Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-05-10
Literary Notices.
AN EXTRAORDINARY BOOK.
THE GREAT LITERARY SUCCESS OF THE YEAR

THE GREAT LITERARY SUCCESS OF THE YEAR.
THE RED ACORN. By John McElroy. editor of
the Toledo Blade, author of "Andersonville," :"
etc. Published by Henry A. Sumner s. Co.,
Chicago. For sale by all booksellers. Price 81.
For long time no book has received such fiatter-
Ing notices by the press everywhere nor has been so
eagerly read in all parts of the United Stat es as this
one (only issued in March), by the same author
whose "Andersonville" had the enormous sale Of
over 900 copies within short time after pull lica-
ton. The "Red Acorn is one of those rare books
that appeal directly, forciblv and in way not to be
denied to the hearts Of the people. 1t touches pop
uar chords that never fail to respond This is be-
cause it deals with actual people and events gen.
une, living passions, trials hopes and achievements.
1t is study of the grand period Of one war; and the
people who participated in it, from new stand
point and one similar to that which made Sir WAL
ter scotts works, and those of Lever and Erck-
mann-C Chatrian, the delight of millions of readers.
No one with talents adequate to the task has yet
tried this with relation to the wonderful events and
experiences of our war, until Mr.. McElroy essa yed
the task. The "Red Acorn" has all the accuracy of
the most careful history combined with the fasci ma
ton of exciting novel. No one who has ever be-
gun the book has been able to lay 1t down bef ore
finishing This is because Of Its absolute fidelity to
nature. 1t is not properly felton, because many
thousand men and women actually did, saw, felt ahd
experienced in the stormy days of the war what it
narrates and describes. The wit and fun is hearty
and abundant, and crops out in the most unexpected
places. The humorous side of the great var is seen
at its very best. The loye-making is pure and in
tensey earnest. and the description of scenery an
localities makes places stand out as If upon canvas
while literature has nowhere as vivid, thrilling and
wtha true battle pictures those of the advance
upon Wild Cat Gap, the fierce little skirmish in the
Rockcastle Mountains, and the climax in the te ri
BILE battle of Stone river. Even the Eastern papers,
critical and even censorious they are prone to be
in regard to books produced west of the Alegha nv
Mountains, have nothing but warm praise for the
"Red Acorn 1t is especially interesting to Wes-
tern readers, because 1t deals wholly with West tern
men and women, and Western armies and bait les
Aside from it's interest as fascinating story, the
book has great historic and educational value. No
history be more accurate than it is and it is the
best possible worg to put in the hands of those who
have grown up since the war, to give them fair
comprehension ofwhat the great conflict real ly was
to those who carried it on.
The book is handsomely gotten up, and in typo
graphy and binding is superior to the usual class of
clothbound books. Books put In such an attractive
and substantial dress usually sell for $780, but it is
offered at Loo, and can be bought at that at any
bookstore, will be sent to any address upon the
receipt of 90 by the publishers, whose names ap-
pear above.
The Biographer is a promising venture in monthly
periodical literature. 1t gives large number of
concise, but by no means dry, biographical sketch
es Of men and women eminent in all Departments of
activity. Subjects are chosen with the view to
crafty the public curiosity for particulars of the
life and career of the people whose names are ap-
pearng In the public prints. In word, their Sc
lection is timely The sketches are ably WRIT en-,
and their interest is heightened by accomp anying
faithful and welle1ecuted portraits. In quality of
paper and printing aud tastefulness Of appearance,
The Biographer is among the best periodicals we
havs seen. We anticipate that Its enterprsing pub
Usher will be rewarded with large sale of his un-
ique magazine which supplies need hi itherto felt.
The Blographer is sent to any addres ct 25 cents
copy, or so year; and to foreign address ses for
s3 year. New York: % Park Row.