THE TREASURE CHEST

The column called Treasure Chest -- and his own department Speaking of Books in The New York Times Book Review have combined to make Donald Adams a literary guide and counselor to many who were seeking just such pegs for thought as he offers. With a span of six weeks, two books are coming off the press which are certain to be linked, -- Ferris Greenslet and Charles Curtis have brought together their personal selections for an anthology of passages taken from people who had something to say and the gift for saying it -- The Practical Cogitator (Houghton -- see P. 358) -- and now The Treasure Chest. Here Adams has gone back to the 17th and 18th century contemplative prose and reflective writing; there are more thought provoking passages -- 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 well A book not for quick sale but the long pull.