The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-11-10
THE MAGAZINES.


which most Of them begin with their
November issues, are of considerable
interest, both as promises of literary
entertainment 10 come and as evidence
of the popular taste in literature.
The older magazines have to deal with
new form of competition, which is not
after all strictly competition. Some
cheap magazines have come wonderfully
to the front. Munsey's, which sells for
dime, announces that its circulation
has reached 100000. There are The
Cosmopolitan and McClures at 10 cents,
and step higher up. Scribner's, Lip
pincott's aud The Review of Reviews at
% cents The three old stagers are The
Century, Harper's and The Atlantic,
which stay at 35 cents.
These are magazines most sold and
most seen. The 10-center is a good
enough magazine for that money, and
one is tempted also to say that the
money is enough for the magazine. 1t
is generally harmless and pleasant
small bundle of small literature. 1t has
become popular through its low
price. Newsboys sell it, and sell
it by hundreds. Its publisher says that
over half his edition is sold in New Eng
land. 1t would be interesting to know
how the circulation of the greater
magazines is distributed. 1t is espec-
tally interesting to note the success Of
this cheap magazine, though it makes
no promise for the coming year except
that It's standard OF excellence will be
high.
McClure's has begun "Life of
Napoleon" but announces nothing else,
except series of Pinkerton detective
stories. Scribner's has the best pros
pectus Of any; that is, one that really
promises most of interest and timely
readableness. It's piece de resistance is
history of the last quarter century in
the United States by President e. BENZ.
ANDREWS of Brown University. This is
certainly most acute stroke OF literary
enterprise. Nothing could be more
timely. and it cannot be doubted tba.
DR.. ANDREWS will make 1T as interest
ing and valuable as timely. ROBERT
GRANT is down for a series of papers on
"The Art of Living" and novel by
GEORGE MEREDITH begins in January.
NOAH Brooks promises articles upon
american Party Politics." "nso
HARPERs seems to be given over to
the class of literature TO which Mr..
RICHARD HARDING DAVIS lends his lus.
tire, and makes somewhat light
wasted prospec tus, including a,THoMAs
HARDY novel, JOAN OF ARC frecollec-
tions, papers from Mr.. DU MAURIER and
work by the salaried staff. 1t does not
neglect NAPOLEON. either. Harpers
is apt to work its discoveries until the
vein yields but little precious metal.
The reliably Literary Atlantic only
promises one leader--a series Of histori-
cal papers by JOHN FIsKE, dealing with
the old Dominion aud her sister colonies.
Ulo 10 Wtli--lOi tuO VIC oii
know what its flavor must be, and do
not like to have a skirt-dance Of an
nouncement to prelude the quiet hours
of solid enjoyment and profit it always
warrants.
The -GeHttry,, tho car among the
magazines. has begun one of its great
literary undertakings--an new Life of
Napoleon" by Prof. WM NJ. STONE,
gotten up after the thorough and elabor-
ate rule that has been applied to the
Life of Lincoln" etc. Mr.. MARION
CRAWFORD begins a novel. as will Mrs.
BURTON HARRISON. NOAH Brooks gives
papers about Washington in war time.
and Mrs. VAN RENSSELAER, writes
of French Churches and Cathedrals.
The Century has always gained, mate
rally and in prestige, by these great
literary works, which one is tempted to
consider too heavy for a magazine.
Whether Americans are deeply enough
interested in NAPoLEoN's life to read
Professor SLoANE's work remains to be
proven.
Sometime ago there was a rumor that
Harper's would reduce its price to %
cents. II did not do so, but all 35-cent
magazines ought to. They would gain
by il; and 1t is all they are worth,
judging by the standard they set'fNp
when they valued themselves at 35 cents.
Every commodity has fallen in price.
Books are cheaper, and are produced at
less cost. Scribner's has come up be-
cause 10 has sold for quarter. II ought
to overtake and pass It's older contcm-
poraries tins year, If is exceptionally
popular prospects is worth anything as a
boomer.
One needs only TO note The large piles
Of these popular magazines in the post
Office each month to realize the very
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