“It fairly bristles with problems. In spite of the undercurrent of gloom the story is light and even gay in some of its passages.”

+ —Pub. Opin. 38: 26. Ja. 5. ‘05. 250w.

Riley, James Whitcomb. Riley songs o’ cheer. $1.25. Bobbs.

Over fifty of Mr. Riley’s happiest verses have been collected into this volume which is profusely illustrated by Will Vawter. The all-golden; A Christmas carol; The first bluebird; Mister hop-toad; A passing hail; The twins; A song of the road; and While the heart beats young, are included among other old favorites.

*+ +Arena. 34: 660. D. ‘05. 480w.

[*] “There is a good deal of commonplace work in the book, but there are also bits here and there of Mr. Riley at his best.”

+Dial. 39: 389. D. 1, ‘05. 90w.

[*] “It is a great pity that Mr. James Whitcomb Riley’s publishers should persist in vulgarizing verse so fine as his by cheap and silly illustrations.”

+ —Nation. 81: 508. D. 21, ‘05. 150w.
*+N. Y. Times. 10: 835. D. 2, ‘05. 170w.
*+Outlook. 81: 631. N. 11, ‘05. 60w.

[*] “Wholesome verse, it is, and tinged with a sentiment that is genuine though often commonplace.”