated travels and adventures in Africa, with numerous illustrations. 8vo. cloth, 75c. (20c)

An intensely interesting narrative of the work and adventures of the great explorers of the “Dark Continent,” with illustrations which add greatly to its value. In view of the popular concern regarding Stanley the book has a special interest at the present time. It is an excellent book for young people, particularly for boys.

By Charles Lamb

Lamb, Charles: Last Essays of Elia, cloth, gilt top, 45c. (15c); half Morocco, 65c. (25c) Complete Essays; the two vols. in one, on good paper, cloth, 60c. (20c)

“The gentleman or lady who would acquire a pure and elegant style should read Lamb aloud. This is an exercise of the highest and most beneficial character.” —The Item, Philadelphia, Pa.

“These essays should be read by everyone. They are still wonderfully fresh, and because of their merit they are destined to live as long as our language is spoken.” —The Episcopal Methodist, Baltimore, Md.

Elysian Dreams AND Sober Realities

Van Santvoord. Half-Holidays, Elysian Dreams, and Sober Realities. By Harold Van Santvoord. 12mo, cloth, gilt tops. 85c. (35c)

“Exhibits extensive reading and a pleasant fancy.” —Sun, New York.

“One of those companionable books that have almost a personality for the reader… The vivacity of its thought, the vigor of insight and charm of expression merit critical appreciation.” —Traveller, Boston.

“The writer has a genuine instinct for the now almost lost art of essay writing. His quiet humor, now and then turned by a clever stroke of wit and well-pointed epigram, and his easy colloquial style, make the reading of his breezy and interesting volume uncommonly entertaining.” —Saturday Evening Gazette, Boston.

“The essays forming the volume show in the writer wide and careful reading, and a memory stored with the fruits of literary research, with a happy facility in imparting what he has acquired. His humor is delicate and mirth-provoking, his illustration of the sentiments presented and positions taken are apposite and pointed, and the serious practical teachings scattered throughout the book are calculated to leave wholesome impressions upon the thoughtful reader.” —Freeman, Kingston, N. Y.

“The contents consists of a collection of essays having no essential relation to one another, none of them long, but all interesting and suggestive from the originality of the thought, the novelty of the treatment and the attractive style.” —Times, Troy.

“Among the brightest of the young American writers, although but a recent adventurer in the field of authorship, is Harold Van Santvoord… His most ambitious attempt, and his most successful, we sincerely hope, is now before us in the volume entitled, ‘Half-Holiday; Elysian Dreams and Sober Realities.’ While not flippant Mr. Van Santvoord is essentially a humorist, and his humor is of the American school so often analyzed by the critics. But unlike most of our native humorists he is scholarly, and even his sprightliest passages reveal evidence of wide reading.” —Argus, Albany.

“‘Half-Holidays’ is a collection of short essays on such subjects as ‘Are Parsons Great Eaters,’ ‘The Hospitality of Solitude,’ ‘Sermons in Hot Weather,’ ‘Lost Books,’ ‘Music and Madness,’ ‘The Poetry of Flowers,’ and ‘The Significance of a Single Word.’ They are after-dinner papers, bright and lively in their treatment; they make no serious demand on one’s thought, and yet are suggestive of much that is wise in the philosophy of life, and deal lightly and gracefully with the odds and ends of everyday existence. They remind one of Lamb’s ‘Essays of Elia.’” —Herald, Boston.

“One reads this collection of short and bright essays with a feeling that they were written with more than the ordinary delight of an author. They are spontaneous recitals of an imaginative mind’s observations and dreams. It occurs to us, as we read, that it would be a suggestive companion for persons – notably the younger generation – who find it hard to converse, growing up to realize that it is necessary to say something, but at a loss what to talk about.” —School Journal, New York.

Bayard Taylor’s Famous Book

Taylor. Views Afoot; or Europe Seen with Knapsack and Staff. By Bayard Taylor. With two portraits and an introduction by N. P. Willis. 12mo, 481 pages. Long Primer type, cloth, 50c. (20c)

“One of the most famous books of travel ever printed in this country. The book is less known to readers of this generation than it should be, and we advise those who are not acquainted with its charm to adopt this opportunity of making its acquaintance.” —Christian Union, New York City.

“Views Afoot is a book of travel which is nearly as interesting now, as when it first appeared over forty years ago. Taylor was a splendid sight-seer and a rare recounter of his experiences. This new edition is one of Alden’s efforts to bring good literature within the reach of the poorest reader.” —Interior, Chicago, Ill.

Views Afoot

“Bayard Taylor’s Views Afoot will long continue to be one of the few books of European travel which people will delight to read. There is a charm in the author’s style, conjoined with remarkable power of description. The novelty of his traveling on the continent on foot, with staff and knapsack, visiting places much out of the way, seeing the people and living amongst them – all this makes the book a rara avis among books of travel.” —Guardian, Philadelphia.

“Of all the works of this distinguished author, perhaps no one has more freshness and enthusiasm than this. We have the ardor and the quick insight of the afterwards world-renowned poet and author of books of travel, etc., in the bud of promise. Certainly the volume is very readable.” —Morning Star, Boston, Mass.

“We remember with what exquisite pleasure, in our college days, we read this charmingly-written story of a jaunt a-foot. It was so full of life and happiness, good-will and abounding health. This new edition does not dim these excellences at all, and he who especially enjoys reading books of travel will not read another until he has gone through these fascinating pages. How cheap this edition is – only 50 cents. Give it to some travel-mania friend.” —Zion’s Herald, Boston, Mass.

“John B. Alden has put the reading public under renewed obligation by publishing a cheap edition of Bayard Taylor’s ‘Views Afoot.’ These chapters delighted the last generation, and they still have their power to charm and instruct.” —Christian Standard, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Europe SEEN WITH Knapsack and Staff

“A poor boy, with no literary reputation, he sets out to traverse the countries of Europe on foot. It was the beginning of an extraordinary career as a writer, traveler and lecturer. Others have since followed in his footsteps, but none has ever been able to surpass Bayard Taylor in originality of observation, in perspicacity of style, or variety of experiences. It is Europe brought to our own doors.” —Journal and Messenger, Cincinnati, Ohio.