Page:American Historical Review, Vol. 23.djvu/148

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138
Reviews of Books

but Mr. Law's final word on the subject is that "we are justified in the conclusion" that Muhammadan ladies in general were "not so ignorant as it is generally supposed".

Vespucci Reprints, Texts and Studies. Volumes II., IV., V., VI., VII. Lettera di Amerigo Vespucci delle Isole Nuovamente trovate in Quattro Suoi Viaggi [1504], Facsimile. Amerigo Vespucci: Letter to Piero Soderini, Gonfaloniere. The Year 1504. Translated with Introduction and Notes by George Tyler Northup. Mundus Novus, Letter to Lorenzo Pietro di Medici. Translated by George Tyler Northup. Paesi Novamente Ritrovati et Novo Mondo da Alberico Vesputio Florentino Intitulato [1508], Facsimile. Sensuyt le Nouveau Monde et Navigations Faictes par Emeric Vespuce Florentin. Des Pays et Isles Nouvellement trouvez auparavant a nous inconneuz fant en I'Ethiopie que Arrabie Calichut et aultres plusieurs Regions Estranges. Translate de Italien en Langue Francoise par Mathiirin du Redouer, Licencie es Loix, [1515], Facsimile. (Princeton: Princeton University Press; London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press. 1916. Pp. 32; 52, 65; 13; 166; 184. $6.75.)

This series, as explained in each of these five scholarly volumes, had its origin in the gifts to the Princeton University Library, by Mr. Cyrus H. McCormick, of eight tracts relating to Vespucci, all formerly in the famous Hoe Collection. Because of the need for inexpensive and reliable copies of prime sources, authority was granted for the publication of any of the McCormick gifts in facsimile together with other basic documents, in order that they might be used in the training of the critical faculty in students of American history. The definite subject-matter of the first volume of the series, which is not yet published, has not been announced. Volume III. will be a facsimile of the Florence Manuscript of the Soderini Letter. Provision has also been made for the publication of as many as possible of the various editions of the Latin text of the Mundus Novus or Medici Letter, together with a critical bibliographical study of them by Mr. George P. Winship; the Von der new Gefunden Region; the Latin version of the Soderini Letter, etc. The five volumes already published are a distinct contribution to Vespucciana, and the student of the early origins of America will await with impatience the remaining volumes of the series. Their scholarly and dignified appearance and their mechanical excellence, coupled with their very moderate price, should all combine to give them a wide circulation. The three facsimiles, admirably reproduced by the photographic method, offer students sources as valuable as the rare