The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-12-11

other day that the sex mover is ueao anu
the women who did things are at dis
count" If this is not absolutely true 1t is
very nearly so, for if we look over the lists
of the most popular selling books we al
most invariably find that it is the book of
adventure which the reading public most
enjoys. These lists which are gathered
from the largest cities in the east, west
and north are marvelously uniform in the
popularity of certain books and they accord
too, with the sales of these same books in
Birmingham.
In almost every instance Anthony Hopes
rupert of Hentzan," if it does not lead the
list, follows as the second or third in IA
yor; it is full of healthy, absorbing adven-
tTe and carries the mind of the reader
away from the sordid cares of life into
world where deeds of heroism incite and in
spire the mind of the reader
Castle Inn," by Stanley j. Weyman, is
another of this class the latest work by
this fayorite author that is having wide
sales.
DR.. S. Weir Mitchells last published
work, 1.-THE Adventures of Francois ;"
heads the list in numberless instances Dr.
Mitchelfs Hugh Wynne" proved SPLEEN
did seller and has assured the reading pub
lie of the authors unquestioned literary
ability. In his former work he went to the
American revolution for his historical at
mosphere; in 1.-THE Adventures of Fran
co.'s the vivid scenes of the French revo-
luton are dramatically described. The per-
iod was full of romance and thrilling epi-
sodes and the author has handled his sub
Ject with mastery power The book is de-
lightfully illustrated by the pencil of Cas-
tagne, making of the volume charming
gift book.
Paul Leicester Ford, the very remarkable
author of 1.-THE Honorable Peter Sterling
has long since become a universal favorita
and his books, ''rhe Story of an Untold
Love- and others, are universally easy
sellers. Mr. Ford's contribution for '9S is
"Tattle Tales of Cupid"
No book has been more widely read in
this country during recent months than
1.-THE Gadfly." by Mrs. E. l.. voynich. The
book has created a goodly amount of COM
ment and criticism and the author too, has
been much discussed. 1t is her first pub
1ished work and the remarkable strength
and grasp of treatment evidenced in the
work drew from the author the acknowl-
edgement that he had spent years and years
In preparation for her task.
Among the most popular books, of course,
is found Kiplings DAYS Work" Gilbert
Parker's 1.-THE Battle of the Strong" is al
so a good seller and great favorte; in
truth 1t is delightful book and will be sure
to be widely read.
Richard Harding Davis Soldiers of For
tune" continues to be in constant demand
and Is selling satisfactorily even to this
young author, who must have long since
been spoiled by his enormous receipts Ev-
erybody-young and old-is awaiting with
the intensest integsst his story of the war;
His work as 1t appeared in the magazines
only seemed to whet the appetite of read
ers for his account of the war with Spain in
succinct book form. The publishers an
nounce the book on sale the 10th of De-
cember. The advance orders have been ex-
traordinarily large.
Speaking of new and popular books. of
course, there is the inevitable new book by
Gibson, Sketches and Cartoons" in the
series of which Drawings" by c. D. Glib
son. was the first, and Pictures of Peo-
pie" the second. Mr. Gibson still enjoys
the popularity of a wide audience, to which
his new work will appeal with interest
Among the women writer's no one seems
to possess more fascinating hold upon the
reading public. which is the best kind of
a public. than Molly Elliott Seawell Her
work is characterized by delicacy of touch
and firmness and originality that is SIM
ply irresistible and she wins an tnfailng
admirer in every reader. If you doubt It
just read 1.-THE History of the Lady Betty
Stair" "A Virginia Cavalier" has also
proved favorite and now "the Loves of
Lady Arabela" awaits the decision of an
already prejudicial public in favor of its
charming author. The scene of this story
is laid in England and is distinguished with
the same sprightiness which made her for
mer books so charming.
For number of years the short stories
OF VIII Allen Dromgoole have held an APP
preclative public spellbound by their truth
full presentation of life; almost always the
homely life of the East Tennesseean. The
pathetic and hard weary life of the noun
taineer was picturesquely portrayed the
whole embellished by vein or humor rich
and irresistible.
B. o. Flower. once the editwor of 1.-THE
Arena" was one of the first people to re-
cognize Miss Droomgoole's splendid talent.
In the preface to 1.-THE Heart of o Id HEX
ory,' her recently published volume of
stories, he says: 'There were certain fine
strokes and delicate touches. in a word a
general atmosphere evincing a fine interior
appreciation of the working of the human
heart which characterizes woman's thought
at Its best and which stamped this the
work of a woman" Miss Dromgoole's
latest published work is entitled "Cinch AMI
Other Stories" and is thoughtfully dedi-
cate dto one who has sympathized with my
struggles. grieved for my sorrows, and re-
joiced in my SUCCESSES"
The book is attractively bound in green
and gold with elegant paper and print ap-
proprate setting for Miss Dromgooles ex-
qusite work depicted with such fidelity
such delicacy, and such rare pathos and
humor.
''In the Permanent Way" the latest book
by Flora Annie Steele. the popular author
of ION the Face of the Waters is just
from the press No book of recent years
has enjoyed more universal favor than. this
latter work. 1T received the most favorable
criticism in England and in this country.
1t was story of India and it is said that
no one knows India better than Mrs. Steele.
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