This is the story of a great fortune, and its attendant train of misfortunes. The Folletts are a middle-class family who suddenly find themselves in the possession of immense wealth, and the interest is obtained by showing what effect this change has upon their various characters. With fine subtlety the author depicts the schemes, duplicities, worries, and disappointments which follow the Folletts in their efforts to scramble into society and make aristocratic marriages. Then, in the midst of their plans, the wealth is taken from them, and the friendships which they have made are shown in their true character. Altogether it is a bright, clever, entertaining tale, with a rare distinction in its minute portrayal of diverse character.
NEW EDITION OF THE UNIVERSE.
The Universe: Or The Infinitely Great and the Infinitely Little. A Sketch of Contrasts in Creation, and Marvels revealed and explained by Natural Science. By F. A. Pouchet, m.d. With 272 Engravings on wood, of which 55 are full-page size, and a Coloured Frontispiece. Eleventh Edition, medium 8vo, cloth elegant, gilt edges, 7s. 6d.; also morocco antique, 16s.
"We can honestly commend Professor Pouchet's book, which is admirably, as it is copiously illustrated."—The Times.
"Scarcely any book in French or in English is so likely to stimulate in the young an interest in the physical phenomena."—Fortnightly Review.
BY ROBERT LEIGHTON.
The Wreck of "The Golden Fleece:" The story of a North Sea Fisher-boy. By Robert Leighton. With 8 page Illustrations by Frank Brangwyn. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 5s.
In this story the interest is mainly secured by a description of life on the wild North Sea,—the hero being a parson's son who is apprenticed on board a Lowestoft fishing lugger. The lad has to suffer many buffets from his shipmates, while the storms and dangers which he braved on board the "North Star" are set forth with minute knowledge and intense power. The wreck of "The Golden Fleece" forms the climax to a thrilling series of desperate mischances. From this point the narrative deals with a mysterious highway robbery and murder; the trial of the accused fisherman; his escape, and the mad chase after the criminal out upon the high seas. Altogether, this is a wholesome tale with plenty of sea-water in it, and a fine run of breezy adventure.