In these days, when so many distinguished writers have set themselves to the task of producing books which boys as well as adults will be delighted to read, Jules Verne still remains the master in his craft. Everything which bears his name is still bought with avidity, and for the schoolboy particularly his thrilling adventures by land, air, and water have a perennial charm which shows no sign of change. This volume is a variation on the old theme of '' Robinson Crusoe.'' He has, however, given his readers not one Crusoe, but a dozen, who are all youths from eight to thirteen years and of different nationalities and who inhabit a desert island. The youthful dramatis personae are of course very brave, and run through a lot of adventures by flood and field, particularly ''Gordon '' and '' Doniphan.'' On the whole, the author, without fatiguing himself, has evolved a set of stirring episodes and adventures which will thrill and interest adults as well as youths.
