court. There is something medieval in his miracle plays, and his appearance as civil judge; something almost patristic in the Agapés held after funerals and on feast days. In the establishment of mutual loan associations he is distinctly modern. His pedagogical ideas were simple and very imperfectly developed. If most of his works have not survived him it is because he undertook too much. In this he is a twin brother to St. Gilbert of England.

The translation is well done. Since this is almost the only life of the saint in English it is to be regretted that the original is marred by some blemishes. Lacordaire, for instance, was no reformer of his Order, but only re-established it in France. The comparison of these two great men is far-fetched, for their similarities are apparent only. Insufficient historical background in which Fourier figures, leaves the way open to misconceptions. So, too, the tone in which the author speaks of the saint's literary accommodation to the dignity of his correspondents makes the saint appear little better than a mere sycophant.

A SPOILED PRIEST AND OTHER STORIES. By P. A. Sheehan, D. D. New York: Benziger Bros. 1905. Illus., 12mo, pp. 212.

Those who have become readers of Dr. Sheehan's "New Curate," "Luke Delmege," "The Triumph of Failure," etc., are undoubtedly eager to read everything that Dr. Sheehan has written; he seems to identify himself with the product of his brain and we want to know him. To cater to this popular demand was probably the purpose or intent of the publishers in issuing this volume. It contains several stories written by the author in his younger days. Fr. Sheehan is there but without the finesse that characterizes his later work. "The Spoiled Priest," narrating the life of one who was judged to

lack a vocation for the priesthood, and "Rita, the Street Singer," with its pathos and misery will furnish delightful reading. All the stories are bright and interesting but these seem to be more like Dr. Sheehan.

THE DEVOTION TO THE sacred heart OF JESUS. By H. Noldin, S. J. Revised by Rev. W. H. Kent, O. S. C. New York: Benziger Bros. 1905. 12mo, pp. 272. $1.25.

"Devotion to the Sacred Heart," says Father Noldin, "is indispensable to the priest who wishes to acquire the true sacerdotal spirit and the virtues proper to his state." He then goes on to show the intrinsic excellence of the devotion. It is a thorough, practical and eminently devotional treatise on the great devotion to the Sacred Heart. While much that is contained in the book is meant for priests and seminarians only still there is so clear and concise explanation of the origin, the scope, the object, and general excellence of the devotion that every devout Catholic would find it help

Father Noldin also explains the purpose of the Apostleship of Prayer, and in an appendix offers many beautiful prayers to foster devotion to the Sacred Heart.

THE RIDINGDALE BOYS. By David Bearne, S. J. New York: Benziger Bros. Illus., 12mo., pp. 356. $1.85.

Here is a story for boys that bids fair to equal any of Father Finn's successes. The boys are real, live boys, talk as boys, act as boys. The hero is Lance Ridingdale. He possesses a talent for singing and a voice of rare excellence. It makes him very popular with the fair sex, but this is very disagreeable to him, and this latter trait serves to make him beloved by his companions. He is mischievous but never bad. His pranks and mishaps, as well as his good actions, will delight and entertain every juvenile reader.