Magic Part 15

Why do most persons dislike to write letters? Is it not because they cannot say the right thing in the right place? This admirable book not only shows by numerous examples just what kind of letters to write, but by directions and suggestions enables the reader to become an accomplished original letter writer. -- There are forms for all kinds of business and social letters, including invitations, acceptances, letters of sympathy, congratulations, and love letters.

QUOTATIONS

By Agnes H. Morton

A clever compilation of pithy quotations, selected from a great variety of sources, and alphabetically arranged according to the sentiment. -- In addition to all the popular quotations in current use, it contains many rare bits of prose and verse not generally found in similar collections. -- One important feature of the book is found in the characteristic lines from well known authors, in which the familiar sayings are credited to their original sources.

EPITAPHS

By Frederic W. Unger

Even death has its humorous side. -- There are said to be "sermons in stones," but when they are tombstones mere is many a smile mixed with the moral. -- Usually churchyard humor is all the more delightful because it is unconscious, but there are times when it is intentional and none the less amusing. -- Of epitaphs, old and new, this book contains the best. It is full of quaint bits of obituary fancy, with a touch of the gruesome here and there for a relish.

PROVERBS

By John H. Bechtel

The genius, wit, and spirit of a nation are discovered in its proverbs, and the condensed wisdom of all ages and all nations is embodied in them. -- A good proverb that fits the case is often a convincing argument. -- This volume contains a representative collection of proverbs, old and new, and the indexes, topical and alphabetical, enable one to End readily just what he requires.

THINGS WORTH KNOWING

By John H. Bechtel

Can you name the coldest place in the United States or tell what year had 445 days? Do you know how soon the coal fields of the world are likely to be exhausted, or how the speed of a moving train may be told?

What should you do first if you got a cinder in your eye, or your neighbor's baby swallowed a pin? This unique, up-to-date book answers thousands of just such interesting and useful questions.

A DICTIONARY OF MYTHOLOGY

By John H. Bechtel

Most of us dislike to look up a mythological subject because of the time required. -- This book remedies that difficulty because in it can be found at a glance just what is wanted. -- It is comprehensive, convenient, condensed, and the information is presented in such an interesting manner that when once read it will always be remembered. -- A distinctive feature of the book is the p.r.o.nunciation of the proper names, something found in few other works.

SLIPS OF SPEECH

By John H. Bechtel

Who does not make them? The best of us do. -- Why not avoid them? Any one inspired with the spirit of self-improvement may readily do so. -- No necessity for studying rules of grammar or rhetoric when this book may be had. It teaches both without the study of either. -- It is a counsellor, a critic, a companion, and a guide, and is written in a most entertaining and chatty style.

HANDBOOK OF p.r.o.nUNCIATION

By John H. Bechtel

What is more disagreeable than a faulty p.r.o.nunciation? No other defect so clearly shows a lack of culture. -- This book contains over 5,000 words on which most of us are apt to trip. -- They are here p.r.o.nounced in the clearest and simplest manner, and according to the best authority. -- It is more readily consulted than a dictionary, and is just as reliable.

PRACTICAL SYNONYMS

By John H. Bechtel

A new word is a new tool. -- This book will not only enlarge your vocabulary, but will show you how to express the exact shade of meaning you have in mind, and will cultivate a more precise habit of thought and speech. -- It will be found invaluable to busy journalists, merchants, lawyers, or clergymen, and as an aid to teachers no less than to the boys and girls under their care.

READY MADE SPEECHES

By George Hapgood, Esq.

Pretty much everybody in these latter days, is now and again called upon "to say a few words in public." -- Unfortunately, however, but few of us are gifted with the power of ready and graceful speech. -- This is a book of carefully planned model speeches to aid those who, without some slight help, must remain silent. -- There is a preliminary chapter of general advice to speakers.

AFTER-DINNER STORIES

By John Harrison

The dinner itself may be ever so good, and yet prove a failure if there is no mirth to enliven the company. -- Nothing adds so much zest to an occasion of this kind as a good story well told. -- Here are hundreds of the latest, best, brightest, and most catchy stories, all of them short and pithy, and so easy to remember that anyone can tell them successfully. -- There are also a number of selected toasts suitable to all occasions.

TOASTS

By William Pittenger

Most men dread being called upon to respond to a toast or to make an address. -- What would you not give for the ability to be rid of this embarra.s.sment? No need to give much when you can learn the art from this little book. -- It will tell you how to do it; not only that, but by example it will show the way. -- It is valuable not alone to the novice, but to the experienced speaker, who will gather from it many suggestions.

THE DEBATER'S TREASURY

By William Pittenger

There is no greater ability than the power of skillful and forcible debate, and no accomplishment more readily acquired if the person is properly directed. -- In this little volume are directions for organizing and conducting debating societies and practical suggestions for all who desire to discuss questions in public. -- There is also a list of over 200 questions for debate, with arguments both affirmative and negative.

PUNCTUATION

By Paul Allardyce

Few persons can punctuate properly; to avoid mistakes many do not punctuate at all. -- A perusal of this book will remove all difficulties and make all points clear. -- The rules are plainly stated and freely ill.u.s.trated, thus furnis.h.i.+ng a most useful volume. -- The author is everywhere recognized as the leading authority upon the subject, and what he has to say is practical, concise, and comprehensive.

ORATORY

By Henry Ward Beecher

Few men ever enjoyed a wider experience or achieved a higher reputation in public speaking than Mr. Beecher. -- What he had to say on this subject was born of experience, and his own inimitable style was at once both statement and ill.u.s.tration of his theme. -- This volume is a unique and masterly treatise on the fundamental principles of true oratory.