A book frequently becomes a great factor in a human life, and many a man has cursed the day when a bad book, or blessed the day when a good book, fell into his hands. To my notion there can be no greater act of friendly service than the putting of a good book into a man's hands. For there are books and books. Aside from all vile and outspokenly bad and worldly literature, there is much difference even among books that treat on good lines. I used to think that the very that a book was published would be sure guarantee of value; for surely no writer would waste time and go to expenses; or if he did, no publisher would waste labor or money upon a worthless book. But I have long since been cured of the idea. There are thousands and thousands of books on the market that are by no means worth the paper they are printed on. Life is short, and the search is long and costly. One cannot but appreciate it when a friend puts him on the track of a really good book.

      If you are searching for a good help on Bible Study. I recommend "How to Master the English Bible," by J. M. Gray, which costs 40c; or Torrey, "How to Study the Bible to Greatest Profit," 75c. Gray's "Synthetic Bible Studies," $1.50 is very fine for a general survey study of the Bible. A first class book concerning the Bible, and dealing with almost every question that may arise in regard to the Bible itself is, Angus-Green, "Cyclopedic Handbook to the Bible," $1.50.

      As for helps and commentaries, McGarvey on Acts cannot be beat, $1.50. On I. Corinthians I have seen nothing better than Hodge (50c).

      The greatest little book on the Christian life, just the thing for spirit-burdened, discouraged Christians, is "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life," by H. W. S., 40c postpaid.

      Philip Mauro is a superior writer, clear and strong, with fine spiritual insight. The following two book's I consider his best: "The Number of Man"--which deals with the trend of world affairs and movements in the light of God's word. No man would have been better qualified to write on this than Mauro. 75c. "Life in the Word," a masterful little book on the value of the Bible. 50c.

      I shall take occasion from time to time to speak of books of which I have personal knowledge. But while recommending such books I would not understand as endorsing every statement and sentiment they contain, but only in the main. Every book written by man--no matter who the man--comes under the rule: "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good."

      The Lord's Day Lessons have come in for special commendation on part of our readers. They can also be had separately, a month's lessons in 8 page folder; price 15c a dozen folders; or in quantities of 20 or more, one cent per folder. [88]

["About Books." Word and Work 9 (February 1916): 88.]

      The electronic version of R. H. Boll's "About Books" has been produced from microfilm of Word and Work for 1916.

      Pagination in the electronic version has been represented by placing the page number in brackets following the last complete word on the printed page. Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained; however, corrections have been offered for misspellings and other accidental corruptions. Emendations are as follows:

            Printed Text [ Electronic Text
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 p. 88:     H. W .S., [ H. W. S.,
 

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 5 February 2002.
Updated 22 June 2003.