THE TREASURE CHEST

Whether or not the publication of The Practical Cogitator (Houghton -- see P. ) had anything to do with the postponement of this title to January I wouldn't be likely to know. But for the sake of both books -- and both good ones -- the later date for The Treasure Chest will profit it, even though it is a book for the long pull and not the quick sale. The column called Treasure Chest -- and Adams' own department Speaking of Books in The New York Times Book Review have combined to make Adams take his place as guide and counselor to many who were seeking just such pegs for thought as he affords then. In The Practical Cogitator Greenslet and Curtis have brought together their personal selections for an anthology of passages taken from people who had something to say and the gift of saying it. Here Adams has gone back for the greater part to the 17th and 18th century contemplative prose and reflective writing; there are more provocative passages -- and fewer off the beaten track. I took to heart his own quoted comment from Osgood on The Art of Reading in examining the text -- and I hope I qualify adequately under Coleridge's Types of Readers as will: A book for Winter firesides.