New Books
Myths and Legends of the New York State Iroquois by Harriet Maxwell Converse
Published June 22, 2024
Steeped in indigenous cultures by her father and grandfather, Harriet Maxwell Converse had a longstanding interest in the natives of New York State, but her life and thought took a new direction when she met the Iroquois sachem Gen. Ely S. Parker, himself a Seneca Indian of the Wolf Clan. The experiences she had when he took her to his reservation fanned her interest into a passion. She admired their laws and customs and marveled at their wondrous national vitality and their endurance. Her untiring activity on behalf of the natives, both in Albany and Washington, D.C. won their esteem and confidence. In return one of the national Seneca sachems made arrangements to adopt her as a sister, receiving her into the Snipe Clan. This gave her access to hearing the myths and legends in various settings that are recounted in this volume. Ages 13-18.
Practical Arithmetics, Book 3 by George D. Strayer and Clifford B. Upton
Published May 7, 2024
Intended for children in grades 7 and 8, Book 3 of the Strayer-Upton Practical Arithmetics series builds upon the foundational operations introduced in Books 1 and 2. Ages 12-14.
The Wonderful Winter by Marchette Chute
Published April 12, 2024
This second part of The Oxford Book of English Verse introduces the reader to Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and the writers of the generation that followed. Especially noteworthy are the riches of the Bard himself, the bluff certainties of Ben Jonson, Robert Herrick's lyricism, and the contrasting devotional poems of John Donne and George Herbert, though golden lines are plentiful throughout this work. Readers may quite possibly discover that this is their favorite period in English poetry, as many others have before them. Ages 13-18.
Published April 12, 2024
Join author Nellie B. Allen as she leads you on a journey of discovery through Europe, which is home to more than twenty countries though one of the smaller continents. She explains in the introduction that with peoples geographically isolated by bodies of water and mountain ranges, it is no wonder that so many languages and customs arose, with many Europeans able to speak multiple languages. Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, Europe quickly became a leader in manufacturing and commerce with robust shipbuilding, fishing, and dairying industries often spanning multiple countries. Author Nellie B. Allen introduces you to these, but also explores the cultivation of some specialty products such as cork in Portugal, olives in Spain, vineyards in Spain, linen in Ireland, and silk in Italy. With each country she visits, she tells you about the people that live there: what they typically eat, how they dress, what their homes are like, and the pastimes they enjoy. Questions throughout the text and suggested activities at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to think further about the material. Ages 10-12.
The Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 2: Shakespeare to the Restoration by Arthur Quiller-Couch
Published April 4, 2024
This second part of The Oxford Book of English Verse introduces the reader to Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and the writers of the generation that followed. Especially noteworthy are the riches of the Bard himself, the bluff certainties of Ben Jonson, Robert Herrick's lyricism, and the contrasting devotional poems of John Donne and George Herbert, though golden lines are plentiful throughout this work. Readers may quite possibly discover that this is their favorite period in English poetry, as many others have before them. Ages 13-18.
Published March 25, 2024
A treasure trove of information about the trappings of life in England in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, when everything was crafted by hand, either in the home or in the workshop of a skilled craftsman. Profusely illustrated with drawings and other illustrations showing the buildings they inhabited, the clothes they wore, the ships they built, the conveyances they used, the games and occupations they enjoyed, as well as the implements used in all endeavors, including agricultural pursuits and the preparation of food. A fine book to round out the picture given by history books that focus primarily on political events and the people involved. For each century a timeline is provided listing kings and queens, famous men, great events, and principal buildings that helps the reader connect the things of a century with the people and events of that era. A book that is enjoyed as much by adults as it is by youth. There are dozens of black and white images in this edition. Ages 13-18.
Published March 25, 2024
A treasure trove of information about the trappings of life in England in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, when everything was crafted by hand, either in the home or in the workshop of a skilled craftsman. Profusely illustrated with drawings and other illustrations showing the buildings they inhabited, the clothes they wore, the ships they built, the conveyances they used, the games and occupations they enjoyed, as well as the implements used in all endeavors, including agricultural pursuits and the preparation of food. A fine book to round out the picture given by history books that focus primarily on political events and the people involved. For each century a timeline is provided listing kings and queens, famous men, great events, and principal buildings that helps the reader connect the things of a century with the people and events of that era. A book that is enjoyed as much by adults as it is by youth. The four color illustrations in the original edition are rendered in black and white in this edition. Ages 13-18.
Don Quixote of La Mancha adapted by Mabel F. Wheaton
Published March 18, 2024
The adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, his squire, featuring the crazy knight on his broken-down old plow-horse, in his rusty armor, his helmet mended with bits of green ribbon, and portly Sancho, faithful, grumbling when hungry, cheerful when fed, shrewd and talkative, jogging behind him on Dapple, his sturdy mule, "the light of his eyes." Ages 13-18.
The Age of Fable by Thomas Bulfinch
Published March 1, 2024
A comprehensive collection of Greek and Roman myths, with a sampling from Persia, India, and Scandinavia—stories enjoyable in and of themselves, but also valuable because allusions to them are so common in modern parlance. How the myths are employed by modern writers is demonstrated by the inclusion of one excerpt after another of British poetry in close proximity to the myth that inspired it. Ages 12-18.
The Burgess Bird Book for Children (Color Edition) by Thornton W. Burgess
Published February 27, 2024
Through the eyes of Peter Rabbit we become acquainted with a variety of birds as they return to Peter's neighborhood in the spring. In the context of the story about each bird, we hear about its nesting habits, its feeding preferences, and its interactions with other wildlife. We meet Jenny Wren, Scrapper the King-bird, Redwing the Blackbird, and dozens more. An engaging introduction to birds for young children, with over thirty color illustrations by noted illustrator Louis Agassiz Fuertes. Ages 6-9.
The Dove in the Eagle's Nest (Black and White Edition) by Charlotte M. Yonge
Published February 8, 2024
Through strange events, a little burgher maid becomes mistress of a castle of robber barons. This lonely castle of Adlerstein perched high on the rocks above a dangerous ford, is known as the eagle's eyrie. Here the twin barons are born and grow to manhood. The story tells of their love for each other, and of the separation of the brothers after the battle at the ford. How the feud between the rival barons is healed and a chapel of peace is built at the terrible ford, concludes one of the best known tales of Charlotte Yonge. Expressive illustrations by noted illustrator Marguerite de Angeli accompany the text. Ages 13-18.
The Dove in the Eagle's Nest (Color Edition) by Charlotte M. Yonge
Published February 8, 2024
Through strange events, a little burgher maid becomes mistress of a castle of robber barons. This lonely castle of Adlerstein perched high on the rocks above a dangerous ford, is known as the eagle's eyrie. Here the twin barons are born and grow to manhood. The story tells of their love for each other, and of the separation of the brothers after the battle at the ford. How the feud between the rival barons is healed and a chapel of peace is built at the terrible ford, concludes one of the best known tales of Charlotte Yonge. Expressive illustrations by noted illustrator Marguerite de Angeli accompany the text. Ages 13-18.
Johann Sebastian Bach by George P. Upton
Published February 2, 2024
George Upton's brief biography of one of the greatest classical composers of all time is written in an engaging narrative style, making it read more like a historical novel than a dry biographical text. The highlights of Bach's life and career are all here, making this a wonderful introduction for any student of music or western culture. Bach's music is wonderful on its own, but one's appreciation of it can only be enriched by gaining a sense of the character of the man who wrote it. Ages 8-12.
Chaucer for Children by Mrs. H. R. Haweis
Published May 25, 2023
An introductory guide to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales with much explanatory material including a prologue introducing the poem, biographical material about Chaucer the tale-teller, and introductions to all the pilgrims. Excerpts from the poem itself are laid out side by side with the Old English version on the left and a modern English version on the right, with glosses in the margin explaining unfamiliar words, as well as footnotes to provide further information. Prose summaries are interspersed with the poetic selections. The title of this book may be misleading to modern audiences. It is definitely not for children below the age of 13, but will serve as a great introduction to Chaucer for both young adult and adult readers. Ages 13-18.
The Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 1: Medievals to Marlowe by Arthur Quiller-Couch
Published March 25, 2023
The Oxford Book of English Verse brings together the best poetry in English. Part 1 offers the reader a surprisingly impartial cross section of British poetry from the 13th to the 16th centuries, including madrigals, ballads, devotional works, and much more. From the ornate language of Edmund Spenser to wild and vigorous lines by Scottish poets such as Robert Henryson and William Dunbar, readers are likely to find words here that sing the workaday mind to sleep, and open their heart's eyes on new countries. Ages 13-18.
Published March 25, 2023
Fourth and final volume in The Everyday Life Series by Marjorie and C. H. B. Quennell. An attractive and vividly written book about life during Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman times in England, with dozens of delightful illustrations depicting structures and artifacts up to the time of the Norman Conquest. Ages 13-18.
Everyday Life in Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman Times (Color Edition) by Marjorie and C. H. B. Quennell
Published March 24, 2023
Fourth and final volume in The Everyday Life Series by Marjorie and C. H. B. Quennell. An attractive and vividly written book about life during Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman times in England, with dozens of delightful illustrations depicting structures and artifacts up to the time of the Norman Conquest. Ages 13-18.
Lessons in Experimental and Practical Geometry by H. S. Hall
Published January 30, 2023
A short preliminary course of practical and experimental work in geometry to give the beginning student clear mental pictures of geometric objects and constructions. Early chapters introduce easy exercises in drawing to illustrate definitions, measurement of lines and angles, and the use of compasses and protractor. Next come problems on bisection, parallels, and perpendiculars, followed by the use of set squares and the construction of triangles and quadrilaterals. Problems are explained informally, with the results verified by measurement. Ages 13-16.