New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-26
FICTION.
NEW NOVELS AND SHORT STORIES.

CALMIRE 1emo, PIP. 742 Macmillan & Co.
COME LIVE WITH Me, AND BE MY LOVE. BY
Robert Buchanaa, illustrated. l2mo, PIP. ga
Lowell, Coryell Co.
TIE TALKING HORSE. BY F. Anstey. l2mo PIP
2D3. United states Book Go.
MOONLIGHT. AND SIX FEET OF ROMANCE
BY Dan Beard With illustrations by the author.
l2mO, PIP. e2l. Charles l.. Webster d Co.
"Camire" is published anonymously, and the ex-
pertinent Is bold one with so peculiar book.
especially since its bulk-between seven and eight
hundred pages-is calculated 10 discourage the reader
az the outset. To call this book novel IS perhaps
barely permissible; for ittrahcr suggests an adapta
ton OF Mr.. Fiskes Outlines Of Cosnic Philosophy =
than work Of fiction. Now. Mr.. Fiskc's admirable
condensation Of the philosophy Of Herber Spence. Is
excellent reading when one Is In the hum0r for II
but were Il presented in the guise OF a novel the
public would have right 10 complain that al
attempt had been made deceive them The author
OF Calmre," however has apparently 40 notion thai,
novel readers rs a rule arc In search Of recreation.
ana THAT however advanced" their Views may bc.
they are not prepared TO undergo course In ccsmc
philosophy when looking for romantic Or realistic
fiction.
II is NOT easy TO perceive the purpose OF the
book. either What II sets forth, and with mean
skill Is the triumph OF the evolutionary philosophy
In tho mind Of clever girl, and perhaps Incidentally
the failure Of that philosophy TO prevent clever
hid from getting into mess which threatens to ruin
his life. so far the book deals with human
nature It's analysis Is sarlkngly keen. The studies
OF Camirc, OF Muriel. OF Nina. and Of Minerva are
careful vigorous. true TO nature. and often brilliant.
But the authors sense OF proportion is defective,
and the education Of Nina. conducted through the
mudium OF long.dnwn conversations which might
almost as well be called lectures, Is not good art.
Fiction and polemics do not rule go well to
gether. There are few instances Of successful
combination Of the two, such Swift's "Tale OF a
Tub; but the idea OF developing the Robert
Esnerc" motive as to include the elaborate ex-
planation OF entire cosmc hypothesis is too much
for anything short OF genius TO attempt.
We have said that the author Of "Calmrc' writes
with much force and SKILL The style Is good and the
exposition lucid. The trouble is that the subject Is
too heavy 10 be treated in tbs fashion. 1t might
be possible TO make fair average novel Of the book
by eliminating nine tenths OF the didactic element
and this would reduce the volume by a good deal
more than one-hsn Is not, Of course 70 be
supposed that the author would consent TO such n
process OF mutlation. but, though "Calmirep as II
stands is evidently the work Of clever man or woman
md though have not found II at all duh In spite
Of It's didactcsm. II is undoubtedly a mistake from
the point Of view Of art. Possibly the writer had
no thought OF that point OF in mind but a
writer who wishes 70 be read and who processes TO
write a work Of fiction Is under obligations 10 the
public to furnish at least Something the actual
nature OF which r not open tn dispute. We fear IL
IS too much 10 expect that "Chlmirc' will become
popular: yet 10 the few who would be likely 70
appreciate It's many really good points II may be
limited that the time expended upon It's pcrusal will
not be wasted. Its length to the contrary no,wtth
standing
Mr.. Robert Buchannn's last novel has for subtitle
=" An English Pastonl'-whch might prepare the un.
sophisticated reader for something very simple and
ldylhc. But Mr.. Buchanan thinks 1t necessary 10
season bis rustic pottage quite highly and so there
crime and passion and all manner OF dlsturbp.