The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-08-13
.bOORS4dnd
Authors

Book and publishing Company. New
York.
One may not be able to say why II Is
SO. but in reading this late effort of Mr..
Bars one Is Involuntary reminded OF
some city where one has once so1ourned,
a city which is a meeting place for the
Past and the Present, the centre Tor the
ebb-tide of a dead and gone civilization,
as we'll as for the fi0od-tide OF the ami
mated and self-consciouS superiority OK
to-day's much-aliveness.
The conception and development Of plot
and story I'm "Tekla" Is interesting. full
Of incident and variety; tho character
sl,etchinr is to say the least Of II, oTigi-
nal and spirited; the narrative drags not
at all and the readers attention IL held
fresh and unwearied.
But the ENGRAVING OF modern slang
upon mediaeval forms of thought and
expression. the mixture of Thirteenth Cen
turv feudaIism with Nineteenth Century
smartness and ievity on the part OF Black
Counts and German Emperors, produces
an effect OF grotesqueness which Is simply
and irresistbly comic.
ono could scarcely conceive, for in
stance. that His Majesty, RodOlDh, Of
renowned memory and mightness. in
speaking to his faithful friend and COM
rade. the Baron, would address him with
such American freedom Of style as "Old
Brunfels" and "old warrior" or that he
would inquire OF Count Bertrich IN IN
chivalric speech, III his defective memory
was local or general
II Mr.. Barr by these and such other
unique departures. intended 10 assert his
utter emancipation from established
forms and usages, he has succeeded be
yOnd the shadow of a doubt, for his other
wise really admirable book attalns, in
this respect. a quality and flavor hitherto
unknown ana unrecognized in literature.
THE CRUISE OF THE CACHALOT.
Frank T. Bullen. D. Appleton & Co
New York.
At the time Of IT'S publication Mr. Kip
ling said OF 1.-The Cruise Of the Cachalot" (.
IL have never read anything that equals
Il ia deep-sea wonder and mystery no
In its breeziness Of style"
Such comment from such an author
seems all-suflcient, and IL IS the best
explanation Of the almost unequalled
popularity and success Of Mr.. Bullens
work.
1t may not be inappropriate TO add that
81 is a book written equally for the young
and me old-Ono which will interest alike
the lad the lassie and the mature.
thoughtful reader. It's concluding para
graph says TO us: my pleasant task Is
done. / wish from my heart il were
better performed. but having done my
best / must perf0rce be content. II in
some small measure I have been able 10
make you acquainted with a little known
or appreciated side Of life. and IN any
wise made that life a real matter to you,
giving you a fresh interest IN the toilers
of the sea, my work has not been in
vain. And with that hope I give you the
saiior's valedIctory-So long,"
THE ADVENTURES OF FRANCOIS.
Weir Mitchell International Book and
Publishing Company. New York.
The subtitle OF "The Adventures" leads
as 90 infer that If brings as face 70 face
with the thrilling realities Of the French
Revolution. and the great dramatis per
sonae who enacted their parts there In the
most tremendous tragedy the world has
ever witnessed.
In one sense this inference IS Justified.
but Tho story first and last Is The story OF
Francois and 70 speaks much for the
authors talent when we say that the
biography OF a disciple OF the gentle
craft" so commcnds itself 70 our SYM
pathv. so wins upon our humanity, that
we find ourselves rejoicing over Ihs esca-
padcs and being entertained by mis- sue
cessfh distractions OF ieweued snun-
boxes and lace haudkerchiefs
The black poodle and the black pocc'es
master with his long face and his sbuity
"a laugh at any and everything are rcre
good fellows 20 whom we say good-o,
reeretfully. realizing that. ut las. 'hey
exempllfv the truth OF the maSlm: "Ap-
proach the world with a SIN lie and Il
smiles back upon you
Literary Notes.
Mr.. Arthur Morrison's new novel, TO
Todcn Town" Will be published In the
autumn. II IS q story Of London life IN
the East End.
CHARLES Major author of "when
Kniehthood Was in Flower" IS putting
the finishing touches 20 a new historical
novel dealing with the period Of Charles
IT,. ard introducing some OF the more
famous characters of the time. Nell
Gwynue PLAYS n prominent part in the
tale. Tho book VIII pr0ably be ready FOR