The age-herald., 1899-01-08

In recent number of the Academy the editor stated that in deference to the re- quest of a subscriber any mention of Mr. Kipling or his work would be omitted for a week. But the editor was outwitted by a contributor, who published in that very number review of the new Life of Charles Stewart Parnell," under the cap ton, "The Man Who Would Be King In fact, 1t seems to be a universal complaint, and it is difficult to write upon literary matters and not say something about Kip ling or his work. In the letter-box of the Bookman evidently an insane Kiplngite asked the editor why he devoted three pages to a review of a book by Paul Law renee Dunbar. while to Kipling's new work he devoted only one page. And Yet you yourself have stated that you consider Kipling as being probably the greatest liv- ing English writer. Why then, didn't you devote more space to him?'
 Because We didn't want to- replied the editor with a captious pen. But it is a fact that Kipling remains a perennial and enduring topic. His poetry, his short sto- ries, his beast epies and jungle tales, and, finally, "his women" In fact no other contemporary writer has furnished such an abundance of copy.
 
 There seems to be a boom also in the "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam" Aside from the great variety and number of edi- tlOnS III NdT1OuS ITa0SldllOiS anu para phrases, expensive and inexpensive. there seems to be large accumulation of liter ature on the subject. To show that the movement is thoroughly up-to-date, there was club recently organized for the es- pecial study of the "Rubaiyat."
 Alexander Black is a Brooklyn journal ist, the literary editor of the Brooklyn Times He has written several books and been a devotee of amateur photography. Some years ago he wrote Miss Jerry, which he put upon the stage as picture play" It has been produced all over the United States, and universal favor ite. The past year MT. Black wrote Miss America" in which he portrays the typi- cal American girl and the work is gaining widespread popularity. The book Miss America" is beautifully bound, with ex- quiste paper and type, and most appropri- ately dedicated to "The American girl whom I have known best-my wife, On the cover of the volume, designed as miniature painting, is the portrait of Vir- ginia young lady. a relative of the Drs Morris s@of this city. and who will be guest in Birmingham during the winter. She is considered one of the most beauti- ful women in America. and certainly the most beautiful portrait in MT. Blacks vol ume, although he acknowledges he has ta- ken his portraits from "Boston to San An tonic.
 "Woman's Work" published in Mont gomerv is rapidly winning it's way into the hearts of large number of admiring readers. Just before the December issue of the magazine<a company was formed of the owners of the magazine with Mrs. George B. Eager editor-in-ehief and Mrs. Evelyn H. Fitzpatrick as business mana ger The December number contains an excellent portrait of a Birmingham woman Mrs c. P. Orr This number of the mag azine is an excellent one, and the publi- cation deserves to be supported by the wo men of Alabama. The management gen. erously offer to give 25 per cent. of all sub scriptions from the club women of Alabama to the treasury of the State Federation.
 
 Following upon the sad intelligence of the death of Harold Frederick in London recently now comes the news also of the death of William Black on December 10 at his home in Brighton, England. He was born in 1S41 in Glasgow, where his first journalistic work was done at the age of IT He was an easy and ready writer, and his mind was early turned to the writing of fiction His greatest success was achieved by "A Princess of Thule" His work is eagerly read today. and new work from his pen anxiously awaited. His last novel 'Wild Eelin," was recently pub lished MT. Black had reached the zenith of his literary career, while in the case of Harold Frederick it is thought that he was but approaching the height of his pop ularity.
 Apropos of Harold Frederick, it seems that the only manuscript novel which he left is entitled "The Market Place." and deals with the fortunes of daring specu- lator. and incidentally with the corruption said to exist among some titled directors of English companies. Its pictures of English society and English country life are said to be powerful and convincing. "Aylwin," by Theodore Watts-Duncan, is cheating a goodly amount of comment. It is now thirteen years since the publica- tion of "Aywin' was promised. There have been many rumors circulated about remarkable romance by the distinguished critic and poet It has been written for many years, but for personal reasons was not published. Now It's appearance is con- sidered notable literary event.