Literary Notices. 675
and when informed that any failed to receive special numbers we have promptly mailed duplicates. We mention this because we sometimes receive complaints (especially from one in arrears) of failure to receive numbers a year or more ago. A postal card sent at the time of the failure of the num- bers will always receive prompt attention. But we beg to remind our mem- bers that their fees are due and are needed, zvhether they receive any publi- cations or not.
We are not using our "special fund " (which is safely invested) for cur- rent expenses, and as we must promptly meet these, we need every dollar due us (though if we had to-day the half of what is due we should be very comfortable), and we beg our friends to send us their dues at on'Ce, without waiting for an agent to call on them, or for any furtiier reminder.
Literary Notices.
THE LETTERS AND TIMES OF THE TYLERS. By Lyom G. Tyler. In two volumes. Volume L Richmond, Va. : Whittet & Shepperson. 1884.
We are indebted to the accomplished author for a copy of this valuable book, which, in paper, type, binding, and general get-up, are admirable specimens of the book-maker's art, and reflect high credit on all concerned. We must reserve for the future the full review which the book deserves, as we have space now for only a brief notice.
But we must say, that while any book on the " Letters and Times" of these distinguished Virginians would be of interest and historic value, our author has shown industrious research in collecting his materials, and great ability in using them — that he wields a facile, graceful pen — and that he has not only written a most readable and entertaining biography, but has made a contribution of real value to the history of the important epoch of which he treats. While with filial hand he draws the portraits and vindicates the fame of his distinguished father and grandfather, he brings out clearly the times in which they lived, pictures the men with who^n they came in contact, and describes the great measures of State and Federal policy with which they were connected. We cordially commend the book as one which should be in every library.
FIFTY YEARS OBSERVATIONS OF MEN AND EVENTS— CIVIL AND MILITARY. By General E. D. Keys. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 18S4.
The publishers have sent us (through West & Johnston, Richmond) this exceedingly entertaining narrative of a gallant and distinguished soldier wl^o has shown that he can wield the pen with as much facility as the sword. It is a gossipy, interesting book about men and things, and while we can- not, of course, accept all of the author's opinions, yet we are pleased with the kindly tone in which he speaks of many of our Confederate leaders. E. g., he says of Stoneivall fackson :
