“Dr. Abbott’s writing is itself interesting on account of the literary skill with which he presents innumerable points of exposition and criticism, and on account, too, of the beauty and strength of many of its passages.”
“While the book aims to be popular, the author’s wide knowledge and competent scholarship lift his efforts entirely above the level of the usual endeavor to teach Biblical and Christian history by means of fiction.”
“The book is interesting; it is ably written; it is in parts striking; and yet one feels that somehow it misses effect as a whole. And we think that the reason is obvious. Dr. Abbott in writing it had two diverse ends in view and each interfered with the other.”
− + =Lond. Times.= 6: 25. Ja. 25, ’07. 740w.
“It would be unfair to lay stress upon the weaknesses of a really impressive book, and after all they are only prominent in one part of its argument where the writer has been carried away by his own pet theories.”
“As to whether he has succeeded or failed in his religious purpose his readers will no doubt form diametrically opposite conclusions. We think, however that those who are most convinced of his theologic failure will not deny him a literary success. He has written a deeply interesting theological book in the form of a story.”
* =Abbott, Katharine M.= Old paths and legends of the New England border: Connecticut, Deerfield, and Berkshire. **$3.50. Putnam.
In Miss Abbott’s rambles one may live over again the delights of many of New England’s quaint byways. “She has caught the spirit of New England, and introduces incidentally curious and charming out-of-the-way places, historic spots, Indian legends and New England folklore.” (Ind.)
“She has traced it all with a literary skill which is above the average, and has succeeded in charging her text with animation and entertainment without the loss or historical accuracy.”
+ =N. Y. Times.= 12: 763. N. 30, ’07. 150w.
=Abbott, Lyman.= Christ’s secret of happiness. **75c. Crowell.
Eleven essays are included here whose keynote is sounded in the first, “Three kinds of happiness.” “There are three kinds of happiness,” says Dr. Abbott, “pleasure, joy, blessedness. Pleasure is the happiness of the animal nature; joy, of the social nature; blessedness, of the spiritual nature. Pleasure we share with the animals, joy with one another, blessedness with God.”