BOOKS OF THE MONTH
Das Leben Herzls von Adolf Friedman, Judischer Verlag. This is the first authentic account of the life of Herzl published in any language. It contains very little more of the facts concerning Herzl than are already known. But it reveals a systematic and painstaking research into the achievements of Theodor Herzl both as a Zionist and as a literary artist. Those who read German will find this little book a faithful guide to the understanding of Herzl, the man and thinker. An English version is already being made, and will shortly appear.
Theodor Herzl von Ossias Thon. Central Zionist Bureau. This is the first of a series of pamphlets announced by this bureau which will deal with Zionist topics and will appear at regular intervals. The first of the series is satisfactory from nearly every point of view. It is written in a strong, simple German and relates very convincingly the life and work of Theodor Herzl. We await the rest of the series with interest.
Fifteen Years of Zionism by Abram Goldberg, Zion Council of Greater New York. The Zion Council of Greater New York has decided to publish a series of brochures on things Zionistic and Palestinian. The first which has just appeared is written by Mr. Abram Goldberg, the editor of the "Yiddishe Volk" and contains some interesting remarks on the work that our organization has been doing in Palestine and elsewhere. The articles of Mr. Goldberg are about to appear in one volume.
Jewish Problems by Ignatz Zollschan, Bloch Publishing Co. Thanks are due to the Bloch Publishing Company for reprinting in permanent form the three important lectures delivered by the great Jewish scientist while he was travelling through this country. The lecturers are:— "The Significance of Mixed Marriages.” "The Cultural Valve of the Jewish Race.” “Economic Tendeneies Among Jews.” The three lectures are written out in very simple language and contain just enough of scientific material to est;blish the truth of the argument, but the reading is lirht and even entertaining.
The Game of Doeg by Eleanor Hariis, Jewish Publication Society. This book resembles its prototype, "David the Giant-Killer," but it is nevertheless an interesting and nearly always a faithful account of the legends which has been woven around the life of David. In certain points the story "drags" as in the chapters on "The School of Prophets." One of the serious errors of the author is her attempt to give a too detailed picture of the prophet Samuel. She would have profited much had she followed the example of the poet-narrator of the Bible who avoided all trifling detail in his descriptions of these great characters. Because of this some of the descriptions in this book lack dignity and are not as impressive as they might otherwise have been. On the whole the book is well adapted for the reading of children. In this connection we wish to note the fine illustrations made for this story by Alfred Feinberg, which have charm and decorative quality.