The Pacific Monthly/Volume 5/Books
Books
Conducted by Davis Parker Leach.
American Fights and Fighters
By Cyrus Townsend Brady
McClure, Phillips & Co., New York
If ever an author has earned the sobriquet of the "Fighting Parson" of American literature, that one is certainly Cyrus Townsend Brady. His stories are full of courageous deeds, forlorn hopes and heroic achievements. The very atmosphere is charged with dynamic energy, and phlegmatic must be the one who is not stirred to the depths by his forceful recital of these events. Chaplain Brady has the advantage of a perspective in his outlook on history, and free from all national prejudice he views it as an un- biased observer, giving due credit to true bravery, whether of the victor or the vanquished.
"American Fights and Fighters" deals with the first five wars of the United States, from the Revolution to the War of 1812. The author has selected some of the most noteworthy engagements both on land and sea, but space is given to the recording of some of the almost forgotten battles like the brilliant victories of Truxton, when we were at war with France in 1798–1800. Some minor sea fights are also described, which are given small notice in most histories.
Written in a most engaging style, the book will appeal to all true Americans, who, while proud of the exploits of their own countrymen, will feel a glad satisfaction in being so closely related by blood and ties to such worthy opponents.
We quote the following from the authory's note, showing the purpose of the work: "That the stories may serve to stimulate patriotism and love of country, and to encourage men to consecrate themselves with the devotion of their forefathers to the civic battles for freedom and honor which are still to be waged, is the hope of the author."
Stories of Oregon
By Eva Emery Dye
Whitaker & Ray Co., San Francisco
"It seems to me highly important that as much attention as possible should be paid to the local history of Oregon before the present generation passes from the scene. This history of the Northwest coast region seems to me full of fascinating interest, and you have still the rare privilege of being in touch with the early traditions. I sincerely hope you will be prosperous in your attempts to cultivate the study of Oregon history and make it popular." Thus writes John Fiske to the secretary of the Oregon State Historical Society.
An author has come to the front who will undoubtedly carry out the work suggested by the eminent historian quoted above. This author, Mrs. Dye, has the rare gift of making history luminous, and in the school reader, here noticed, she will doubtless awaken a local pride as strong as that which vibrates in every true son of the "Old Dominion," or the "Old Bay State."
There is so much of the romantic in the history of Oregon and so much material among its heroes and heroines for an Oregon "Leatherstocking" series, that one marvels that the field has not been worked before. Irving touched lightly upon it and Parkman suggested its possibilities, but it was "McLoughlin and Old Oregon" by Eva Emery Dye that first brought the public to realize what might be in store for it.
These stories are full of the winning personality of the author, who has told them in her own inimitable way. Stimulated by the reading of them, the rising generation will doubtless revere and honor the memories of our own heroes who have made a history as thrilling and noble as that of the Putnams, Crocketts, Waynes and Tecumsehs of the far East.