GRANITE LAUGHTER AND MARBLE TEARS:

Epitaphs of Old NewEngland, by Robert Pike. Stephen DayePress, Brattleboro, Vermont.

It is curious that in recent times no book has been published before this one appeared on old New England epitaphs, for they fascinate most of us, revealing as they do a quaint humor and an antiquated, but apparently adequate, theology. Mr. Pike has done a fine job, and it is one of the most appropriately designed books to come from a press which has a fine reputation for book design. Call it a new chapter or an appendix to New England history or what you will: it is a valuable and amusing contribution.