to become detached if they should be caught in the ground, have remained
on the shore. At the start the ropes were caught in some rocks on the
shore, and the screws for separating the parts worked. But Andrée is well
provided against this loss, so that this accident is not likely to have
serious consequences.
At the edge of the water, on the beach studded with rocks and large
stones, we all stand, breathlessly watching the various phases, rapidly
following one upon another, of the commencement of this stirring and
unprecedented aerial journey.
The balloon, which has now righted itself at about 164 feet above the
sea, is rapidly speeding away; the guide-ropes glide over the water,
making a very perceptible wake, which is visible from its starting point,
like the track made by a ship. The state of affairs seems to us on the
shore to be the best that could be hoped for. We exchange last signals of
farewell with our friends; hats and handkerchiefs are waved frantically.
Soon we can no longer distinguish the aeronauts; but we can see that they
are arranging their sails, as these latter are displayed in succession
on their bamboo mast; then we observe a change of direction. The
balloon is now travelling straight to the north; it goes along swiftly,
notwithstanding the resistance that must be offered by the dragging
ropes; we estimate its speed at from 18 to 22 miles an hour. If it keeps
up this initial speed and the same direction, it will reach the Pole in
less than two days.
The aerial globe seems now no bigger than an egg. On the horizon an
obstacle appears in the route; this is the continuation of a chain of
mountains about 328 feet high right in the path of the balloon, which
seems very close to the obstacle, and some of the sailors round me, who
have never before seen a balloon start on its trip, seem in great terror;
they think the balloon will be hopelessly wrecked. I reassure them,
telling them that the balloon is still far away from the hills, which
will be easily surmounted, without there even being any necessity to
throw out ballast.
The balloon travels on, maintained at the same altitude by the
guide-ropes. In the neighbourhood of the hills there is an upward current
of air; the balloon will follow this; it would only risk striking against
the obstacle if the movement were downwards, which is not the case.
Moreover, the guide-ropes first rest upon the rocks and thus lighten the
balloon, which gradually rises.
We see it clear the top of the hill, and stand out clearly for a few
minutes against the blue sky, and then slowly disappear from our view
behind the hill.
Scattered along the shore, we stand motionless, with hearts full, and
anxious eyes, gazing at the silent horizon.
For one moment then, between two hills, we perceive a grey speck over the
sea, very, very far away, and then it finally disappears.
The way to the Pole is clear, no more obstacles to encounter; the sea,
the ice-field, and the Unknown!
We look at one another for a moment, stupefied. Instinctively we draw
together without saying a word. There is nothing, nothing whatever in
the distance to tell us where our friends are; they are now shrouded in
mystery.
“Farewell! Farewell! Our most fervent prayers go with you. May God help
you! Honour and glory to your names!”
ALEXIS MACHURON.
The Last Message from Andrée
The following message from Andrée shows the progress made by the hardy
explorer. We reproduce it in facsimile.
[Illustration]
(1)—_The Andrée Polar Expedition to the “Aftonbladet” Stockholm._
_July 13th, 12.30 p.m., 82°2´ north latitude, 15°5´ east longitude. Good
journey eastwards, 10° south. All goes well on board. This is the third
message sent by pigeon._
ANDRÉE.
Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London.
The Pupils of Peter the Great
A History of the Russian Court and Empire from 1697 to 1740
By R. NISBET BAIN
Author of “Gustavus III. and His Contemporaries,” “Charles XII.” “Hans
Christian Andersen: A Biography”
WITH PHOTOGRAVURE FRONTISPIECE AND PORTRAITS
_Demy 8vo, 318 pp. Price 15s. net._
_OPINIONS OF THE PRESS:_
“LIGHT ON A LYCEUM PLAY.”
“Mr. Nisbet Bain’s new volume about the makers of Russia could not have
appeared at a time more opportune for the attraction of popular interest
than the moment when Sir Henry Irving has taken it upon him to interpret
for us, on the stage of the Lyceum, the character of Peter the Great. His
familiarity with the history and politics of Northern Europe in the last
century renders him peculiarly fitted for the task of presenting us with
a picture of the Russian Court and Empire up to the death of the Empress
Anne.”—_Daily Chronicle._
“Mr. Bain has here put together from authentic sources an interesting and
useful book. Without attempting the picturesque, he has written a book
that attracts the reader; his judgment is sound, he is unprejudiced and
tolerant, and he understands the strange world that he is depicting. His
portraits have the great merit of fidelity, and he has a good knowledge
of contemporary European politics.”—_Manchester Guardian._
“An excellent piece of historical study, founded entirely on original
research, sober, broad, and sympathetic in treatment, with a fine sense
of historical proportion, and most illuminating as respects the light it
throws on a dark and ill-known time and country.”—_Spectator._
“A lucid and masterly sketch of the slow development of the modern
Russian State between the year 1697 and 1740.”—_Daily News._
“Mr. Nisbet Bain is, without question, the best informed student of
Northern history who now writes for the British Public, and the volume
before us will add to his reputation.”—_Manchester Courier._
WESTMINSTER
Archibald Constable and Co
2 WHITEHALL GARDENS
1898
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Life of Sir Charles Tilston Bright
By EDWARD BRAILSTON BRIGHT, C.E., AND CHARLES BRIGHT, C.E., F.R.S.E.
With many Illustrations, Portraits, and Maps. 2 vols.
_Demy 8vo, £3 3s. net. (£2 2s. net to subscribers before publication.)_
* * * * *
Debateable Claims
A Series of Essays on Secondary Education
By JOHN CHARLES TARVER, AUTHOR OF “SOME OBSERVATIONS OF A FOSTER PARENT.”
_Crown 8vo, 6s._
* * * * *
Dante’s Ten Heavens
A Study in the Paradiso
By EDMUND GARDNER.
_Demy 8vo._
* * * * *
A French View of English Contemporary Art
By E. DE LA SIZERANNE. Translated by H. M. POYNTER.
_Crown 8vo._
* * * * *
Highland Dress and Ornament
By LORD ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL.
_Demy 8vo._
* * * * *
Andrée and his Balloon
By HENRI LACHAMBRE and ALEXIS MACHURON
With coloured Frontispiece and 40 full-page plates.
_Crown 8vo. 6s._
This volume contains an accurate account of the making and equipping of
Mr. Andrée’s balloon, and a detailed account of the first attempt made
in 1896, when, owing to the bad weather, Andrée and his two companions
could not start, and a detailed and authoritative account of the final
preparation and start for the famous flight into the Unknown.
The volume is fully illustrated, and contains a short biography of Andrée.
The two authors accompanied the Expedition to Spitzbergen, the one author
in 1896, and the other in July, 1897.
The volume is of very great general interest, containing as it does
the only authoritative account of the expedition up to date, and is
of special value to all interested in ballooning, as the authors are
acknowledged experts.
This work is being published simultaneously in four different languages.
* * * * *
The Kingdom of the Yellow Robe
By ERNEST YOUNG.
Fully Illustrated by E. A. NORBURY, R.C.A., and from Photographs.
_Demy 8vo._
* * * * *
Constable’s “Hand Gazetteer of India”
Uniform with Constable’s “Hand Atlas of India.”
* * * * *
A BOOK OF
Travels and Life in Ashantee
By R. AUSTIN FREEMAN, F.R.G.S.
Fully Illustrated, from drawings by the Author, and from Photographs. 2
Maps.
_Demy 8vo._
* * * * *
A Northern Highway of the Czar
By AUBYN TREVOR BATTYE, Author of “Ice-bound on Kolguev.”
_Illustrated. Crown 8vo. 6s._
The dedication of this volume has been graciously accepted by His Majesty
the Czar of Russia.
* * * * *
Our Troubles in Poona and the Deccan
By ARTHUR TRAVERS CRAWFORD, C.M.G., late Commissioner of Poona.
_Fully Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 14s._
Few of the troubles we have had in India from time to time have assumed
so serious an aspect as the recent disturbances in Poona; but the extreme
alarmist view taken by the press at home and the public utterances of
certain ill-informed “globe-trotters” have had a mischievous effect in
confusing the mind of the British Public as to the rights and wrongs
of the case. The Author of this book, having a large experience of the
districts affected, has written this work in order to make the situation
clear.
* * * * *
Two Native Narratives of the Mutiny in Delhi
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINALS BY THE LATE CHARLES THEOPHILUS METCALFE,
C.S.I. (Bengal Civil Service).
_Demy 8vo, with large Map. Just Ready._
These two narratives are a unique and interesting contribution to the
literature of the Indian Mutiny—inasmuch as they are the only ones from a
purely native source.
One is the diary, kept daily throughout the Siege of Delhi in 1857 by
Munshi Jeewan Lall. This man, who was an official in the employ of
the Governor General’s Agent in Delhi, was all along loyal to us, and
remained, till his death, an honoured servant of the British Government.
He gave the original diary to the translator on the occasion of the
Imperial Assemblage at Delhi in 1877. The other narrative is by an
educated native nobleman—Nawab Mainodin Hassan Khan. He threw in his lot
with the rebels, and had eventually to fly, with a price on his head.
After some years of exile he returned to India, stood his trial, and was
acquitted of complicity in murder, and pardoned for his share in the
fighting. This result was brought about mainly through the influence of
Sir T. Metcalfe, whose life he had saved during the Siege. The Nawab
subsequently drew up the narrative from materials in his possession,
and gave it in the original to the translator. Mr. Metcalfe having died
before the papers were ready for publication, they are now edited and
brought out by his widow.
* * * * *
Constable’s Hand Atlas of India
A NEW SERIES OF SIXTY MAPS AND PLANS PREPARED FROM ORDNANCE AND OTHER
SURVEYS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF J. G. BARTHOLOMEW, F.R.G.S., F.R.S.E.,
&c.
_In half-morocco, or full-bound cloth, gilt top, 14s._
“It is tolerably safe to predict that no sensible traveller will go to
India in future without providing himself with ‘Constable’s Hand Atlas of
India.’ Nothing half so useful has been done for many years to help both
the traveller in India and the student at home. ‘Constable’s Hand Atlas’
is a pleasure to hold and to turn over.”—_Athenæum._
NOW READY AT ALL LIBRARIES
Through China with a Camera
By JOHN THOMSON, F.R.G.S.
With about 100 Illustrations. Foolscap 4to. _One Guinea net._ This work
contains probably the finest series of pictures of China ever published.
_CONTENTS._
CHAPTER I. A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE CONDITION OF CHINA, PAST AND PRESENT.
” II. THE CHINAMAN ABROAD AND AT HOME.
Chinese Guilds—Hong-kong—Native
Boats—Shopkeepers—Artists—Music Halls.
” III. THE CHINAMAN ABROAD AND AT HOME (_continued_).
Gambling—Typhoons—The floating population of
Hong-kong—North branch of the Pearl River.
” IV. CANTON AND KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE.
Tea—Foreign Hongs and Houses—Schroffing.
” V. CANTON (_continued_).
Its general appearance—Its population—Streets—Mode of
transacting business—Signboards—Work and Wages—The
willow-pattern bridge—Juilin, Governor-General
of the two Kwang—Clan fights—Hak-kas—The mystic
pills—Dwellings of the poor—The Lohang-tang—Buddhist
monastic life—On board a junk.
” VI. CANTON (_continued_). MACAO. SWATOW. CHAO-CHOW-FU—AMOY.
The charitable institutions of
China—Macao—Description of the
town—Its inhabitants—Swatow—Foreign
settlement—Chao-chow-fu—Swatow
fan-painters—Modellers—Chinese art—Village
warfare—Amoy—The native quarter—Abodes of the
poor—Infanticide—Manure-pits—Human remains in
jars—Lekin—Romantic scenery—Ku-lang-su—The foreign
settlement.
” VII. FORMOSA.
Takow harbour, Formosa—La-mah-kai—Difficulties
of navigation—Tai-wan-fu—The Taotai—His
yamen—How to cancel a state debt—The Dutch in
1661—Sylvan lanes—Medical Missions—A journey to
the interior—Old watercourses—Broken land—Hak-ka
settlers—Poahbe—Pepohoan village—Baksa
valley—The name ”Isla Formosa“—A long march—The
central mountains—Bamboo Bridges—”Pau-ah-liau“
village—The physician at work—Ka-san-po village—A
wine-feast—interior of a hut—Pepohoan dwellings—A
savage dance—Savage hunting-grounds—La-lung
village—Return journey.
” VIII. FOOCHOW AND THE RIVER MIN.
The Japanese in Formosa—Cause of the invasion—The
River Min—Foochow Arsenal—Chinese gunboats—Foochow
city and great bridge—A City of the dead—Its
inhabitants—Beggars—Thieves—Lepers—Ku-shan
Monastery—The hermit—Tea plantation on Paeling
hills—Voyage up the Min—Shui-kow—An up-country
farm—Captain Sheng and his spouse—Yen-ping
city—Sacrificing to the dead—Shooting the Yen-ping
rapids—A Native passenger-boat.
” IX. SHANGHAI. NINPO. HANKOW. THE YANGTSZE.
Steam traffic in the China Sea—In the wake
of a typhoon—Shanghai—Notes of its early
history—Japanese raids—Shanghai foreign
settlement—Paul Sü, or ”Su-kwang-ki“—Shanghai
city—Ningpo—Native soldiers—Snowy valley—The
Mountains—Azaleas—The monastery of the Snowy
Crevice—The thousand-fathom precipice—Buddhist
Monks—The Yangtsze, Kiang—Hankow—The Upper Yangtsze,
Ichang—The Gorges—The great Tsing-tan rapid—Mystic
fountain lights—A dangerous disaster—Kwei-fu—Our
return—Kiukiang—Nanking; its arsenal—The death of
Tsing-kwo-fan—Chinese superstition.
” X. CHEFOO. PEKIN. TIENTSIN. THE GREAT WALL.
The foreign settlement—The Yellow River—Silk—Its
production—Taku forts—The Peiho River—Chinese
progress—Floods in Pei-chil-li—Their
effects—Tientsin—The Sisters’ chapel—Condition of
the people—A midnight storm—Tung-Chow—Peking—The
Tartar and Chinese divisions of the metropolis—Its
roads, shops and people—The foreign hotel—Temple
and domestic architecture—The Tsungli
Yamen—Prince Kung and the high officers of the
empire—Literary championship—The Confucian
Temple—The Observatory—Ancient Chinese
instruments—Yang’s house—Habits of the ladies—Peking
enamelling—Yuen-Ming-Yuen—Remarkable cenotaph—A
Chinese army—Li-Hung-Chang—The inn of ”Patriotic
Perfection“—The Great Wall—The Ming tombs.
* * * * *
Problems of the Far East
JAPAN—COREA—CHINA
By the RT. HON. GEORGE N. CURZON, M.P.
With numerous Illustrations and Maps. _Extra crown 8vo, 7s. 6d._
This volume, written by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,
is of unusual value at present, in view of the various questions which
will arise in connection with the position of the great Powers and China
and Japan in the Far East.
“Certainly the influence of Mr. Curzon’s thoughtful generalizations,
based as they are upon wide knowledge, and expressed in clear and
picturesque language, cannot fail to assist in solving the problems of
the Far East.”—_Manchester Courier._
* * * * *
The Popular Religion and Folk-lore of Northern India
By WILLIAM CROOKE
_With numerous Full-page Plates. 2 Vols. Demy 8vo, 21s. net._
“The book is in every respect an admirable one, full of insight and
knowledge at first hand.”—_The Times._
* * * * *
The Household of the Lafayettes
By EDITH SICHEL. _Demy 8vo. 15s. net._
“May be warmly commended to every student of social history.”—_Globe._
“A work of notable ability and strength.”—_World._
“ ... A volume of deep and pathetic interest.... We scarcely
know any book which presents a more vivid picture of the French
Revolution.”—_Glasgow Herald._
“Every one who takes any interest in the France of the last quarter of
the eighteenth century should read this well-written book.”—_Publishers
Circular._
* * * * *
Medals and Decorations of the British Army and Navy
By JOHN HORSLEY MAYO
(_Late Assistant Military Secretary to the India Office._)
Dedicated by Permission to Her Most Gracious Majesty VICTORIA, QUEEN AND
EMPRESS
With Fifty-five Plates Printed in Colours and many Illustrations in the
text.
_2 vols. Super-Royal 8vo. Over 600 pp. £3 3s. net._
“Of the manner in which the work has been carried out it is impossible
to speak except in terms of warm praise. The medals and ribbons
are beautifully reproduced. To produce such a work, so beautifully
illustrated, has necessitated much expense and a corresponding price; but
we can scarcely imagine a barracks or a Queen’s ship that will be long
without it.”—_Pall Mall Gazette._
“An exhaustive record, and it will be strange if the inquirer searches
its pages for information on a particular medal or decoration and is
disappointed.”—_Scotsman._
“For beauty and fidelity the coloured reproductions of Army and Navy
medals and decorations surpass anything of the kind we have ever
seen.”—_Daily News._
“One cannot too highly praise the numerous illustrations. The
letterpress, too, is extraordinarily full and elaborate. Altogether the
work is a mine of authoritative information on its subject, and should
abundantly satisfy at once the military enthusiast and the specialist in
numismatics.”—_Glasgow Herald._
“These two volumes appeal powerfully to all who cherish the great
patriotic traditions of the English race, and their value for official
reference is, moreover, incontestable.”—_Leeds Mercury._
* * * * *
The Principles of Local Government
By GEORGE LAURENCE GOMME, F.S.A., Statistical Officer of the London
County Council. _Demy 8vo, 284 pages, price 12s._
This volume is of very great value to all interested in various questions
of Local Government, especially in view of the forthcoming County Council
elections. Mr. Gomme is acknowledged as one of the greatest living
authorities on the subject.
“The Statistical Office of the County Council has produced a work of
great value in the Principles of Local Government.”—_London._
“There is much to be learned from Mr. Laurence Gomme’s historical and
analytical lectures.”—_Daily Mail._
“His criticisms on the existing system show a thorough mastery of a
complicated subject.”—_Daily Chronicle._
* * * * *
Problems of Modern Democracy
By EDWIN LAURENCE GODKIN. _Crown 8vo, 7s. 6d._
“The most noteworthy book on Democracy since Mr. Lecky’s.”—_Glasgow
Evening News._
* * * * *
Reflections and Comments
By EDWIN LAURENCE GODKIN. _Crown 8vo, 7s. 6d._
“Mr. Godkin’s book forms an excellent example of the best periodical
literature of his country and time.”—_The Daily News._
CONSTABLE’S LIBRARY OF Historical Novels and Romances
EDITED BY LAURENCE GOMME.
_Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d., cloth._
After a Design by A. A. TURBAYNE.
With Illustrations of all the principal features, which include
reproductions of royal and historical signatures, coins, seals, and
heraldic devices.
* * * * *
_Just Published._
Westward Ho!
By CHARLES KINGSLEY.
With numerous Illustrations.
* * * * *
_To be followed by_
Reading Abbey
CHARLES MACFARLANE.
* * * * *
_Already Published._
Harold: The Last of the Saxons
By LORD LYTTON.
* * * * *
The Camp of Refuge
CHARLES MACFARLANE.
“Now we are to have for the first time a fairly complete edition of the
best historical novels and romances in our language. Messrs. Archibald
Constable & Co. have had a happy idea in planning such a scheme, which is
likely to have an enthusiastic reception.”—_National Observer._
* * * * *
Farthest North
By FRIDTJOF NANSEN
A Few Copies of the Library Edition of Farthest North
By FRIDTJOF NANSEN
2 Vols. Royal 8vo, £2 2s. net, are still for sale.
The Library Edition contains:
OVER ONE HUNDRED FULL-PAGE AND A LARGE NUMBER OF TEXT ILLUSTRATIONS.
THREE PHOTOGRAVURE PLATES.
SIXTEEN COLOURED PLATES IN FACSIMILE OF DR. NANSEN’S OWN WATER-COLOUR,
PASTEL, AND PENCIL SKETCHES.
AN ETCHED PORTRAIT OF THE AUTHOR.
THREE MAPS.
“A masterpiece of story telling.”—_Times._
“A book for everybody who loves a story of romance and
adventure.”—_Westminster Gazette._
“The genius of Defoe could scarcely contrive a more absorbing story than
we have in the second volume of the book.”—_Spectator._
Dr. Nansen’s Great Book contains over 100 Full-page Illustrations, a
large number of Text Illustrations, sixteen Coloured Plates, four Large
Maps, two Photogravure Plates, and an Etched Portrait.
* * * * *
Sir Henry Wotton: A Biographical Sketch
By ADOLPHUS WILLIAM WARD, Litt.D., LL.D., Principal of the Owens College,
Manchester; Hon. Fellow of Peterhouse, Cambridge.
_Fcap. 8vo. 3s. 6d._
“A delightful monograph entirely worthy of its admirable
subject.”—Glasgow Herald.
* * * * *
English Schools. 1546-1548
By A. F. LEACH, M.A., F.S.A., Late Fellow of All Souls’, Oxford;
Assistant Charity Commissioner.
_Demy 8vo. 12s._
“A very remarkable contribution to the history of secondary education
in England, not less novel in its conclusions than important in the
documentary evidence adduced to sustain them.”—_The Times._
“This is the most valuable book on the history of English Education that
has seen the light for many a long year.”—_The Journal of Education._
* * * * *
Spenser’s Faerie Queene
_Complete in Six Volumes. Fcap. 8vo, cloth, 9s. net._
EDITED BY KATE M. WARREN.
Volumes I., II., and III. now ready, _1s. 6d._ net each.
_Also cloth gilt extra, with Photogravure frontispiece, 2s. 6d. each net._
“For school use especially and as a pocket edition this reprint is just
what the general reader requires.”—_Liverpool Daily Post._
“Miss Warren, however, really explains all that is necessary to an
intelligent understanding of the text.”—_Leeds Mercury._
“The text is good, there is a full and accurate glossary, and the
notes are clear and to the point. The introduction, too, is neatly
written.”—_Catholic Times._
* * * * *
Some Observations of a Foster Parent
By JOHN CHARLES TARVER.
_Crown 8vo. 6s._
“A very excellent book on the education of the English boy. The book is
one which all parents should diligently read.”—_Daily Mail._
* * * * *
The Chronicle of Villani
TRANSLATED BY ROSE E. SELFE.
EDITED BY THE REV. P. H. WICKSTEED.
_Crown 8vo. 6s._
“The book, picturesque and instructive reading as it is, is not less
interesting and still more valuable for readers of Italy’s greatest
poet.”—_Scotsman._
“Perhaps no one book is so important to the student of Dante as the
chronicle of his contemporary Villani.”—_Athenæum._
_At all Libraries and Booksellers._
Adventures in Legend
Tales of the West Highlands.
By the MARQUIS OF LORNE, K.T., M.P.
Fully Illustrated. _Crown 8vo, 6s._
* * * * *
_Just Ready._
The Dark Way of Love
By CHARLES A. GOFFIC. Translated by E. WINGATE RINDER.
_Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d._
* * * * *
By the Roaring Reuss: Idylls and Stories of the Alps
By W. BRIDGES BIRTT.
With four Full-page Illustrations. _Crown 8vo, 5s._
* * * * *
Odd Stories
By FRANCES FORBES ROBERTSON.
_Crown 8vo, 6s._
“Written for the most part in graceful and vigorous English, veined with
a pretty sentiment, and not seldom rising to dramatic power.”—_Pall Mall
Gazette._
“Charming are the short sketches Miss Frances Forbes-Robertson has
reprinted.”—_Illustrated London News._
“Bright and artistic, some of them original, none commonplace.”—_Sketch._
“The book is steeped in an atmosphere of fantasy, which makes us feel as
if we had been to the edge of the world and smelt the flowers which grow
there.”—_Literature._
* * * * *
Dracula
By BRAM STOKER. _Crown 8vo, 6s._
“One of the most enthralling and unique romances ever written.”—_The
Christian World._
“The very weirdest of weird tales.”—_Punch._
“Its fascination is so great that it is impossible to lay it aside.”—_The
Lady._
“The idea is so novel that one gasps, as it were, at its originality. A
romance far above the ordinary production.”—_St. Paul’s._