Birmingham state herald., 1896-06-14
GOSSIP FROM BOOKLAND.

themes of religious duties. His Almost Persuaded" was very earnest protest against conventional religion that some times does seem to follow too closely after the letter and miss altogether the spirit. In this work the author would have one remember that a large class of toiling, careworn humanity who need uplifting and the inspiration which comes from a friendly outstretched hand This month, however in Lippincott Mr. Harben has essayed 8 new departure and gives us regular full-f1edged de- tective story, one so well and ably told that 1t suggests much of the vigor and dash that has made the name of Anna Katherine Green a famous one.
 "From Clue to Climax, although well told tale does not suggest from be- ginning to end MT. Harben as we have grown to know him, unless 1t be that the author shows that he has something to tell and plunges right into it's recital with short, terse sentences, ringing ana clear cut and dialogue that is natural, bright and full of point and spirit It is an entertaining little story to read during these warm, long days:
 The paper next in interest in the June Lippincott Is "The Washingtons in or fcial Life" by Anne Hollingsworth Wharton, and fully illustrated. More than one description has come to us or Mrs. Washngton's Friday evening re- captions, with their plum cake, tea and pleasant intercourse, all ending at the early hour of nine. There was nothing excessive in the gayety of these drawing rooms, and they may even have been trifie dull, but the hostess wisely set the fashion of early hours, rising about o'clock and saying, with a gracionsness and dignity that well became her: The general always retires at 9, and usually precede him."
 The short evening proved to be like oil iar 16 6Vgip now handed around to whet the appetite, making the guests feel like coming again. The entire article is breezy and chatty, and gives an interesting insight into the period.
 ''Phraso, Tale of Brave Deeds and Perilous Ventures" by Anthony Hope, so the Knowing ones, say-the publish ers-will have the largest run when 1t appears in book form in the fall or any work since the phenomenal success of "Trilby." "Phraso" is now appearing serially in McClure's and has reached intensely interesting chapters of the re- cital in the present number.
 There are two other articles by young authors, who, taken with MT. Hope, form a trio of the most prominent and prom ising writers of the day. A jungle story called 'In the Rukh,' by Rudyard Kip ling is the first written of the Mowgl stories, now familiar to all. The oth- CT is story by that successful author of "The Red Badge of Courage" Stephen Crane, about whom Englanders are go- ing wild. It is entitled "The Little Reg iment." It is a clever bit of army life and the text is embellished by good illus trations.
 Admirers of Mark Twain will espe- cfally enjoy in this number series of his portraits taken at different times during dis life It has only been few months since that Mark Twain, on account of Hhe failure of publishing house in which he was partner, set out to tra- verse America, Australia and other coun- tries on a featuring tour. Many said 1t was too bad, as hard necessity, that he must do this at his time of life, hav- ing just turned 60. However he has been wide journeyer all his life, and his latest portrait certainly indicates great physical vigor and strength.
 In the June Arena the editor, B. O. Flower, gives scholarly sketch of Whittier, whom he calls "a prophet of freedom" He pictures the man as he stood for what he believed to be the cause of God, freedom and justice. A splendid portrait of Whittier graces the opening pages.
 That talented young Tennessee writer, Will Allen Dromgoole, always has her place among the prominent contributors of the Arena. This month she continues her story of Tennessee life, "The Valley Path" Few authors of dialect write with such consummate skill and truth fitness as Will Allen Dromgoole. Her stories are thrilling, her characters real, earnest and true and large and broad knowledge of human nature and its throbbing heart is evinced in every line she writes.
 Mental Cure in It's Relation to Modern Thought is earnestly and forcefully pre- scented by Horatio w. Dresser, one of g coterie of scholarly thinkers who, like Henry Wood, are making a distinct i'm pression on thinking and receptive minds His paper will appeal to those whose minds are open to the thorough nvesti. gation of truth.
 Mrs Calvin Kryder Reifsnider seems tc be writing serally a remarkable romance entitled Between Two Worlds"
 Rev. Samuel J. Barrows, D. D., the ed itor of the Christian Register. one of tht ablest of thinkers. contributes paper or Celsius, the First Pagan Critic of Chris tianity." It is written in a broad bu truly reverent spirit:
 Justice Walter Clark, IL. D., of the su preme bench of North Carolina writes an entertaining paper on "rhe Land O the Monday Sun-Mexico in Midwinter. No country can be more fascinating tt read about than this land of the Montezu mas.
 All patriotic Americans will be inter ested in the coming race of Yale a Hen ley-on- the-Thames. We remember las years royal regatta with something O discontinue, when our Cornell boys cam, out so poorly. In the June Outing is al instrutive paper on "Yale at Henley" b. w. B. Curtis, which gives in a succinc manner details of this famous race witl excellent illustrations, which give splendid idea of the water course at Hen ley though no picture could adequatel, convey an idea of the beautiful scene . one of the most picturesque and varied |, be seen anywhere.
 Mr. Curtis says: "It will be seen iron these figures that America, amateur row ing is of recent date as compared witt England, and that we enjoy less of it benefits which spring from experienc and tradition. But yankee ingenuity an inventive talent have pushed us ahead 0 ssal Q Q Q