Nothing can so much advance truly Catholic science and literature as the free interchange of national ideas and opinions, expressed through the master minds of the various professions and pursuits. * * * * * LIFE PICTURES OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Translated from the German of Rev. Dr. John Emmanuel Veith, formerly Preacher of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna. By Rev. Theodore Noethen, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Cross, Albany, N. Y. Boston: P. Donahoe. The various personages connected with the sufferings and death of our Saviour--Judas Iscariot, Caiaphas, Malchus, Simon Peter, etc.--receive each a chapter in this book, in which their characters are portrayed with appropriate reflections and illustrations drawn from history, religious and secular. The author is one of the most distinguished preachers in Europe. The translator is a clergyman well and favorably known for the many excellent translations of German religious books which he has given to the American public. _Life Pictures_ will be found very suitable reading for this season of the year. * * * * * HEALTH BY GOOD LIVING. By W. W. Hall, M.D. New York: Hurd & Houghton. 1870. Pp. 277. This work is intended to show that good health can be maintained, and many diseases prevented, by proper care in eating. The doctor does not use the phrase "good living" in its ordinary meaning; he defines it to be a good appetite followed by good digestion. His rules for obtaining this two-fold blessing are generally sensible; but a few of his statements are somewhat exaggerated. We have no doubt that the health of the community would be improved by following the common-sense directions of Dr. Hall; but unfortunately, as the doctor himself remarks, not one person in a thousand of his readers will have sufficient control over his appetite to carry out these suggestions, which require so much self-denial. We are glad to see the doctor recommends a strict observance of Lent. * * * * * A GENERAL HISTORY OF MODERN EUROPE, FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY TO THE COUNCIL OF THE VATICAN. Third edition, revised and corrected. By John G. Shea. New York: T. W. Strong, (late Edward Dunigan & Brother.) The merit of this history as a text-book has been long and widely recognized. The correction, revision, and addenda do not call for any special notice. * * * * * THE FERRYMAN OF THE TIBER. An Historical Tale. Translated from the Italian of Madame A. K. De La Grange. New York: P. O'Shea, 27 Barclay street. 1870.