Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-09-07
49,
Gsaits' Department.
So. and Not So.


only in stern reality and iron listed facts
Of actual occurrence, has somewhat TIA
ken me to task" in a kind, friendly way, for
the views expressed in the Age concerning
the cultivation Of the Imaginative Faculty"
I have the very highest respect for her judg-
ment and j~udicious literary taste, and especi-
ally for her extensive experience, as TO the in
iuence exerted by the reading Of objectiona-
bic fiction writer's. And / further agree with
her in the general remark, that 'all which is
good and for our benefit, prosperity and well
fare, must have truth as a basis upon which
to rest y but then, truth can be a basis, with
out an actual Incident distinction and diff
ference which she seems to confound.
Now there arc works Of fiction, which it is
hoped will live while the world stands, and
they have done as much good as any others
in print, almost-save the Book of Books"
Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress; Millions Para
disc Lost; Young's Night Thoughts; Thomp-
sons Seasons, &C., all purely imaginative, but
certainly basssa uDOn the sublime truths OF
We heartily endorse the following portion
of our friends ''priuate letter" on the subject.
She says:
my principal object is to say something
about Sensation tales'-Imea the fictitious
balderdash which fills the newspapers run
ming over interminable pages-in wishy-
washy narrative-with plots made as if writ
ten from patent rights, with certain arranged
catastrophes all fitted together with a kind of
fatality, and so often in such a romantic and
unnatural manner, that the reader rises from
the desk with a feeling like this: II wish |
had never read it." for precious time is lost
which never can be regained-the mind is
bcwildered and not benefited, and often very
seriously injured. have no doubt but Mrs.
Sickles, for the last seven years, has read
nothing better than trashy novels and sensa-
ton tales, and her history, and Keys melan-
choly end, will furnish a fine subject for a
free love sensation tale, with llustrations-it
will meet with great sale. Such is the de-
PRAYED taste Of this practical age in which we
live"
1 heartily unite in denouncing these 'sen-
sation tales" to which my friend alludes and
their great popularity certainly furnishes mel
Rncholy reflection to those who have the
care and responsibility of rearing and train
ing children, and they ought to take warning
and observe the greatest care in furnishing
proper reading matter for them. 1t is very
'true, youth must have something to read which
both amuses and instructs. We have plenty
of literature which will do both, without thai
Of the sensation order.
The early historical narratives Of Bible his
tory furnish some of the finest composition
in our language. The history of Joseph
Sampson-David-the book of Ruth anC
Esther, have never been successfully initiated
TIL woes Of Job-his sublime conceptions o
the Deity in that dark age; the figures an,
metaphors OF DayIu IN the Psalms the wis
dom of Solomon the history of Daniel tn
meanings of the prophets over the d~esolatiol
Of Jerusalem the simple narrative of the ad
vent Of Jesus Christ the sublime teaching
Of the Saviour-his miracles-trial-deatl
and ascension; the Acts Of the Apostles, tn
doctrinal tenets Of the learned Epistles; tn
terrific record Of the Revelations all thes
things furnish a wide field Of study, as wei
as delightful amusement to an investigator,
mind, and we fear very much that many
finely educated young man, as well as man,
n fashionable young lady, can relate but littl
of Bible history which is the foundation Q
all that is good, great and desirable.
Novels are read by nearly allpersons, younI
and old, and the great point is, what sor
ought to be read. There are certainly thous
ands published which ought not, and yer,
few that ought to be. The novels of the las
century, Of Fielding, Smollet Stern and oth
crs, should not be avoided. SCOTS arc prob
ably the best of any, furnishing elaborat
historical details with generally harmless fl
ton. The tone and diction are fine, loft
eloquent and entertaining; they refres'
amuse and instruct. Waverley, Ivanhoe al
Kenilworth are his best.
The first novels Of Bulwer were writ
during his domestic troubles; his mind W
sourcd by too free living in fashionable |
and London dissipation. His later works q
not so bad, but there is such an interminal
detail-they weary the reader. It may
well for many to avoid Byron-to some it
dangerous and unwise to read his poetry
is like an angel Of light riding in a gold
chariot drawn by dragons, spouting FIRE a
fury on his midnight path-he was the Il
fiery meteor Of the literary world.
Dickens works may be read with safety.
His greatest efforts seem to be, to show v
and virtue in their juxtaposition, always ell
ing with a moral-virtue is made to. predo
inatc.
Thackeray is a sort Of snob-'tis hard
say whether his writings arc worth much
tice or not-they all seem to have a SIN
about them, showing talent and power-t
may amuse, they will not instruct.
A young person of either sex ought
read Hume, Smollct, and Macauley's hist
Of England; BaDCrOft's history Of the I'm;
States-Irving's works-Prescott's histor
Bayard .Taylor's volumes Of travel; Livi
ston's Africa Hallam's history Of Europ,
We could point out several others Of equal
cellcnce-the reader will understand
drift.
NJ oD;Dion ;c that snpvat;or 4n1., -.