Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-05-23


ton and New York: Houghton, Milf
lin & Company; Price s1.50.
American publishers are coming
more and more to appreciate the de-
mand which exists in the busy work-a-
day atmosphere of our national life for
books which afford entertainment and
instruction in abbreviated form Many
Of the most active minds in the great
reading public of this country are
literally obliged to secure mental
nourishment bylunch-counter methods.
Thus it has come about that a great
demand has grown up for short stories
which. while giving complete pictures
in small space, shall at the same time
possess the potential elements Of
strength ana grace. Many writer's
have essayed this difficult but promis-
ing field Of literary effOrt-and not al
ways with success. To be success
full writer of short stories that en-
body the strength of a vital interest,
with literary finish calls for talent Of
a high order such as comparatively
few writer's possess. 1t is field that
not all of the successful novel
writer's are qualified to shine in,
and those who have achieved marked
success in it, are not numerous.
"TiVertOn Tales" certainly entities
Alice Brown to a place in this select
group. The stories Of life in New
England village that figure here are
most charmingly told While none of
them lack in interest. they have also
the qualities of literary strength and
finish. They exhibit marked powers of
analysis. and close and sympathetic
insight into the life and character they
50 wildly portray. There is in them
nothing oVerdraWn. nothing forced.
They impress us with their fidelity TO
truth. Although somewhat out Of CON
ventiOnal lines these stories are rlch
with the humOr and pathos OF real NE
They go beneath the surface of
rugged and somewhat monotonous eX-
fstence and lay bare its little inner
romances and tragedies; its strength,
its weakness; its hopes. its hates, its
follies. its aspirations. There IS
throughout an atmosphere Of realism.
that lends an indescribable charm to
their pages. Such a work merits. and
we trust may receive, wide patron
age.
Fighting in Cuban Waters. or Under
Schley on the Brooklyn. The old
Glory Series" for young people, 50 Well
begun by Under Dewey at Manila"
the most widely-ordered Juvenile Of
last season, and. equally we'll continued
BY IA Young Volunteer III Cuba" i
now splendidly sustained by Mr..
Stratemeyer's latest work. Price $1.2j.
In Fighting in Cuban Waters,
Walter Russell, brother to Larry and
Ben. the respective heroes Of the two
preceding volumes Of the series. finds
his way ID Boston. secures erapiry
mert. enlists in the navy. ana is as
signed to the "Brooklyn." Then follow
Intensely interesting chapters. telling
NJ Commodore Schley. the idol NJ his
men. the routine Of the life Of the
"Jdckies." and blockade and discovery
Of Cerveras fleet, followed by tn
memorable conflict Of July 3. Walter
has meanwhile met with all the ad-
ventures that the skilful author knows
50 well how to introduce. including an
unexpected "trip On the "Merrimac."
under Lieutenant HobsOn. and a sub
sequent experience among Cuban pa
triots and Spanish soldiers, being
rescued at Guantanamo in time To re-
turn ana BE- at his post in the glorious
victory. At the end the three brothers
are united at the home of their for
marly mean ana miserly uncle. who
has turned over a new leaf.
To many Fighting i'm cuban Waters"
viii be the strongest book of the three
Walter has the same Winsome. manly
qualities that distinguished his broth
crs, and meets with fully as thrilling
experiences. which, however. are none
too strong for parallel in unnumbered
cases during the remarkable recent
conflict In point Of information con-
veyed there is no superior among the
boys books Of this generation. The
order of rank in the navy. and man
of-War life in detail. are cleverly and ac-
cur3tely presented. While histOrically
the volume might serve as a work Of
reference for most Of the events in
cuban waters from the destruction Of
the Maine" to the Bleaching of the
Spanish fleet. All statements are sub
stantiated with great care from reports
and personal narratives. The boys viii
want this book and should have it.
Price SIPS.