OUR BOOKING-OFFICE. _A Strange Career_ is the title of a book recently issued by BLACKWOOD, and it sets forth the life and adventures of JOHN GLADWYN JEBB. Mr. RIDER HAGGARD supplies an introduction, in which he testifies touching Mr. JEBB that of "all friends he was the gentlest and truest, of all men the most trustful." At first reading this testimony is almost necessary, for so wild were Mr. JEBB's adventures in Mexico, so imminent his frequent peril, and so miraculous his inevitable escape, that one seems to be reading a work by Mr. LOUIS STEVENSON, or the author of _She_. In merit of graphic power and style the work need not shrink from comparison even with these masters of the art. It purports to be written by Mr. JEBB'S widow, but as the lady did not become his wife till his strange career had several times been nearly brought to an abrupt close, Mr. JEBB must have been as effective with his pen as he was with his gun. The picture of the eclipse of the sun seen from one of the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains; the discovery of the pipe-stem when digging round the snow-submerged site of a hut in the mountains, a discovery which, carefully followed up, brought to light "the whiteish-grey fingers of the dead man closely clutching the bowl of the pipe"; the account of the revolt in the streets of the city of Mexico; and the story of the coach party robbed by bandits four times in a single day on a journey from Puebla to Vera Cruz--these are among the frequent flashes in one of the most stirring narratives that has for a long time come in my Baronite's way. [Illustration] Evidently "Mars," in return for our late curiosity, has been keeping his eye on this gay little planet of ours. His experiences, published by the Parisian firm of _Plon, Nourrit et Cie_, are pictorially related in _La Vie de Londres_. Needless to remark it was our _Côtés riants_ which struck him. The Baron cannot finish his notes of admiration without giving one of them, and that a big one, to _Phil May's Annual_. That May should appear to brighten up December fogs is nice in itself; and it is phill'd with the best of May produce. "Another thing," quoth the Baron, "about this annual by PHIL MAY is, that all _mes filles_ can read it and see it with pleasure." At this time of year the Baron examines the "Hardy Annuals" that are heaped upon his table. At the first examination he gives the apple to the "Pip," _i.e._, to the _The Penny Illustrated Paper_, that is, as represented by it's Christmas number called _Christmas Cards_. Charming picture, too, of "_The Queen of Hearts_," photographed from the life--"may she live long and prosper!"--and the story re-latey'd by the indefatigable JOHN LATEY "will delight the most insatiable story-devourer," quoth THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS. * * * * * IMPROVED AND IMPROVING DIALOGUES. (_Arranged on the strictest Lines of Truth._) _At_ Mrs. SOMEBODY'S _on "At Home" Day_.