The age-herald., 1898-10-30
I'D Il That Are> s>s->BY PRY. IN SSONA
->bY PAUL RRY,

Jerome K. Jerome, in writing about his nrst book, said that one writer-the great est enemy he ever had-wrote him down as humorist, which term of reproach Gas IL IS considered in Merrie England) has cung to him ever since. ..Now. if nen a pathetic story, the reviewer calls it de- pressing humor,' and if tell A tragic story he saysit is false humor,' and, quoting the oyinB speech Of the broken-hearted heroine indignantly demands to know where he is supposed 10 laugh am firmly persuaded that If committed a murder, half the book reviewers wcSld allude to it as a mel ancholy example oi the extreme lengths to which the new humor' had descended '
 MT, Jerome Is to certain extent correct n his complaint While "once a humorist, always a humorist'' may not exactly be .tne motto or the critic, yet it is rather to pe expected when young unknown author makes worldwide name for himself as the author and originator of a book full of delicate and spontaneous humor, that he IS at least capable of following it up with another equally as good
 In our youth we have always been taught that second thoughts are best" Will this 'SiN booN III TtIerence to MT. Jeromess book, "The Second Thoughts of an Idle FeIlow?" Mr. John Kendri. Rangs nofanie example of the diffiu ,ity and ohhserFof pursuing thought or An idea no matter how rich a vein-too far in one alrection. Just so. "The Idle Thoughts of an ldie Fellow" won an enthusiastic recep- tIoh tIoh Tor MT. Jerome all over the world; {; ppt when he sends us "The Second thoughts of an Idle Fellow" the title is m the very nature of things bound to prove unfortunate. Unconsciously the reader feels that may be he has been a little "too" idle. The new volume just from the press is mace up of some dozen chapters from variety of subjects. If they are not as hu- morous and delightful as the former vol tune, the explanation may be that we miss the novelty and freshness of treatment to the reader which characterized the earlier volume. However, MT. Jerome very de- hghtfully affords the serious and studious reader that amount of amusement and re- taxation which the mind needs; and while ne lacks many essentials as an essayist we could hardly be taught now to take MT. Jerome seriously, and prefer to continue to Know him as a droll companion along the prosaio journey of life.
 Apropos of John Kendrick Bangs it is said that at present he is engaged at his Yonkers workshop in writing a new book to be entitled "Olympian Nights He is also engaged upon volume to be called "The Southern Humorists." which will ap. pear during the winter, and a childs vol ume. The Memoirs of Santa Claus" which will. no doubt. be of extreme interest to the little folk.
 Publishers were exceedingly cautious dur ing the yummers season, when the mind of the reading public was largely taken up with questions concerning the conflict with Spain. It seems. however. that the output for the fall and winter will be all the rich CT on account of this. In the meantime. much romancing by old favorites has been accepted by publishers, and the winter will bring to us any number of new and agree able books
 George w. Cable Is at work upon what promises to be among his most important works. It will be called "The Cavalier" and will draw. MT Cable says more large. ly upon his experiences and observations as soldier in the confederate army than any previous work he has done.
 Hamifn Garland has just returned from the northwest territory. and has made many observations. which will be woven into his forthcoming work
 MT. Howells is writing a long novel for