collection of Mendoza, preserved in the Bodleian library at Oxford.”
73 pp. “Copy of the codex Telleriano-Remensis, preserved in the Royal
library at Paris.” 93 pp. “Fac-simile of an original Mexican hieroglyphic
painting, from the collection of Boturini.” 23 pp. “Fac-simile of an
original Mexican painting, preserved in the collection of Sir Thomas
Bodley, in the Bodleian library at Oxford.” 40 pp. “Fac-simile of an
original Mexican painting, preserved in the Selden collection of MSS.
in the Bodleian library at Oxford.” 20 pp. “Fac-simile of an original
Mexican hieroglyphic painting, preserved amongst the Selden collection
in the Bodleian library at Oxford.” Volume II: “Copy of a Mexican MS.
preserved in the Library of the Vatican.” 149 pp. “Fac-simile of an
original Mexican painting given to the university of Oxford by Archbishop
Laud, and preserved in the Bodleian library.” 46 pp. “Fac-simile of an
original Mexican painting preserved in the library of the Institute at
Bologna.” 24 pp. “Fac-simile of an original Mexican painting preserved
in the Imperial library at Vienna.” 66 pp. “Fac-similes of original
Mexican paintings deposited in the Royal library at Berlin by the Baron
de Humboldt, and of a Mexican bas-relief preserved in the Royal cabinet
of antiquities.” Volume III: “Fac-simile of an original Mexican painting
preserved in the Borgian museum, at the college of Propaganda in Rome.”
76 pp. “Fac-simile of an original Mexican painting preserved in the
Royal library at Dresden.” 74 pp. “Fac-simile of an original Mexican
painting in the possession of M. de Fejérváry, at the Pess in Hungary.”
44 pp. “Fac-simile of an original Mexican painting preserved in the
library of the Vatican.” 96 pp. Volume IV: “Monuments of New Spain, by
M. Dupaix, from the original drawings executed by order of the king of
Spain.” (In 3 parts.) “Specimens of Mexican sculpture, in the possession
of M. Latour Allard, in Paris. Specimens of Mexican sculpture preserved
in the British museum. Plates copied from Giro del Mondo of Gemelli
Carerí; with an engraving of a Mexican cycle, from a painting formerly
in the possession of Boturini. Specimens of Peruvian Quipus with plates
representing a carved Peruvian box containing a collection of supposed
Peruvian Quipus.” Volume V: “Containing introduction and extrait de
l’ouvrage de M. de Humboldt sur les monuments de l’Amérique.” 493 pp.
Volume VI: Appendix: “The interpretation of the hieroglyphical paintings
of the collection of Mendoza. Index to first part of the collection of
Mendoza. Index to the names of persons and offices. The explanation
of the hieroglyphical paintings of the codex Telleriano-Remensis. The
translation of the explanation of the Mexican paintings of the codex
Vaticanus. Notes. The Monuments of New Spain, by M. Dupaix. Notes.” 540
pp. Volume VII: “Historia universal de las cosas de Nueva España por el
M. R. P. Fr. Bernardino de Sahagun, de la orden de los frayles menores
de la observancia.” 464 pp. Volume VIII: “Supplementary notes to the
antiquities of Mexico.” 424 pp. Volume IX: “Cronica Mexicana de Fernando
de Alvarado Tezozomoc.” 196 pp. “Historia Chichimeca por don Fernando
de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl.” 209 pp. “Relaciones de don Fernando de Alva
Ixtlilxóchitl.” 151 pp. “Ritos antiguos, sacrificios é idolatrias de los
Indios de la Nueva España y de su conversion á la Fée y quienes fueron
los que primero la predicaron.” 60 pp.
Seldom have human perseverance and self-sacrifice brought
together a more interesting and valuable collection of writings
pertaining to the early history of a people than those that are
to be found in these rare volumes; they not only exhibit the
ingenuity of the Aztecs and the inquisitiveness and versatility
of the early Spanish writers, but they supply data to which
every historian of México must inevitably have recourse.
=Kirkham, Stanton Davis: Mexican trails. A record of travel in Mexico,
1904-09, and a glimpse at the life of the Mexican Indian.= By Stanton
Davis Kirkham, author of “The philosophy of self-help,” “Where dwells the
soul serene,” “The ministry of beauty,” etc. Illustrated from original
photographs by the author. New York and London, G. P. Putnam’s sons,
1909. xvii, 293 pp. 12mo. front. 23 illus.
An entertaining, impressionistic portrayal of scenes and
experiences, mainly in out-of-the-way places, by one whose
varied interests did not include scraps of commonplace history,
statistics, or the offhand solution of the nation’s problems.
=Koebel, W. H.: Modern Argentina. The eldorado of to-day, with notes on
Uruguay and Chile.= By W. H. Koebel. Boston, Dana Estes & co., [1907].
xv, 380 pp. 8ᵒ. 123 illus.
An account of modern society, politics and government, English
influence, agriculture and other industries, transportation,
and natural history, with a description in particular of
Buenos Aires, the mar del Plata, Mendoza, Valparaíso and parts
of Uruguay; it contains considerable information upon these
subjects, presented in the cumbersome style that characterizes
this author, with the inevitable bad Spanish.
=Koebel, W. H.: Modern Chile.= By W. H. Koebel. With illustrations and
map. London, G. Bell & sons, ltd., 1913. x, 273 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 27
illus.
An interesting and valuable record of travel and observations,
with the defects noted above.
=Koebel, W. H.: Uruguay.= By W. H. Koebel, author of “Argentina, past and
present,” “Portugal: its land and people,” etc. London and Leipsic, T.
Fisher Unwin, MCMXI. 350 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 55 illus.
A history of Uruguay, with emphasis upon the struggle for
independence, and less attention to the period the chief
actors in which are still living, with descriptions of cities,
scenery, rural life, social customs and natural resources;
worthy of a place among the books of discriminating people.
=Larden, Walter: Argentine plains and Andine glaciers. Life on an
estancia, and an expedition into the Andes.= By Walter Larden, M.A.,
late lecturer at the Royal naval engineering college, Devenport, author
of “Recollections of an old mountaineer.” With a map and ninety-one
illustrations. New York, Charles Scribner’s sons; London, T. Fisher
Unwin, 1911. 320 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 91 illus.
In the main an unpretentious but interesting and useful account
of Argentine rural life; the author spent a good part of a year
upon an _estancia_, then he went back to England, and after a
lapse of twenty years, he returned to Argentina, and spent some
time upon the same estate; he thus had unusual opportunities
for observing the changes that had occurred; the illustrations
are of unusual merit.
=[Larrazábal, Felipe]: Correspondencia general del libertador Simon
Bolívar. Enriquecida con la insercion de los manifiestos, mensages,
exposiciones, proclamas, etc., publicados por el heroe colombiano desde
1810 hasta 1830.= (Precede á esta coleccion interesante la vida de
Bolívar.) [By Felipe Larrazábal.] (In 2 vols. 8ᵒ.) New York, imprenta
de Eduardo O. Jenkins, 1866. Tomo primero, xlii, 616 pp. front. Tomo
segundo, 591 pp. front.
An essential source of information for the biographer and
historian.
=Las Casas, Bartholomew de: A relation of the first voyages and
discoveries made by the Spaniards in America. With an account of their
unparallel’d cruelties on the Indians, in the destruction of above forty
millions of people. Together with the propositions offer’d to the king of
Spain, to prevent the future ruin of the West-Indies.= By don Bartolomew
de las Casas, bishop of Chiapa who was an eye-witness of their cruelties.
Illustrated with cuts. To which is added, The art of travelling, shewing
how a man may dispose his travels to the best advantage. London, printed
for Daniel Brown at the Black Swan and Bible without Temple-Bar, and
Andrew Bell at the Croftskeys and Bible in Cornhil near Stocksmarket.
1699. 249 pp. 12mo. 22 illus.
See comment on “Breuissima relacion de la destruccion de las
Indias” by _Las Casas, Bartolomé de_.
=Las Casas, Bartolomé de: Breuissima relacion de la destruccion de las
Indias.= Colegida por el Obispo dõ fray Bartolome de las Casas, o Casaus
de la orden de Sãcto Domingo. [No imprint.] 1552. 742 pp.
The work of a pious and generous, but dogmatic and opinionated
special pleader, who, in his effort to befriend the Indians
by gaining for them the intervention and protection of the
crown, did more to calumniate and villify the memory of the
Spanish conquerors than all other early writers; interesting,
yet in general utterly untrustworthy; unfortunately this
book has served as a foundation for misconceptions that have
entered into the common thought of the successive generations,
particularly among peoples that have been inimical to Spain;
a study of it, in the light of easily obtainable contemporary
historical data, ought to lead to the reopening of the case
against the Spanish pioneers, and to a reversal of the judgment
of posterity.
=Latané, John H.: The diplomatic relations of the United States and
Spanish America. (Under caption: “The Albert Shaw lectures on diplomatic
history, 1899.”)= By John H. Latané, Ph.D., professor of history in
Randolph-Macon woman’s college. Baltimore, The Johns Hopkins press, 1900.
294 pp. 12mo.
The following subjects are discussed: the Spanish-American
revolt; the part played by the United States and England in
founding the Spanish-American republics; the diplomacy of the
United States in regard to Cuba; the proposed Central American
canal; French intervention in México; the present status of the
Monroe doctrine; a valuable contribution, well presented and
properly documented.
=Lea, Henry Charles: The inquisition in the Spanish dependencies.
Sicily—Sardinia—Milan—the Canaries—Mexico—Peru—New Granada.= By Henry
Charles Lea, LL.D., S.T.D. New York, The Macmillan Co.; London, Macmillan
& co., ltd., 1908. xvi, 564 pp. 8ᵒ.
A thorough and abundantly documented study.
=Léger, J. N.: Haiti, her history and her detractors.= By J. N. Léger,
envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Haiti in the United
States. New York and Washington, The Neale publishing co., 1907. 372 pp.
8ᵒ. front. 14 illus.
Abundantly documented, and not to be overlooked by any student
of the subject, although unavoidably what it is in reality, a
plea.
=León, Nicolás: Data about a new kind of hieroglyphical writing in
Mexico.= By Nicolás León. (In proceedings of the international
congress of American history, 13th session, New York, 1902.) [Easton,
Pennsylvania, Eschenbach printing co., 1905.] pp. 175-188. 8ᵒ.
An extremely valuable grouping of the materials, made by a
book-loving enthusiast.
=Lewandowski, Maurice: The Argentine in the twentieth century.= (See
_Martínez, Albert B._)
=Lidstone, William: Fifteen thousand miles on the Amazon and its
tributaries.= (See _Brown, C. Barrington_.)
=Lindsay, Forbes: Cuba and her people of to-day. An account of the
history and progress of the island previous to its independence; a
description of its physical features; a study of its people; and, in
particular, an examination of its present political conditions, its
industries, natural resources and prospects; together with information
and suggestions designed to aid the prospective investor or settler.= By
Forbes Lindsay, author of “Panama and the canal,” etc. Illustrated from
original and selected photographs by the author. Boston, L. C. Page,
MDCCCCXI. xii, 329 pp. 12mo. front. 2 maps. 47 illus.
After a chapter on geography and three chapters on history,
there follows a description of the people, the resources and
the industries, as they were at date of authorship, with
appendixes that give the commercial convention between the
United States and Cuba, proclaimed December 17, 1903, the
treaty, approved March 2, 1901, financial and commercial
statistics, a list of railways and a bibliography; useful.
=Lindsay, Forbes: Panama and the canal to-day. An historical account
of the canal project from the earliest times with special references
to the enterprises of the French company and the United States, with
a detailed description of the waterway as it will be ultimately
constructed; together with a brief history of the country and the first
comprehensive account of its physical features and natural resources.= By
Forbes Lindsay, author of “Panama, the isthmus and the canal,” etc. With
fifty-three illustrations from recent photographs, and five maps. Boston,
L. C. Page & co., MDCCCCX. xiii, 433 pp. 12mo. front. 5 maps. 53 illus.
Some chapters on the history of the Isthmus in the days of
the adventurers; an account of former efforts to construct
a canal, from the time of the emperor Charles V to that of
President Taft; a description of agricultural resources; at the
end a bibliography of books, magazine articles and reports,
from which the narratives of the Spanish days are omitted; an
interesting and profitable work.
=Logan, Cornelius A., and Calderón, Francisco García: Mediación de los
Estados Unidos de Norte América en la guerra del Pacífico.= El senor
doctor don Cornelius A. Logan y el Dr. D. Francisco García Calderón.
Buenos Aires, imprenta y librería de Mayo, 1884. 168[2] pp. 12mo.
An important collection of state papers relating to the war
between Chile and Perú, with a large sheet fac-simile of the
protocol celebrated between the provisional president of Perú
and the minister of the United States.
=López, Felicísimo: Atlas geográfico del Ecuador, arreglado según la
carta del Dr. Teodoro Wolf.= Por Felicísimo López. 1907. 4ᵒ. [17 maps. 40
pp.]
A series of useful maps, with statistical details regarding
each of the provinces.
=Lorente, Sebastián: Historia antigua del Perú.= Por Sebastián Lorente.
Lima, (no publisher’s name), 1860. 341 pp. 12mo.
Well written, in the popular style, with a description of the
country, the Inca “empire,” and the civilization of Perú under
the Incas; without documentation; finely printed.
=Lozano, P. Pedro: Historia de la conquista del Paraguay, Rio de la Plata
y Tucuman.= Escrita per el P. Pedro Lozano de la compañia de Jesus.
Ilustrada con noticias del autor y con notas y suplementos por Andres
Lamas. (In 5 vols. 12mo.) Buenos Aires, casa editora “Imprenta popular.”
Vol. I, 1873. cxlviii, 468 pp. Vol. II, 1873. 396 pp. Vol. III, 1874. 570
pp. Vol. IV, 1874. 489 pp. Vol. V, 1875. 364 pp.
Worthy of consideration; fairly well documented; the spelling
and printing are bad.
=Lumholtz, Carl [Karl Sophus]: New trails in Mexico. An account of one
year’s exploration in north-western Sonora, Mexico, and south-western
Arizona, 1909-1910.= By Carl [Karl Sophus] Lumholtz, M.A., member of the
society of sciences of Christiania, etc. With numerous illustrations
including two colored plates and two maps. New York, Charles Scribner’s
sons, 1912. xxv, 411 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 2 maps. 116 illus.
Similar but not equal to “Unknown Mexico;” verbose and given to
magnifying the details of travel; the author overlooked readily
accessible original documents; it contains some valuable maps
which cover the extreme northwest corner of México.
=Lumholtz, Carl [Karl Sophus]: Unknown Mexico. A record of five years’
exploration among the tribes of the western Sierra Madre; in the Tierra
Caliente of Tepic and Jalisco; and among the Tarascos of Michoacan.= By
Carl [Karl Sophus] Lumholtz, M.A., member of the society of sciences
of Norway; associé étranger de la société de l’Anthropologie de Paris;
author of “Among cannibals,” etc. Illustrated. (In 2 vols. 8ᵒ.) New York,
Charles Scribner’s sons, 1902. Vol. I. xxxii, 530 pp. front. 1 map. 203
illus. 6 colored plts. Vol. II. xv, 496 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 212 illus. 9
colored plts.
It may be regarded as a distinct contribution to science,
albeit disappointing, in view of the exceptional opportunities
which the author had and which he seems not to have used to
the best advantage; diffuse and discursive; inclined to assume
the possession of too thorough a knowledge of the contents of
primitive minds, and to generalize upon too limited data; the
discriminating reader receives the impression that this work
is padded with an account of unimportant details regarding the
explorer’s daily life.
=Lummis, Charles F[letcher]: The awakening of a nation. Mexico of
to-day.= By C. F[letcher] Lummis. Profusely illustrated. New York, Harper
& bros., 1899. xi, 179 pp. 12mo. front. 1 map. 57 illus.
Fulsomely laudatory of the late president Díaz, although as
an offset to the condemnation of him which is now general,
it serves a good purpose; the pages on the beginning of the
literary development are instructive; in general, it is
superficial and trivial; scant reference is made to sources of
information.
=Macdonald, Alexander K.: Picturesque Paraguay. Sport, pioneering,
travel. A land of promise. Stock-raising, plantation industries, forest
products, commercial possibilities.= By Alexander K. Macdonald. London,
Charles H. Kelly, [1911]. 498 pp. 8ᵒ. 64 illus.
The author confesses that he “has purposely departed from
time-honored traditions, and publishes a series of loosely
connected sketches covering a period of fifteen years’ sport
and pioneering in Paraguay;” this is a proper characterization;
the illustrations, which are reproductions of photographs, are
particularly good; chapters XXIV and XXIX, on how to keep well
in hot countries, are to be commended.
=MacHugh, R. J.: Modern Mexico.= By R. J. MacHugh. With illustrations
from photographs, a map, and an appendix containing the full text of the
Mexican constitution. London, Methuen & co., ltd., [1913]. viii, 342 pp.
8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 20 illus.
Nine-tenths of this book is devoted to history, physiography,
government, industries and commerce, subjects that might well
have been omitted, since they have already been adequately
treated many times; the remainder, containing the author’s
really valuable observations and opinions, would have made an
interesting and instructive magazine article.
=Maeso, Justo: Los primeros patriotas orientales de 1811. Expontaneidad
de la insurreccion oriental contra la España en la guerra de la
independencia americana.= Por Justo Maeso, ex-director de la oficina
de estadistica de Buenos Aires, etc. Montevideo, imprenta á vapor y
encuadernacion de el Laurak Bat., 1888. 248 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph.
It contains considerable historical material in the form of
minutes and letters.
=Markham, Clements R[obert]: A history of Peru.= By Clements R[obert]
Markham, author of “Cuzco and Lima,” “Peru and India,” “War between Chile
and Peru,” etc. Chicago, Charles H. Sergel & co., MDCCCXCII. xvi, 556 pp.
8ᵒ. front. 5 maps. 24 illus.
One of the best written and most reliable of the histories,
although without documentation; all periods are given a proper
emphasis; it will serve both the student and the general
reader; the appendix contains the political constitution and a
brief bibliography.
=Markham, Clements R[obert]: Cuzco: a journey to the ancient capital
of Peru; with an account of the history, language, literature, and
antiquities of the Incas. And Lima: a visit to the capital and provinces
of modern Peru; with a sketch of the viceregal government, history of
the republic, and a review of the literature and society of Peru. With
illustrations and a map.= By Clements R[obert] Markham, F.R.G.S., author
of “Franklin’s footsteps.” London, Chapman & Hall, 1856. iv, 419 pp.
12mo. front. 1 map. 7 illus. in colors.
Of considerable value, although marred by faults of diction,
a lack of thorough documentation, and a too ready acceptance
of sources of information which have since been proven to be
untrustworthy.
=Markham, Clements R[obert]: Narratives of the rites and laws of the
Yncas. Translated from the original Spanish manuscripts, and edited, with
notes and an introduction.= By Clements R[obert] Markham, C.B., F.R.S.
London, printed for the Hakluyt society, MDCCCLXXIII. xx, 220[12] pp.
12mo.
A necessary part of the serious student’s equipment for the
study of history.
=Markham, _Sir_ Clements: The conquest of New Granada.= By _Sir_ Clements
Markham, K.C.B., D.Sc. (Cam.), honorary member of the Historical society
of Antioquia. With a map. London, Smith, Elder & co., 1912. xvii, 232
pp. 12mo. 1 map.
An interesting account of Chibcha civilization; the story of
the conquest of New Granada, satisfactorily documented, with
special attention to the discoverer Jiménez de Quesada; and an
appendix containing a translation of the Duquesne memoir on the
Chibcha calendar, and other important material.
=Markham, _Sir_ Clements: The Incas of Peru.= By _Sir_ Clements Markham,
K.C.B., D.Sc. (Camb.), F.R.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A., corresponding member of
the Royal academy of history at Madrid and of the geographical societies
of Peru and Bolivia. With 16 illustrations and a map. London, Smith,
Elder & co., 1910. xvi, 443 pp. 12mo. front. 1 map. 16 illus.
While of unquestionable importance and value, owing to the
vast experience and erudition of its author, this work has two
serious weaknesses, not to mention infelicities of orthography
and style: a lack of accurate documentation, and the failure
to take into account the knowledge acquired by means of recent
archæological investigation.
=Markham, Clements R[obert]: The war between Peru and Chile, 1879-1882.=
By Clements R[obert] Markham, C.B., F.R.S. Third edition. London,
Sampson, Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1883. x, 306 pp. 12mo. 4 maps.
Readable and generally reliable; only slightly documented;
marred by infelicities of style and inaccuracy and
inconsistency in spelling.
=Marmontel [Jean François]: Los incas, ó la destruccion del imperio del
Perú.= Por [Jean François] Marmontel; traducida por la primera vez
al castellano, por don F. de Cabello, antiguo oficial-general, _etc._
Edicion hecha bajo la direccion de J. R. Masson. (In 2 vols, bound
together. 16ᵒ.) Paris, Masson e hijo, 1882. Vol. I. xxxviii, 251 pp. 6
illus. Vol. II. 288 pp. 5 illus.
Although based upon the romantic and uncritical method of a
hundred years ago, it is not without value as an illustration
of the path by which we have come to our present state of
knowledge; there are occasional references to authorities.
=Martin, Percy F.: Maximilian in Mexico. The story of the French
intervention (1861-1867).= By Percy F. Martin, F.R.G.S., author of
“Through five republics of South America,” “Mexico’s treasure-house,”
“Mexico of the twentieth century,” “Peru of the twentieth century,”
“Salvador of the twentieth century,” “Greece of the twentieth century,”
etc. New York, Charles Scribner’s sons, 1914. xvi, 480 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 52
illus.
A promising title and a bulky, well printed book; yet, because
the author has attempted to write too many books, or because
of some inherent inability, he has produced a work which,
although not wholly useless, is a disappointment, owing to its
heedlessness of facts and inaccuracy of form; why one who had
ample opportunity to know better should blunder so persistently
in his Spanish excerpts is incomprehensible.
=Martin, Percy F.: Mexico of the twentieth century.= By Percy F. Martin,
F.R.G.S., author of “Through five republics of South America,” “Mexico’s
treasure-house,” etc. In two volumes. London, Edward Arnold, 1907. Vol.
I. xxii, 323 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 49 illus. Vol. II. xiv, 329 pp. 8ᵒ.
front. 1 map. 59 illus.
A serious and only partially successful effort to cover the
field of geography, history, political organization, industry,
commerce and social customs, with a detailed account of each
of the several states; often inaccurate and misleading;
inexcusable liberties are taken with the orthography of
the Spanish words introduced; the only foot-notes contain
references to the author’s own works.
=Martin, Percy F.: Salvador of the twentieth century.= By Percy F.
Martin, F.R.G.S., author of “Through five republics of South America,”
“Mexico of the twentieth century,” “Peru of the twentieth century,” etc.
London, Edward Arnold, 1911. xvi, 329 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 2 maps. 47 illus.
Probably the best work on the geography, history, industries
and commerce, although awkwardly arranged, and without
documentation.
=Martin, Percy F.: Through five republics of South America. A critical
description of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela in 1905.=
By Percy F. Martin, F.R.G.S. With 128 illustrations and 3 maps. London,
William Heinemann, 1906. xxiv, 487 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 3 maps. 128 illus.
The first effort of an incorrigible traveler and writer; dull
and superficial, yet not without interest, if one forgives the
persistent misspelling of Spanish words, a too lofty attitude
toward the people who are being judged, and an ignoring
of nature; the main value is to be found in the masses of
statistical information given respecting agriculture, commerce,
banking and means of transportation.
=Martínez, Albert B.: Baedeker of the Argentine republic.= By Albert
B. Martínez. Including also parts of Brazil, the republic of Uruguay,
Chile, and Bolivia. With maps and plates of the Argentine republic, of
the town of Buenos Aires, of Montevideo, of Rosario, of the railway
lines, and numerous illustrations. Fourth edition. Barcelona, R. Sopena,
1914. 479 pp. 12mo. 8 maps and plans. 179 illus.
Like the Baedekers in general, this volume contains much
information as to localities, history, and statistics;
curiously enough, although it gives the route from half a dozen
or so European ports to Buenos Aires, it gives none from any
part of the United States; naturally, it is of great value to
the traveler.
=Martínez, Albert B., and Lewandowski, Maurice: The Argentine in the
twentieth century.= By Albert B. Martínez, under-secretary of state, and
Maurice Lewandowski, doctor in law. London and Leipsic, T. Fisher Unwin,
1911. xi, 376 pp. 8ᵒ. 1 map.
An excessively bad translation of a valuable work which deals,
as the title indicates, with present conditions, and supplies
a vast array of statistical information tending to show the
astonishingly rapid material development of the country: the
glaring statistical inaccuracies which occur in the translation
do not exist in the original.
=Mason, _Lieutenant_ Theodorus B. M.: The war of the Pacific coast of
South America between Chile and the allied republics of Perú and Bolivia,
1879-’81.= By _Lieutenant_ Theodorus B. M. Mason, United States navy.
Washington, office of naval intelligence, bureau of navigation, navy
department, 1883. Government printing office, 1883. 77 [1] pp. 8ᵒ.
A naïve, garrulous, baldly technical narrative; undocumented
yet valuable for details of a struggle the natural results of
which are still apparent.
=Matthews, Franklin: The new-born Cuba.= By Franklin Matthews.
Illustrated. New York and London, Harper & bros., 1899. xii, 388 [3] pp.
12mo. front. 107 illus.
A reportorial gyration around the forces of the American
occupation, with occasional excursions into sugar and tobacco;
negligible.
=Mead, Charles W.: Peruvian mummies, and what they teach. A guide to
exhibits in the Peruvian hall.= By Charles W. Mead, department of
ethnology. No. 24 of the guide leaflet series of the American museum of
natural history, etc. New York, published by the Museum, 1907. 24 pp.
pamph. 8ᵒ. front. 5 plts. 3 illus. in text.
A proper descriptive guide, with a brief historical sketch.
=Medina, José Toribio: Descubrimiento del río de las Amazonas. Según
la relación, hasta ahora inédita de Fr. Caspar de Carvajal, con otros
documentos referentes a Francisco de Orellana y sus compañeros.
Publicados a expensas del exmo. sr. duque de T’Serclaes de Tilly. Con
una introducción histórica y algunas ilustraciones.= Por José Toribio
Medina, de la academia Chilena, correspondiente de las reales academias
de la lengua y de la historia, de la de buenas letras de Sevilla y del
instituto geográfico Argentino. Sevilla, imprenta de E. Rasco, MDCCCXCIV.
ccxxxix, 278 pp. 8ᵒ.
Invaluable for those who wish to consult “original documents.”
=Menéndez y Pelayo, M[arcelino]: Antología de poetas hispano-americanos.=
[By Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo.] Publicada por la Real academia
Española. (In 4 vols. 8ᵒ.) Madrid, est. tipográfico “Sucesores de
Rivadeneyra,” 1893. Tomo I. México y América Central. clxxxii, 397 pp.
Tomo II. Cuba, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico, Venezuela. clxxxviii, 631 [1]
pp. Tomo III. Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia. ccxviii, 480 pp. Tomo IV.
Chile, República Argentina, Uruguay. ccxviii, 480 pp.
Selections of verse from authors not then living, made with
rare discrimination by the greatest Spanish critic of his
period, with excellent biographical and critical notes; beyond
praise for the student who is interested in the extensive
poetical literature of Spanish America.
=Mexico: General descriptive data prepared in June, 1909.= By the
International bureau of American republics. Washington, D.C., Government
printing office, 1909. 33 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph. 1 chart. 8 illus.
See comment on the similar pamphlet: “Argentine republic, the:
General descriptive data,” etc.
=Mitre, Bartolomé: Historia de Belgrano y de la independencia argentina.=
Por Bartolomé Mitre. Cuarta y definitiva edición, corregida y aumentada.
(In 3 vols. 8ᵒ.) Buenos Aires, 1887. Tomo I. xliii, 608 pp. front. Tomo
II. 815 pp. front. Tomo III. 806 pp. front.
Well written and thoroughly documented; a work of supreme
importance for the historian.
=Mitre, Bartolomé: The emancipation of South America, being a condensed
translation by William Pilling of the history of San Martín.= By general
don Bartolomé Mitre, first constitutional president of the Argentine
republic. London, Chapman & Hall, 1893. xxviii, 499 pp. 8ᵒ.
The translator has wisely omitted details which interested
the biographer but are of little importance to the historian,
and “the translation is thus a history in which enter the
biographies of the two principal personages, San Martín and
Bolívar,” to quote his words. The original is a standard
biography; while the translation is not wholly satisfactory, it
supplies the uncritical student who has no command of Spanish
with valuable historical and biographical material.
=Moore, John Bassett: Brazil and Perú boundary question.= By John Bassett
Moore. New York, The Knickerbocker press, [1904]. 32 pp. pamph. 8ᵒ. 1 map.
A clearly written, properly noted and necessary document.
=Morla Vicuña, Carlos: Estudio histórico sobre el descubrimiento y
conquista de la Patagonia y de la Tierra del Fuego.= Por Carlos Morla
Vicuña. Leipzig, F. A. Brockhaus, 1903. v, 223 pp. 1 map. 8 illus.
A serious and valuable study of the early history and of
the boundaries of the territory comprised within Patagonia,
Tierra del Fuego and the straits of Magallanes, with a view to
ascertaining the facts, in order to settle the disputes between
the republics of Argentina and Chile, as to their titles to
the austral extremity of South America, with copious notes and
citations from original sources.
=Mortillet, Adrien de: Bronze in South America before the arrival of the
Europeans.= By Adrien de Mortillet, honorary president of the Société
préhistorique de France. Annual report of the Smithsonian institution,
1907. pp. 261-266. 8ᵒ.
A convincing paper intended to prove the use of bronze in South
America before the conquest, by means of the chemical analysis
of pre-Columbian implements collected from several regions.
=Moses, Bernard: The Spanish dependencies in South America. An
introduction to the history of their civilization.= By Bernard Moses,
Ph.D., LL.D., professor in the university of California, honorary
professor in the university of Chile. (In 2 vols. 8ᵒ.) New York and
London, Harper & bros., 1914. Vol. I. xxvi, 394 pp. Vol. II. ix, 444 pp.
In general it is a satisfactorily documented work; if one
pardons inexcusable inconsistencies in the orthography of the
names and other Spanish words introduced, and an occasional
historical inaccuracy, he will probably conclude that, all
things considered, this is the best general history of South
America during the period treated, that is, 1550-1730.
=Mozans, H. J.: Along the Andes and down the Amazon.= (Under caption:
“Following the conquistadores.”) By H. J. Mozans, A.M., Ph.D., author of
“Up the Orinoco and down the Magdalena.” With an introduction by Colonel
Theodore Roosevelt. Illustrated. New York and London, D. Appleton & co.,
1911. xx, 542 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 29 illus.
A continuation of “Up the Orinoco and down the Magdalena;”
a journey from Panamá to Guayaquil, thence through Ecuador,
Bolivia, Perú, and across the Andes and down the Amazon;
an agreeable and intelligent narrative of observations and
experiences, and much moralizing, and no little quotation of
poetry in English, Italian and Spanish.
=Mozans, H. J.: Up the Orinoco and down the Magdalena.= (Under
caption: “Following the conquistadores.”) By H. J. Mozans, A.M., Ph.D.
Illustrated. New York and London, D. Appleton & co., 1910. xiii, 439 pp.
8ᵒ. front. 18 illus.
A naïve and charming account of a trip through Colombia
and Venezuela, with fragments of history suggested by the
surroundings, and abundant footnotes, written by a keen and
genial observer, much given to mingling bits of English,
Spanish and Latin verse with his prose; the illustrations are
excellent.
=Müller y Tejeiro, José: Combates y capitulación de Santiago de Cuba.=
Por D. José Müller y Tejeiro, segundo comandante de Marina, de la
provincia de Santiago de Cuba. Madrid, Felipe Marqués, 1898. 278 pp. 8ᵒ.
2 maps.
An interesting contribution to the history of the war between
Spain and the United States, written from the Spanish point of
view by a participant in the struggle, who, although markedly
biased, unfair and sometimes ridiculously purblind, displayed
not more ignorance or prejudice than some authors who have
written from our standpoint.
=Nicaragua: General descriptive data prepared in June, 1909.= By the
International bureau of American republics. Washington, D.C., Government
printing office, 1909. 14 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph. 1 chart. 4 illus.
See comment on the similar pamphlet: “Argentine republic, the:
General descriptive data,” etc.
=Noll, Arthur Howard: From empire to republic. The story of the struggle
for constitutional government in Mexico.= By Arthur Howard Noll, author
of “A short history of Mexico,” “Tenochtitlan,” etc. With map and
portraits. Chicago, A. C. McClurg & co., 1903. x, 336 pp. 12mo. front. 1
map.
Although not documented, a good brief account, devoted in the
main to the period succeeding the beginning of the struggle
for independence; appendix A contains a valuable chronological
summary of principal events; appendix B, a bibliography.
=Oakenfull, J. C.: Brazil in 1912.= By J. C. Oakenfull. London, Robert
Atkinson, ltd., 1913. 498 pp. 16mo. 1 map. 1 plt. in colors. 3 charts.
102 illus.
A guide-book which gives much valuable data regarding the
present state of things, mostly industrial and commercial,
with brief excursions into history, geography, mineralogy and
geology.
=Orozco y Berra, Manuel: Historia antigua y de la conquista de México.=
Por el Lic. Manuel Orozco y Berra, vice-presidente de la sociedad de
Geografía y Estadística, etc. (In 4 vols. 8ᵒ.) México, tipografía de
Gonzalo A. Esteva, 1880. Tomo primero, ix, 584 pp. Tomo segundo, 603 pp.
Tomo tercero, 527 pp. Tomo cuarto, 694 pp.
A fundamentally important and thoroughly documented work to
which every writer upon Mexican history must have recourse.
=Ortega, José: Historia del Nayarit, Sonora, Sinaloa y ambas Californias,
que con el título de “Apostólicos afanes de la compañía de Jesús en la
América septentrional” se publicó anóima en Barcelona el año de 1754.=
Siendo su autor el padre José Ortega. Nueva edición aumentada con un
prólogo escrito por el Sr. Lic. Manuel de Olaguibel. México, tipografía
de E. Abadiano, 1887. ix, 564, (vi) pp. 12mo.
A quaint, sagacious and picturesque narrative of travel and
residence among the Indians of the most rugged and isolated
regions of the country; of surpassing interest and value to the
historian and anthropologist.
=Osborn, Chase S.: The Andean land (South America).= By Chase S. Osborn,
member of the board of regents of the university of Michigan. With over
fifty illustrations and four maps. (In 2 vols. 8ᵒ.) Chicago, A. C.
McClurg & co., 1909. Vol. I. xv, 312 pp. front. 3 maps. 23 illus. Vol.
II. x, 331 pp. front. 1 map. 27 illus.
A narrative of travel through the countries of South America,
with desultory excursions into history, recounted in a
heavy, dogmatic style, lacking both tone and elegance, with
disturbingly minute attention to uninteresting details, and the
frequent introduction of impossible Spanish; careful gleaning,
however, will yield a few grains of valuable knowledge; the
appendix to the first volume contains an interesting collection
of Spanish and Spanish-American proverbs.
=Palmer, Frederick: Central America and its problems. An account of a
journey from the Rio Grande to Panama, with introductory chapters on
Mexico and her relations to her neighbors.= By Frederick Palmer, F.R.G.S.
New York, Moffat, Yard & co., 1910. xiv, 345 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 35
illus.
In view of the scarcity of books in English regarding the
countries of Central America it may be that this work has some
slight value, although analysis fails to disclose wherein it
exists: it is neither accurate, sympathetic, systematic, well
written, nor even interesting; its characterizations of men and
events are puerile, and its generalizations are illogical and
absurd, while in general it is an insult to the people about
whom it was written, as well as to the intelligence of those by
whom it was intended to be read.
=Paraguay: General descriptive data prepared in June, 1909.= By the
International bureau of American republics. Washington, D.C., Government
printing office, 1909. 13 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph. 3 illus.
See comment on the similar pamphlet: “Argentine republic, the:
General descriptive data,” etc.
=Paxson, Frederic L.: The independence of the South American republics. A
study in recognition and foreign policy.= By Frederic L. Paxson, fellow
in history in the university of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, Ferris &
Leach, 1903. 264 pp. 12mo.
A clear, serious, scholarly review of our international
relations, with special reference to the countries which lie to
the southward, with ample references to authorities; worthy of
extended attention.
=Peck, Annie S.: A search for the apex of America. High mountain climbing
in Peru and Bolivia, including the conquest of Huascaran with some
observations on the country and people below.= By Annie S. Peck, M.A.
With numerous illustrations. New York, Dodd, Mead & co., 1911. xii, 370
pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 124 illus.
A narrative of personal hopes and adventures rather than of
scientific investigations, the main feature of which was the
ascent of the north peak of Huascarán, in the Peruvian Andes.
=Peck, Annie S.: The South American tour.= By Annie S. Peck, M.A., author
of “A search for the apex of America.” New York, George H. Doran co.,
1913. xviii, 398 pp. 8ᵒ. 1 map. 87 illus.
Patently a superficial and fragmentary guide-book; an account
of travel through Panamá, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile,
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil; well illustrated,
statistical, useful, especially to the traveler; a brief
bibliography at the end.
=Peixotto, Ernest [Clifford]: Pacific shores from Panama.= By Ernest
[Clifford] Peixotto. Illustrated by the author. New York, Charles
Scribner’s sons, MCMXIII. xiv, 285 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 79 illus.
A general account of travel, being the description of a trip
from New York, through the Caribbean sea to Panamá, and thence
to Perú and Bolivia; written in the breezy manner of the
modern “best seller;” withal entertaining; the illustrations,
consisting of reproductions of photographs and drawings, are
worthy of attention.
=Pennington, A. Stuart: The Argentine republic, its physical features,
history, fauna, flora, geology, literature and commerce.= By A. Stuart
Pennington, author of “British zoophytes,” “La langosta Argentina,” etc.
With illustrations and map. London, Stanley Paul & co., [1910]; New York,
F. A. Stokes & co. 352 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 30 illus.
A valuable accumulation of information, based upon
conscientious research, and a personal acquaintance extending
over many years; without documentation.
=Pepper, Charles M.: Panamá to Patagonia. The Isthmian canal and the
west coast countries of South America.= By Charles M. Pepper, author of
“To-morrow in Cuba.” New York, Young people’s missionary movement of the
United States and Canada, [1906]. xx [i], 398 [1] pp. 8ᵒ. 4 maps. 50
illus.
In the preface the author indicates that his volume is “to
be limited more strictly to industrial, fiscal and political
information,” and, with this in mind, he gives an excellent
account of the countries of the west coast, and suggests the
possible effects of the Panamá canal upon them; the style
is easy, vigorous and sometimes picturesque; there are no
statements as to the sources of information; the illustrations
are well chosen and admirably executed.
=Peralta, D. Manuel M. de: Costa Rica y costa de mosquitos. Documentos
para la historia de la jurisdicción territorial de Costa Rica y
Columbia.= Publicados por D. Manuel M. de Peralta, enviado extraordinario
y ministro plenipotenciario de Costa Rica. Paris, 1898. iii, 566 pp. 8ᵒ.
Of importance to the historian who may be interested in the
study of the boundaries of Costa Rica and Colombia.
=Petre, F[rancis] Loraine: The republic of Colombia. An account of the
country, its people, its institutions and its resources.= By F[rancis]
Loraine Petre, author of “Napoleon’s campaign in Poland, 1806-1807.” With
numerous illustrations and a map. London, Edward Stanford, 1906. x, 346
pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 36 illus.
An undocumented but readable and interesting sketch, covering
geography, history, political constitution, population,
industries, means of communication and commerce; while not so
well done as this author’s work on Bolívar, it is worthy of
consideration.
=Petre, F[rancis] Loraine: Simon Bolivar, “El libertador.” A life of the
chief leader in the revolt against Spain in Venezuela, New Granada and
Peru.= By F[rancis] Loraine Petre. With a photogravure frontispiece and a
map. London and New York, John Lane co., MCMX. xiii, 459 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1
map. 2 illus.
A standard work, well written and documented; worthy of the
attention of serious students, and capable of being enjoyed by
all; with a bibliography at the beginning.
=Phillips, P. Lee: A list of books, magazine articles, and maps relating
to Brazil, 1800-1900.= Prepared by P. Lee Phillips, F.R.G.S., chief
of division of maps and charts, library of Congress. A supplement of
the Handbook of Brazil (1901) compiled by the bureau of the American
republics. Washington, Government printing office, 1901. 8ᵒ. 145 pp.
About 1500 titles are listed.
=Pimentel, Francisco: Cuadro descriptivo y comparativo de las lenguas
indígenas de México.= Por D. Francisco Pimentel, socio de número de la
sociedad Mexicana de Geografía y Estadística. (In 2 vols. 12mo.) México,
imprenta de Andrade y Escalante, 1862. Vol. I. lii, 539 pp. Vol. II. vi,
427 pp.
In the first volume the following languages are discussed:
Huaxteco; Mixteco; Mame or Zaklohpakap; Othomí or Hiahiu;
Mexicano, Nahuatl or Azteca; Totonaco; Tarasco; Zapoteco;
Tarahumar; Opata or Teguima; Cahita; Matlatzinca or Pirinda; in
the second volume, Yucateco or Maya; Tepehuán; Cora, Chora or
Chota; Pima or Névome; Quiché, Cachiquel and Zutuhil; Eudeva,
Heve or Dohema; Mixe; Mazahua or Mazahui; Guaicura or Vaicura;
Cochimí and Laimón; Chañabal, Chiapaneco, Chol, Tzendal, Zoque
Tzotzil; Joba, Lipán, Papago and Tubar; Cuicateco, Mazateco,
Chuchon; Pame and Serrano; and in the appendix, Comanche;
Mutsún; Tatché or Telamé; Tejano or Coahuilteco; and certain
languages of Lower California; scholarly and of very great
value to the student.
=Post, Charles Johnson: Across the Andes.= By Charles Johnson Post. A
tale of wandering days among the mountains of Bolivia and the jungles of
the upper Amazon. Illustrated by the author. New York, Outing publishing
co., MCMXII. 362 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 55 illus.
An unpretentious book of interesting travel, unmarred by the
usual interjection of useless bits of history.
=Prescott, William H.: History of the conquest of Mexico, with a
preliminary view of the ancient Mexican civilization and life of the
conqueror, Hernando Cortés.= By William H. Prescott, author of the
“History of Ferdinand and Isabella.” (In 3 vols. 8ᵒ.) New York, Harper
& bros., MDCCCXLIII. Vol. I. xxxiv, 488 pp. front. 1 map. 4 illus. Vol.
II. xviii, 430 pp. front. 1 map. Vol. III. xvii, 524 pp. front. 1 plt. 1
illus.
One of the classics of North American literature, which, in
spite of its numerous errors in statements of facts and its
many misconceptions, all of which are made clear by the later
accumulations of knowledge, still remains the most entertaining
and interesting work in English regarding the conquest of
México; it is a reproach to those who have lived since the time
of this distinguished author that none has been able to use the
manifold opportunities afforded by a greatly increased original
literature, and ample facilities for local investigation, to
produce a history of the period that would surpass or even
rival this great production.
=Prescott, William H.: History of the conquest of Peru, with a
preliminary view of the civilization of the Incas.= By William H.
Prescott, corresponding member of the French institute, of the royal
academy of history at Madrid, etc. In two volumes. New York, Harper &
bros., MDCCCXLVII. Vol. I. xxxvii, 527 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. Vol. II.
xix, 547 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 plt.
Too well known to need characterization; after making full
allowance for recognized imperfections, it will always remain
one of the classics of this literature.
=Prida, Ramón: De la dictadura a la anarquia. Apuntes para la historia
política de Mexico durante los últimos cuarenta y tres años.= Por Ramon
Prida, miembro del ilustre y nacional colegio de Abogados de Mexico,
ex-juez de primera instancia en el puerto de Veracruz. (In 2 vols. 12mo.)
El Paso, Texas, imprenta de “El Paso del Norte,” 1914. Vol. I. 365 pp.
Vol. II. 364 pp.
A political work, whose motive was to give the history and the
defense of the so-called “partido científico,” to which the
author belonged, and regarding which he was well informed, as
it was his province to lurk behind the scenes and watch the
course of events; it traces the decline of the Díaz régime,
and reveals the secret jealousies and machinations that in
part account for it; it characterizes the aged dictator as
an astute but implacable egotist, Corral, as his victim, and
Limantour, as a cynic, disloyal to his chief, rejoicing from
afar at sight of the great man’s overthrow; although but fairly
well documented, and lacking that impartiality which is to
be desired in a history, it is the most instructive work yet
written regarding recent events in México.
=Prieto, Guillermo (_Fidel_): Memorias de mis tiempos, 1828 a 1840.=
París y México. Librería de la vda. de C. Bouret, 1906. 447 pp. 8ᵒ.
front. of author.
The period covered is in reality from 1828 until 1853; it is
of great value, since it reflects the views of a literary man
regarding many interesting personages and events.
=[Quesada, Ernesto]: La política argentina respecto de Chile.
(1895-1898.)= [By Ernesto Quesada.] Buenos Aires, Arnoldo Moen, 1898. 239
pp. 8ᵒ.
A vigorous discussion of Argentina’s dealings with Chile by one
who, although essentially partisan to his own country, knew
well the republic to the westward, and was able to accord it
respectful consideration.
=Ramírez, José Fernando: México durante su guerra con los Estados
Unidos.= México, librería de la vda. de Ch. Bouret, 1905. (Under caption:
“Documentos inéditos ó muy raros para la historia de México publicados
por Genaro García y Carlos Pereyra.” Tomo III.) viii, 322 pp. 12mo.
Invaluable for the historian.
=Reed, John: Insurgent Mexico.= By John Reed. New York and London, D.
Appleton & co., 1914. viii, 325 [1] pp. 12mo.
A reporter’s story which, for some unaccountable reason
achieved publication; the following offerings, taken at
random, are supposed to be Spanish: “trista historia d’amor,”
“frijole,” “arré mulas,” “carne crudo,” “christiano,”
“gachupine;” this is the general style of the book; even this
could be forgiven if the matter were interesting.
=René-Moreno, Gabriel: Bolivia y Argentina. Notas biográficas y
bibliográficas.= Por Gabriel René-Moreno. Santiago de Chile, imprenta
Cervantes, 1901. 553 pp. 12mo.
An instructive series of sketches under the following
titles: “Buenos Aires en 1879,” “Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna,”
“Letras argentinas,” “Nicomedes Antelo,” “El doctor don José
Segovia,” “El doctor don Felipe Antonio de Iriarte,” “Don
Ángel Justiniano Carranza,” “Documentos sobre la revolución
alto-peruana,” “Juan Ramón Muñoz Cabrera.”
=René-Moreno, Gabriel: Bolivia y Perú. Nuevas notas históricas y
bibliográficas.= Por Gabriel René-Moreno. Santiago de Chile, sociedad,
imprenta y litografía Universo, 1907. xii, 676 pp. 12mo.
A serious and scholarly account of certain events and periods
in the history of the struggle for independence, particularly
as participated in by Bolivia and Perú, supported by abundant
references to original sources of information.
=Reyes, _General_ Rafael: The two Americans.= By _General_ Rafael Reyes,
ex-president of the republic of Colombia. Translated from the Spanish,
with added notes by Leopold Grahame. New York, Frederick A. Stokes co.,
MCMXIV. xxxii, 324 pp. 8ᵒ.
Without attempting to furnish a complete history of the various
republics, the author says in the introduction, “This work
represents a record of my recent travels through the Latin
countries.” A moderately interesting account of personal
observations and opinions by a prominent South American of
considerable experience, actuated by a desire to better the
relations between the citizens of the republics of this
hemisphere.
=Rives, George Lockhart: The United States and Mexico, 1821-1848. A
history of the relations between the two countries from the independence
of Mexico to the close of the war with the United States.= By George
Lockhart Rives. 2 vols. New York, Charles Scribner’s sons, 1913. Vol. I.
viii, 720 pp. 8ᵒ. 3 maps. Vol. II. vi, 726 pp. 8ᵒ. 12 maps.
The first volume contains a narrative of our history in the
southwestern part of the United States, and of our relations
with México there preceding the war of 1847; the second, a
comprehensive history of our war with México; characterized
by absence of partisan tone; scholarly yet readable; original
sources, both manuscript and printed, have been used with care
and discrimination; characterization vivid yet judicious; the
whole shows an appreciation of the point of view of Mexicans.
=Robertson, William Spence: The beginnings of Spanish-American
diplomacy.= (Contained in “Essays in American history,” dedicated to
Frederick Jackson Turner.) New York, Henry Holt & co., 1910. pp. 231-267.
8ᵒ.
A well documented and carefully prepared monograph.
=Robinson, Albert G.: Cuba and the intervention.= By Albert G. Robinson.
New York, London and Bombay, Longmans, Green & co., 1905. [iii], 354 pp.
8ᵒ.
A book that contains considerable information regarding the
period which it covers, in spite of its lack of perspective,
and its defects of style and emphasis.
=Rodríguez, José Ignacio: American constitutions. A compilation of
the political constitutions of the independent nations of the New
World, with short historical notes and various appendixes.= By José
Ignacio Rodríguez, chief translator and librarian. (Under page caption:
“International bureau of American republics.”) (In 2 vols. 8ᵒ.)
Washington, Government printing office. Vol. I, 1906. 422 pp. Vol. II,
1907. 452 pp.
These volumes contain four parts: the first and second parts
are found in Volume I, the third and fourth in Volume II. Part
one contains the constitutions of the United States of America,
in English and Spanish; of México, Argentina and Venezuela, in
Spanish and English; and of Brazil, in Portuguese, Spanish and
English; part two, those of Guatemala, Salvador, Nicaragua,
Costa Rica, Honduras and Panamá, in Spanish and English; part
three, those of the Dominican republic and Cuba, in Spanish
and English, and of Haití, in French, English and Spanish;
part four, those of Uruguay, Chile, Perú, Ecuador, Colombia,
Paraguay and Bolivia, in Spanish and English.
Naturally this work is invaluable for the student of history or
government.
=Rodway, James: The West Indies and the Spanish main.= By James Rodway.
London, T. Fisher Unwin; New York, G. P. Putnam’s sons, MDCCCXCVI. xxiv,
371 pp. 12mo. front. 1 map. 48 illus.
An account of the discovery, settlement and early history of
the islands and continental countries of the Caribbean; not
documented, yet worthy of consideration.
=Rojas, Arístides: Estudios indígenas. Contribuciones a la historia
antigua de Venezuela.= Por Arístides Rojas, laureado de la universidad
central de Venezuela, etc. Obra mandada publicar por orden del gran
demócrata, general Francisco Linares Alcántara, presidente constitucional
de los Estados Unidos de Venezuela. Caracas, imprenta Nacional, 1878. 217
[2] pp. 8ᵒ.
Of importance and value for students of primitive speech and
ideas.
=Romero, Matías: Mexico and the United States. A study of subjects
affecting their political, commercial and social relations, made with
a view to their promotion.= By Matias Romero. New York and London, G. P.
Putnam’s sons, 1898. xxxiv, 759 pp. 8ᵒ. 1 map. 2 diagrams.
A geographical, statistical, climatological, historical,
industrial, commercial and juridical conglomerate; valuable,
although not always either frank or thorough.
=Root, _Excmo. Sr._ Elihu: Visita al Peru del secretario de estado de los
Estados Unidos, _Excmo. Sr._ Elihu Root. Visit to Peru of the Hon. Elihu
Root, secretary of state of the United States.= Lima, imp. Americana (de
E. Andrade y cía., Santo Toribio), 1906. 150 pp. 12 mo. [69 illus.]
An account in Spanish and English of Mr. Root’s visit, and of
the honors done him, and a report of addresses made by him
and his hosts; interesting evidence of the good impression he
produced.
=Ross, Edward Alsworth: South of Panamá.= By Edward Alsworth Ross, Ph.D.,
LL.D., professor of sociology, university of Wisconsin, author of “Social
control,” “Social psychology,” “The changing Chinese,” “The old world in
the new,” etc. New York, The Century co., 1915. xvi, 396 pp. front. 1
map. 78 illus.
This well advertised book, in spite of the many laudatory
reviews that have hailed its advent, is, nevertheless,
disappointing in its plausible presentation of striking
half-truths, careless observations, and hasty and too sweeping
generalizations; in style it abounds in the reportorial
characteristics of vigor and sprightliness, with scant regard
for finish, or accuracy, even in such easy details as the
spelling of foreign words; it is but another illustration of
the fact that honesty of purpose in seeking and publishing the
truth, at any cost, of which boast is made in the preface, is
but an imperfect substitute for thorough knowledge.
=[Roxlo, Carlos:] El Uruguay en 1904. La guerra civil.= [By Carlos
Roxlo.] Buenos Aires, J. Moloney, 1904. 290 pp. 12mo. Front.
A popular history of the period.
=Ruhl, Arthur: The other Americans. The cities, the countries, and
especially the people of South America.= By Arthur Ruhl. Illustrated. New
York, Charles Scribner’s sons, 1908. xi, 298 pp. 12mo. front. 1 map. 43
illus.
The easy chat of a sympathetic and alert observer, regarding a
trip through most of the countries of South America, with good
descriptions, occasional dialogues marred by absurd Spanish,
fragments of history, and statistics of the kind that need
revision within a year of their publication.
=Sahagún, _M. R. P. Fr._ Bernardino de: Historia universal de las cosas
de Nueva España.= Por el _M. R. P. Fr._ Bernardino de Sahagun, de la
orden de los frayles menores de la observancia. (In _Kingsborough’s_
Mexican Antiquities, Vol. VII.) 464 pp. folio.
A storehouse of information regarding the Indians, with whom
the author had spent much of his life, and from whom he
collected details concerning their history, religious ideas,
customs, etc.; of prime importance to the serious student.
=St. John, _Sir_ Spenser [Buckingham]: Hayti or the black republic.= By
_Sir_ Spenser [Buckingham] St. John, K.C.M.G., formerly her majesty’s
minister resident and consul-general in Hayti, now her majesty’s special
envoy to Mexico. London, Smith, Elder & co., 1884. xiv, 343 pp. 12mo.
front. 1 map.
Not properly documented yet readable and worthy of
consideration, in lieu of thoroughly satisfactory books on this
subject.
=Salvador: General descriptive data prepared in June, 1909.= By the
International bureau of American republics. Washington, D.C., Government
printing office, 1909. 11 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph. 2 illus.
See comment on the similar pamphlet: “Argentine republic, the:
General descriptive data,” etc.
=Savage-Landor, A. Henry: Across unknown South America.= By A. Henry
Savage-Landor. With 2 maps, 8 colored plates, and 260 illustrations
from photographs by the author. (In 2 vols. 4ᵒ.) London, New York, and
Toronto, Hodder & Stoughton, [1913]. Vol. I. xxiv, 432 pp. front. 2 maps.
105 illus. Vol. II. xvi, 504 pp. front. in colors. 158 illus.
An ambitious work, ornately bound, finely printed and profusely
illustrated; in the main, the descriptions are of journeys
through regions not “unknown” but well known; owing to its
general untrustworthiness of statement and the untenableness of
the theories propounded, it has no scientific value; page after
page of wearisome colloquies and details of travel rob it of
interest for discriminating minds.
=Schmidt, Ulrich, and Cabeza de Vaca, Alvar Núñez: The conquest of the
river Plate (1535-1555). I. Voyage of Ulrich Schmidt to the rivers La
Plata and Paraguai, from the original German edition, 1567. II. With the
commentaries of Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, from the original Spanish
edition, 1555.= Translated for the Hakluyt society with notes and an
introduction by Luis L. Domínguez, minister plenipotentiary of the
Argentine republic, corresponding member of the Argentine geographical
institute and of the Royal Spanish academy of history. London, the
Hakluyt society, MDCCCXCI. xxxviii, 282 pp. 8ᵒ. 1 map.
Accounts of much interest and importance to students of history
who desire to consult “original documents.”
=Scott, William R[obert]: The Americans in Panama.= By William R[obert]
Scott. Illustrated. New York, The Statler publishing co., 1912. xiii, 258
pp. 12mo. front. 19 illus.
The author claims to have spent five months in Panamá,
during three of which he served as an employee of the Canal
commission; he therefore felt qualified to write a book, taking
little account of his evident lack of literary qualification;
he has therefore produced a hodge-podge of history, statistics
and biographical details, illustrated by commonplace pictures,
which if it has any value, may serve merely as a gazetteer of
the construction service.
=Scruggs, William L.: The Colombian and Venezuelan republics. With notes
on other parts of Central and South America.= By William L. Scruggs, late
envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States to
Colombia and to Venezuela. With maps and illustrations. Boston, Little,
Brown & co., 1900. xii, 350 pp. 12mo. front. 3 maps. 10 illus.
Characterized by a naïve inaccuracy in Spanish orthography that
is at least original, if somewhat disconcerting, a disregard
of facts, and a general ignorance of history that leads
one to wonder as to how the author might have employed the
twenty-seven years which he says he spent in South America; if
he had given, as he promised to give, more of his “personal
experiences,” and less of his “studies,” this book might not
have been wholly useless.
=Seler, Eduard: On the present state of our knowledge of the Mexican and
Central American hieroglyphic writing.= By Eduard Seler. (In proceedings
of the International congress of American history, 13th session, New
York, 1902.) [Easton, Pennsylvania, Eschenbach printing co., 1905.] pp.
157-170. 8ᵒ.
A valuable review of efforts at interpretation, with allusions
to the various theories of other writers.
=Shepherd, William R.: Latin America.= By William R. Shepherd, professor
of history in Columbia university; honorary professor in the university
of Chile; corresponding member of the Spanish Royal academy of history,
of the Argentine scientific society, and of the National academy of
history of Venezuela; member of the Hispanic society of America. New
York, Henry Holt & co.; London, Williams & Norgate, [1914]. viii, 265 pp.
16mo. 1 map.
An excellent primer, which gives more valuable information than
any other work of a similar character in so small a compass;
the author has succeeded admirably in achieving the Latin
American point of view; only slight inconsistencies in the
spelling of place names need to be pardoned.
=Skottsberg, Carl: The wilds of Patagonia. A narrative of the Swedish
expedition to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland islands in
1907-1909.= By Carl Skottsberg, D.Sc., etc. London, Edward Arnold, 1911.
xix, 336 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 3 maps. 53 illus.
An interesting account of a two years’ stay by three university
men in Patagonia; very valuable for the study of a region about
which so little is known or written.
=Smith, F[rancis] Hopkinson: A white umbrella in Mexico.= By F[rancis]
Hopkinson Smith. With illustrations by the author. Boston and New York,
Houghton, Mifflin & co., 1891. viii, 227 pp. 16ᵒ. 36 illus.
In his introduction the author says: “My probe has not
gone very far below the surface. The task would have been
uncongenial and the result superfluous. The record of the
resources, religions, politics, governments, social conditions
and misfortunes of Mexico already enlarges many folios and
lies heavy on many shelves, and I hope on some consciences.”
Practising this admirable restraint, he has presented what
appealed to him as a painter and an idler in a manner that
both charms and enlightens, his account being greatly enhanced
by the pictures; it would be too much to expect that he would
attend to so trivial a matter as accuracy in the Spanish
introduced.
=Smith, W. Anderson: Temperate Chile. A progressive Spain.= By W.
Anderson Smith, author of “Lewsiana,” “Benderloch,” “Shepherd Smith, the
universalist,” etc. London, Adam and Charles Black, 1899. 399 pp. 8ᵒ.
front. 1 map.
Overlooking a tendency to belaud his countrymen and their
achievements on the west coast, and unconsciously to patronize
those among whom he confesses to having found friends, this
author may be deemed a good reporter upon the conditions which
he encountered, without attempting excursions into fields with
which he was not familiar.
=Solís [y Ribadeneyra], Antonio de: Historia de la conquista de Méjico,
poblacion y progresos de la America Septentrional, conocida por el nombre
de Nueva España.= Escribiala don Antonio de Solís [y Ribadeneyra],
secretario de su majestad, y su cronista mayor de las Indias. Nueva
edicion, aumentada con un resumen histórico, desde la rendicion de Méjico
hasta el fallecimiento de Hernan Cortés, é illustrado con notas por don
José de la Revilla, individuo de varios cuerpos literarios. Paris, Vᵃ.
Baudry, Libreria europea; New York, Roe Lockwood & son, 1858. 488 pp. 8ᵒ.
front.
A classic, both in literary style and in its grandiose
descriptions of men, facts and occurrences; although
somewhat discredited because of its too ready acceptance of
unauthenticated statements and its tendency to glorify unduly
the prowess of both the Spaniards and the Indians, it must be
considered by every historian.
=Southey, Robert: History of Brazil.= By Robert Southey. Second edition.
London, printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown. Part the
first, 1822. xvi, 715 [xlii] pp. 4ᵒ. 1 map. Part the second, 1817. xvi,
718 [i] pp. 4ᵒ. Part the third, 1819. xx, 950 pp. 4ᵒ.
Although written with the bias of the period to which it
belongs, it is systematically documented and worthy of
consideration.
=Speer, Robert E[lliott]: South American problems.= By Robert E[lliott]
Speer. New York, Student volunteer movement for foreign missions, 1912.
viii, 270 pp. 12mo. 1 map. 19 illus.
A superficial sketch, containing fragments of ancient history,
and a general description of all the countries of South
America, with special attention to education, the Catholic
religion, and the Protestant missions, written in a good
spirit, and of value to students of these subjects.
=Squier, E[phraim] G[eorge]: Honduras; descriptive, historical and
statistical.= By E[phraim] G[eorge] Squier, formerly chargé d’affaires
of the United States to the republics of Central America. Issued by
permission of the author, and under the authority of his excellency don
Carlos Gutierrez, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the
republic of Honduras in Great Britain. London, Trübner & co., 1870. viii,
178 pp. Small 12mo. front. 1 map.
Unpretentious, sane and too valuable to be overlooked by any
student of the country.
=Squier, E[phraim] George: Peru. Incidents of travel and exploration in
the land of the Incas.= By E[phraim] George Squier, M.A., F.S.A., late
United States commissioner to Peru, etc. With illustrations. New York,
Harper & bros., 1877. xx, 599 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 5 maps. 250 illus.
An important pioneer work of enduring usefulness, pardoning, of
course, occasional vagaries in Spanish.
=Starr, Frederick: In Indian Mexico. A narrative of travel and labor.= By
Frederick Starr. Chicago, Forbes & co., 1908. x, 425 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 96
illus.
A valuable and picturesque description of life and customs
among the Indians of southern México by a trained ethnologist.
=Starr, Frederick: Recent Mexican study of the native languages of
Mexico.= By Frederick Starr. (Under caption: “The university of Chicago,
department of anthropology, bulletin iv.”) Chicago, the university of
Chicago press, 1900. 18 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph.
A valuable bibliography of important works by modern Mexicans
upon the native languages of México.
=Terry, T. Philip: Terry’s Mexico. Handbook for travellers.= By T. Philip
Terry. With two maps and twenty-five plans. City of Mexico, Sonora news
co.; Boston, Houghton Mifflin co., 1909. ccxl, 595 pp. 16ᵒ. 2 maps. 25
plans.
Valuable, both for the traveler and for the student at home.
=Tezozomoc, Fernando de Alvarado: Cronica mexicana de Fernando de
Alvarado Tezozomoc.= (In _Kingsborough’s_ “Mexican Antiquities,” Vol.
IX.) 192 pp. folio.
A work (by an Indian) that deals with the history, the beliefs
and the customs of the Aztecs or Mexicans, which may not be
overlooked by the historian, although, like similar writings
of the period, it must be subjected to critical scrutiny and
accepted at its proper value.
=Thomas, Cyrus: Discoveries in the Mexican and Maya codices.= The
American antiquarian and oriental journal, March, 1886. Chicago, F. H.
Revell. pp. 69-76. 8ᵒ. 3 illus.
An unsuccessful effort at interpretation, yet of interest to
specialists in the study of picture writing.
=Thompson, Edward H.: Archæological researches in Yucatan. Reports of
explorations for the museum.= By Edward H. Thompson. (Under caption:
“Memoirs of the Peabody museum of American archæology and ethnology,
Harvard university. Vol. III, No. 1.”) Cambridge, Massachusetts, the
Museum, 1904. 20 pp. folio. 1 map. 9 plts. 10 illus. in the text.
A good account of interesting explorations, printed in the
luxurious style of this museum upon fine paper with wide
margins, and admirably illustrated.
=Thompson, Edward H.: Cave of Loltun, Yucatan. Report of explorations by
the Museum, 1888-89 and 1890-91.= (Under caption: “Memoirs of the Peabody
museum of American archæology and ethnology, Harvard university, Vol. I,
No. 2.”). Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Museum, 1897. 24 pp. folio. 8
plts. 16 illus. in the text.
See comment on the preceding.
=Thompson, Edward H.: The Chultunes of Labná, Yucatan. Report of the
explorations by the Museum, 1888-89 and 1890-91.= (Under caption:
“Memoirs of the Peabody museum of American archæology and ethnology,
Harvard university. Vol. I, No. 3.”) Cambridge, Massachusetts, the
Museum, 1897. 20 pp. folio. 13 plts. 13 illus. in the text.
See comment above.
=Thompson, George: The war in Paraguay with an historical sketch of the
country and its people and notes upon the military engineering of the
war.= By George Thompson, C.E., lieutenant-colonel of engineers in the
Paraguayan army, aide-de-camp to president Lopez, knight of the order of
merit of Paraguay, etc. With maps, plans and a portrait of Lopez. London,
Longmans, Green & co., 1869. 347 pp. 12mo. front. 5 maps. 3 illus.
An interesting account of persons and events by one who was
in a position to make observations, with few references to
authorities; the occasional efforts at etymology are not
felicitous.
=Torres Caicedo, J[osé] M[aría]: Union latino-americana. Pensamiento de
Bolivar para formar una liga americana; su origen y sus desarrollos y
estudio sobre la gran cuestion que tanto interesa a los estados débiles,
a saber: ¿un gobierna légitimo es responsable por los daños y perjuicios
ocasionados a los extranjeros por las facciones?= Por J[osé] M[aría]
Torres Caicedo, antiguo encargado de negocios de Venezuela, miembro de
la socie[dad] de Economía Política de Paris, de la sociedad de Literatos
de Francia, de la sociedad de Geografía de Paris y de várias otras
sociedades científicas y literarias de Europa y de América, etc. Paris,
libreria de Rosa y Bouret, 1865. 385 pp. 12mo.
An undocumented work by an experienced and distinguished
diplomat and historian; of great value to the serious student
who may be interested in the course of the relations between
the American republics; the following are the main subjects
discussed; confederacy and federation, and explanation of
the early convulsions of Latin America, the union of the
struggling colonies achieved in advance of a theoretical basis,
the congress at Panamá in 1826, later efforts at union, the
American congress at Lima in 1847, continental treaty between
Chile, Perú and Ecuador, plans for uniting the five republics
of Central America, an interpretation of the true Monroe
doctrine, a discussion of British and North American diplomacy
with reference to Latin America, documents.
=Uhle, _Dr._ Max: Pachacamac. Report of the William Pepper, M.D., LL.D.,
Peruvian expedition of 1896.= By _Dr._ Max Uhle. Plan of the city and
twenty-one plates in phototype. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, published by
the department of archæology of the university of Pennsylvania, 1903. xi,
103 pp. large folio. 21 plates. 122 illus.
A comprehensive and valuable account of the work of the
expedition sent under the auspices of the department to explore
the site of the ancient city of Pachacamac in Perú, with ample
documentation.
=Unstead, J. F., and Taylor, E. G. R.: Philips’ comparative wall atlas
of South America.= Edited by J. F. Unstead, M.A., D.Sc., and E. G. R.
Taylor, B.Sc. London, George Philip & son, ltd., the London geographical
institute; New York, C. S. Hammond & co. 8 maps, 36 × 40 inches,
approximately 150 miles to the inch.
It supplies a complete outline of the geography of South
America, each map exhibiting a different aspect, as follows:
relief and communications, political divisions, temperature,
climate, November to April, climate, May to October, density of
population, natural vegetation, economic products; excellent in
every way; of rare educational value.
=Uruguay: General descriptive data prepared in June, 1909.= By the
International bureau of American republics. Washington, D.C., Government
printing office, 1909. 15 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph. 1 chart. 2 illus.
See comment on the similar pamphlet: “Argentine republic, the:
General descriptive data,” etc.
=Usher, Roland G.: Pan-Americanism. A forecast of the inevitable clash
between the United States and Europe’s victor.= By Roland G. Usher,
Ph.D., professor of history, Washington university, St. Louis, author of
“Pan-Germanism,” “The rise of the American people,” etc. New York, The
Century co., 1915. xix, 416 [1] pp. 8ᵒ.
“The major part of the volume has been devoted to the present
condition of the United States and Latin America, with especial
attention to Pan-Americanism as a possible solution of American
problems.”—_Preface._ A sensational attempt at prophecy;
while the right to prophesy may not be denied to any, the
present effort is interesting rather as an exhibition of the
author’s peculiar mentality than as a sane and authenticated
discussion of the subject; the author displays somewhat of the
prestidigitator’s ability to produce a number of dissimilar
things from what was apparently only one thing, as he passes
with baffling agility from shadowy suggestion to elaborate
hypothesis, and thence to the assumption of a completely
demonstrated conclusion; seldom have more varied and glaring
errors and inconsistencies been brought together in one work;
at any rate those who may fear “the inevitable clash between
the United States and Europe’s victor,” to quote the subtitle,
need not be seriously disturbed by this work, for if there is
anything that is not proven in it, it is the inevitableness of
the supposititious “clash.”
=Van Dyke, Harry Weston: Through South America.= By Harry Weston Van
Dyke. With introduction by John Barrett, director general of the
Pan-American union. New York, Thomas Y. Crowell co., [1912]. xxiv, 446
pp. front. 12mo. 41 illus.
The title suggests that this is a book of travel; it is not,
however, in the ordinary sense of the word, as there is no
indication of the author’s route nor of the countries he
visited; it is a concise description of the ten republics of
South America, and of British, Dutch and French Guayana, with
an outline of the history of the conquest and of the struggle
for independence; it has little value as a history, owing to
its superficial and fragmentary character, or as a book of
travel, owing to its peculiar form; the frequent introduction
of inaccurate Spanish and Portuguese is irritating; the
bibliography at the back is too meager to be of much use.
=Vega, Garcilasso de la: First part of the royal commentaries of the
Yncas.= By the Inca Garcilasso de la Vega. Translated and edited, with
notes and an introduction by Clements R. Markham. (In 2 vols. 8ᵒ.)
London, printed for the Hakluyt society. Vol. I, MDCCCLXIX (containing
books I, II, III, IV). xi, 359 pp. Vol. II, MDCCCLXXI (containing books
V, VI, VII, VIII, IX). v, 553 pp. 1 map.
Of unquestionable value for students who desire to go deeply
into the study of early opinion regarding primitive Peruvian
history; the translation is good.
=Venezuela: General descriptive data prepared in June, 1909.= By the
International bureau of American republics. Washington, D.C., Government
printing office, 1909. 16 pp. 8ᵒ. pamph. 5 illus.
See comment on the similar pamphlet: “Argentine republic, the:
General descriptive data,” etc.
=Vincent, Frank: Around and about South America. Twelve months of quest
and query.= New York, D. Appleton & co., 1890. xxiv, 473 pp. 8ᵒ. 2 maps.
4 plans. 54 illus.
A readable, popular story of travel: New York to Panamá,
thence through Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile, the straits of
Magallanes, skirting Falkland islands, Uruguay, Argentina,
Paraguay, Brazil, the Guayanas, Venezuela and Colombia.
=Waleffe, Maurice de: The fair land of Central America.= By Maurice de
Waleffe. Translated by Violette M. Montagu, author of “Sophie Dawes,
queen of Chantilly,” and translator of “Gambetta’s life and letters.”
Preface by Sir A. Conan Doyle. With twenty-four illustrations from
photographs. London, John Long, ltd., MCMXI. 288 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 24 illus.
The author, an airy anti-American Frenchman, gifted with a
trick of clever and mordant expression, while wholly oblivious
to facts, devotes just one chapter (that upon Costa Rica) to
Central America; the rest of the book deals with Trinidad,
Jamaica, Cuba, Panamá and México; not often has so much
nonsense been assembled in one publication; possibly some
readers may be amused, but none will be convinced by this
fantastic book.
=Wallace, Alfred R.: A narrative of travels on the Amazon and rio Negro,
with an account of the native tribes, and observations on the climate,
geology and natural history of the Amazon valley.= By Alfred R. Wallace,
with a map and illustrations. London, Reeve & co., 1853. viii, 541 pp.
front. 2 maps. 7 illus.
An interesting account of travel about the middle of the last
century, with such observations as so alert and discriminating
a writer would make, even in his youth, particularly regarding
the weapons, utensils, etc., and the languages of the Indians.
=Wallace, Dillon: Beyond the Mexican sierras.= By Dillon Wallace, author
of “The Long Labrador trail,” “Ungava Bob,” etc. With 75 illustrations
from photographs by the author, and a map. Chicago, A. C. McClurg & co.,
1910. xxix, 301 pp. 12mo. front. 1 map. 72 illus.
While the author is too much given to generalities, and is
often mistaken about facts and words, the book is interesting
as an account of travel, because it deals with localities
regarding which little has been written.
=Washburn, Charles A[mes]: The history of Paraguay, with notes
of personal observations, and reminiscences of diplomacy under
difficulties.= By Charles A[mes] Washburn, commissioner and minister
resident of the United States at Asuncion from 1861 to 1868. In two
volumes. Boston, Lee & Shepard; New York, Lee, Shepard, & Dillingham,
1871. Vol. I. xii, 571 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. [6 illus.] Vol. II. xiv, 627
pp. 8ᵒ. front. [2 maps. 12 illus.]
Passing lightly over the part that is devoted to history,
which is as satisfactory as could be expected under the
circumstances, the main body of this work, which consists of
personal observations and reminiscences, is an interesting
human document that must be taken into account by students of
the subject.
=Watson, Robert Grant: Spanish and Portuguese South America during the
colonial period.= By Robert Grant Watson, editor of “Murray’s handbook of
Greece.” (In 2 vols. 12mo.) London, Trübner & co., 1884. Vol. I. xvi, 308
pp. 3 maps. Vol. II. viii, 319 pp.
One of the earlier modern histories; not of great present
value, in view of more thorough later publications; the
author misspells many Spanish words, after the manner of his
countrymen generally.
=Wells, William V.: Explorations and adventures in Honduras, comprising
sketches of travel in the gold regions of Olancho, and a review of the
history and general resources of Central America. With original maps, and
numerous illustrations.= By William V. Wells. New York, Harper & bros.,
1857. xxiv, 588 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 2 maps. 61 illus.
Of serious explorations there were none; this is but a book of
travel, not lacking in interest, with occasional references to
history, and to persons who were then making it.
=Whitney, Caspar: The flowing road. Adventures on the great rivers of
South America.= By Caspar Whitney, author of “A Sporting pilgrimage,”
“On snowshoes on the barren grounds,” “Hawaiian America,” “Jungle trails
and jungle people,” etc. With maps and photographs by the author.
Philadelphia and London, J. B. Lippincott & co., 1912. 319 pp. 8ᵒ. front.
53 illus.
A work by one who took keen interest in exploration and
hunting, and in studying the forests and plants of the wilds;
it contains fresh and accurate descriptions of conditions and
incidents of travel, and of nature, with particular attention
to parasitic growths.
=[Willis, Bailey]: Northern Patagonia, character and resources. Volume
I. A study of the elements of development in the region tributary to
the national railway from port San Antonio to lago Nahuel Huapí and
the extension to Valdivia, Chile; including the Andean lake district.
(Under caption: “Ministry of public works, bureau of railways, Argentine
republic.”)= [By Bailey Willis]. Text and maps by the Comisión de
estudios hidrológicos, Bailey Willis, director. [Buenos Aires],
1911-1914. [Scribner’s press, New York.] xix, 464 pp. 8ᵒ. 20 maps in
text, 13 in separate case. 37 illus.
A lucid and wholly admirable account of the thorough and
extensive investigations made by a trained scientist possessed
of every facility for gathering, recording, illustrating and
publishing interesting and useful information regarding the
material potentialities of highly important, but hitherto
only slightly known and charted regions; the maps, pictures,
tables and make-up are of rare excellence; only occasional
inconsistencies in the spelling of Spanish names are to be
noted.
=Wilson, Robert Anderson: A new history of the conquest of Mexico, in
which Las Casas’ denunciations of the popular historians of that war are
fully vindicated.= By Robert Anderson Wilson, counsellor at law; author
of “Mexico and its religion,” etc. Philadelphia, James Challen & son,
etc., 1859. 539 pp. 8ᵒ. front. 19 maps. 20 illus.
An interesting and profusely documented restatement of the
conquest by an aggressive and doughty iconoclast, whose vigor
and bias are as perceptible as his conclusions are illogical
and indefensible.
=Winsor, Justin: Narrative and critical history of America.= Edited by
Justin Winsor, librarian of Harvard university, corresponding secretary
Massachusetts historical society. (In 8 vols. 8ᵒ.) Boston and New York,
Houghton Mifflin co., 1889. Vol. I. Aboriginal America. xxxvii, 470 pp.
front. 54 maps. 54 illus. Vol. II. Spanish explorations and settlements
in America from the fifteenth to the seventeenth century. ix, 640 pp.
113 maps. 135 illus. Vol. III. English explorations and settlements
in North America, 1497-1689. xi, 578 pp. 57 maps. 50 illus. Vol. IV.
French explorations and settlements in North America, and those of the
Portuguese, Dutch and Swedes, 1500-1700. xxx, 516 pp. 140 maps. 35 illus.
Vol. V. The English and French in North America, 1689-1763. vii, 649 pp.
106 maps. 93 illus. Vol. VI. The United States of North America: part 1.
vii, 777 pp. 118 maps. 116 illus. Vol. VII. The United States of North
America: part 2. vii, 610 pp. 32 maps. 129 illus. Vol. VIII. The later
history of British, Spanish and Portuguese America. vii, 604 pp. 123
maps. 122 illus.
A vast storehouse of historical and bibliographical
information; of great value to students, although all will
recognize that the articles upon the different subjects and
periods are naturally of unequal merit, owing to the diversity
of authorship, which formed a part of the editor’s plan; while
the illustrations, which are reproductions, are numerous, they
are crude, and in many cases are too far removed from the first
originals from which they were remotely derived.
=Winter, Nevin O.: Argentine and her people of to-day. An account of the
customs, characteristics, amusements, history and advancement of the
Argentinians, and the development and resources of their country.= By
Nevin O. Winter, author of “Mexico and her people of to-day,” “Brazil and
her people of to-day,” etc. Boston, L. C. Page & co., MDCCCCXI. xiv, 421
pp. 8ᵒ. front. 1 map. 49 illus.
Compare comment on “Brazil and her people of to-day” by this
author.
=Winter, Nevin O.: Brazil and her people of to-day. An account of the
customs, characteristics, amusements, history and advancement of the
Brazilians, and the development and resources of their country.= By
Nevin O. Winter, author of “Mexico and her people of to-day,” “Guatemala
and her people of to-day,” etc. Illustrated from original and selected
photographs by the author. Boston, L. C. Page & co., MDCCCCX. x, 388 pp.
12mo. front. 1 map. 48 illus.
See comment on “Guatemala and her people of to-day” by this
author; a book of the same general character as that, with
less excuse for being, inasmuch as there exists an excellent
literature regarding Brazil.
=Winter, Nevin O.: Guatemala and her people of to-day. Being an account
of the land, its history and development; the people, their customs and
characteristics; to which are added chapters on British Honduras and the
republic of Honduras, with references to the other countries of Central
America, Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.= By Nevin O. Winter, author
of “Mexico and her people of to-day.” Boston, L. C. Page & co., MDCCCCIX.
xii, 307 pp. 12mo. front. 1 map. 48 illus.
An insignificant mesquite is esteemed in a desert; in the same
way this book, the product of a syndicated mind, superficial,
inaccurate in matter and form, and none too proper in spirit,
has a certain value, as a weak portrayal of things as they are,
in want of really good books upon this subject.
=Winter, Nevin O.: Mexico and her people of to-day. An account of the
customs, characteristics, amusements, history and advancement of the
Mexicans, and the development and resources of their country.= By Nevin
O. Winter. Illustrated from original photographs by the author and C. R.
Birt. Boston, L. C. Page & co., [1907]. vi, 395 pp. 12mo. front. 2 maps.
47 illus.
In view of the existence of really good works on this subject,
there is no reason why so slovenly a book as this should
achieve publication.
=Wolf, Teodoro: Geografía y geología del Ecuador. Publicada por órden del
supremo gobierno de la república.= Por Teodoro Wolf, Dr. Phil., antiguo
professor de la escuela Politécnica de Quito y geólogo del estado. Con 12
láminas autotípicas, 47 illustraciones en el texto y 2 cartas. Leipzig,
F. A. Brockhaus, 1892. 671 pp. small 4ᵒ. front. 2 maps. 59 illus.
A fundamentally important work that treats of the topography,
geology and meteorology of continental Ecuador and the
Galápagos archipelago, with a brief account of botany and
zoölogy, enriched by an abundance of supplementary notes; the
maps are good.
=Wright, Mary Robinson: The new Brazil, its resources and attractions,
historical, descriptive, and industrial.= By Mary Robinson Wright, member
of the Geographical society of America, etc., author of “Picturesque
Mexico,” “The republic of Chile,” “Bolivia,” “The history of Peru,” etc.
Philadelphia, George Barrie & sons; London and Paris, C. D. Cazenove &
son, [1907]. 494 pp. 4ᵒ. front. 416 illus.
For comment, compare her work: “The old and new Peru.”
=[Wright, Marie Robinson]: The republic of Chile. The growth, resources,
and industrial conditions of a great nation.= [By Marie Robinson Wright.]
Philadelphia, George Barrie & sons; London and Paris, C. D. Cazenove &
son, [1914]. 450 pp. 4ᵒ. front. 352 illus.
See comment upon her work on Perú.
=Wright, Mary Robinson: The old and the new Peru. A story of the ancient
inheritance and the modern growth and entrance of a great nation.= By
Mary Robinson Wright, member of the Geographical society of America,
Geographical society of Brazil, Historical and Scientific institute
of São Paulo, Geographical society of la Paz; author of “Picturesque
Mexico,” “A new Brazil,” “The republic of Chile,” “Bolivia,” etc.
Philadelphia, George Barrie & sons, 1908; London and Paris, C. D.
Cazenove & son. 456 pp. 4ᵒ. front. 1 map. 346 illus.
A book in a florid style, which thoughtful people can not take
seriously, although it contains fragments of information and
records of impressions that are not without interest.
=Zayas Enríquez, Rafael de: Porfirio Díaz.= By Rafael de Zayas Enríquez.
New York, D. Appleton & co., 1908. v[i], 281 [1] pp. 12mo. front. 3 illus.
Worthy of consideration as an appreciative but not too
laudatory study of General Díaz, with unavailing suggestions
as to what might have led his country into ways of peace and
prosperity.
=Zayas Enríquez, Rafael de: The case of Mexico and the policy of
president Wilson.= By Rafael de Zayas Enríquez, author of “The rise and
fall of president Díaz.” Translated from the Spanish by Andre Tridon. New
York, Albert and Charles Boni, 1914. 209 pp. 12mo.
Making due allowance for the literary faults of this book which
are evident, and for the lack of good taste that characterizes
it, and entirely ignoring the last chapter, which is an absurd
misinterpretation of president Wilson’s attitude, and bearing
in mind that it was a frank plea for the recognition of Huerta,
it is an interesting statement of the case.
=Zeballos, Estanislao S.: Argument for the Argentine republic upon the
question with Brazil in regard to the territory of Missions, submitted to
the arbitration of the president of the United States, in accordance with
the treaty of September 7, 1889.= Presented by Estanislao S. Zeballos,
envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the Argentine
republic. Accompanied by documents and maps under the title of “Argentine
evidence.” Washington, D.C., 1894. 4ᵒ. 20 maps.
An important collection of documents and maps.
Printed in the United States of America.