"It is easy to see that Mr. Praeger knew his subject well and was fully competent to write about it."--CHICAGO TRIBUNE. "The story of Wagner's life and labors is retold in this volume with that added charm which comes from the pen of a writer personally engaged in the action described. The account of Wagner's visit to London, when he was Dr. Praeger's guest, is full of interest and brings the man before the reader more picturesquely than any other part of the book.... On the whole this volume is a valuable addition to the already large library of Wagner literature."--N. Y. TIMES. LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO., 91 and 93 Fifth Avenue, New York. CHRISTIAN THAL. THE STORY OF A MUSICAL LIFE. By M. E. FRANCIS (Mrs. FRANCIS BLUNDELL), AUTHOR OF "THE DUENNA OF A GENIUS," "MANOR FARM," ETC. Crown 8vo, $1.50 " ... This year has seen several attempts to produce a real 'musical novel.' That of Mrs. Francis is one of the best, it is a pretty story and one which will give no little inspiration among students in the reading.... In 'Christian Thal' the characters are such as we all know and can well understand.... It is, although a musical novel, very human."--MUSICAL LIFE, NEW YORK. " ... We have seldom read anything more charming than are parts, at least, of this picture of artistic, semi-Bohemian life in Germany; she has caught the very spirit of it, she makes one feel it all--the frank good-comradeship, the bubbling enthusiasm for art, the childlike disregard for conventionalities. And the characters are delightfully drawn, too, with delicate yet incisive touches...."--COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER, NEW YORK. " ... The temperament that goes with great artistic genius is well displayed in the hero. As a story we are glad to say that the interest steadily heightens to the end, and that the book contains pathos, sentiment, humor, and the other characteristics demanded by a readable work in fiction...."--THE ÉTUDE. " ... It is nevertheless one of the most readable of Mrs. Francis Blundell's (M. E. Francis') novels. It centers in musical circles, in the love affair of a young musical genius, 'Christian Thal' of foreign origin, and a young English girl whom he meets at a German health resort.... This is a very good companion for one's resting hours."--CHICAGO RECORD-HERALD. "An interesting novel in which love, music, and human weakness, and the waywardness of woman are strangely and cleverly blended. Each chapter is headlined with a bar of music and the entire story is keyed to respond to the musical theme. Dramatic and absorbing."--PITTSBURGH CHRONICLE-TELEGRAPH. " ... There is a fascination about the tale which will hold the reader."--PICAYUNE, NEW ORLEANS.