BOOK NOTICES. 701 
The Comedy-Ballet of Gueguence: Edited by Daniel G. Brinton, A. M., 
M. D. Octavo, pp. 94; Philadelphia, 1883. Paper $2.00, cloth $2.50. 
This ii5 Volume III of Dr. Brinton's Library of Aboriginal Literature, the 
aim of which is to put within the reach of scholars authentic materials for the 
study of languages, history and culture of the native races of North and South 
America. It is a curious and unique work, being, as the editor states, the only 
specimen of the native American comedy known to him. It is composed in a 
mixed dialect, mixed low Spanish and corrupt Aztec, difficult of translation, and 
only valuable as exhibiting the peculiarities and characteristics of the^natives, and 
giving the reader an idea of their humor, as well as of their colloquial language. 
The rendering of such pieces was, of course, accompanied with songs and dances. 
Although doubtless of recent origin, such pieces are riot common nowadays, and 
as before stated, this is the only one ever published, as far as is known. It was 
obtained by the late Dr. C. H. Berendt, who prepared it by comparison of two 
manuscript copies in 1874. 
The translation is preceded by an introduction by Dr. Brinton, in which the 
ethnology, the local dialects, musical instruments and dramatic exhibitions- of 
Nicaragua are fully discussed. A map and numerous illustrations assist in 
making the text clear. 
Several other volumes of this series are in preparation by noted ethnologists 
like Prof. A. S. Gatschet, A. F. Bandelier, Ernantez Xahila, and others, all of 
which will be edited by Dr. Brinton, and will possess rare interest to archaeolo- 
gists and other persons interested in American history. 
Times of Charles XII: ByZ Topelius. i2mo., pp. 349. Jansen, McClurg 
& Co., Chicago, 1884. For sale by M. H. Dickinson, $1.25. 
This is the third of the "Surgeon's Stories" announced by us last year, 
the first and second having been " The Times of Gustaf Adolf," and " Times of 
Battle and Rest." To these are to succeed three others of similar character, 
which are now in preparation. The author is Professor of History in the Uni- 
versity of Finland, from whose original text these historical romances have been 
carefully translated. 
The volume now before us gives, under the guise of a romance, a very 
graphic account of the life of Charles XII of Sweden, and the historical and 
social events of the period between about 1697 and 17 18, a period filled with 
exciting events of a very important bearing upon the subsequent history of 
Europe. The story is well told and the translation in most respects does justice 
to the author. The accounts of the great military efforts and achievements of 
Charles and his generals in Germany, Russia, Norway, etc., are admirably woven 
about by the thread of the story, which involves the career of the hero Gustaf 
Adolf Bertelskold, General Armfelt, Count Horn and other notable personages 
of the period. 
