The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-01-21
THE LITERARY WORLD

ILL LIlLNANl W VNLU
MYTHOLOGY FOR MODERNS: BY
James 5. Metcalfe. illustrations by
Charles Dana Gibson. Charles Howard
Johnson, Chip" f. G. Atwood, Oliver
HEREFORD. a. Brennan. Pages 12S.
New York: Life Publishing Company.
S1.0O.
Mythology for Moderns,'' which the
author. Mr. Metcalfe of Life. calls AN
| Tp-to-Date Text Book for Unto Date
Students provides more amusement
than instruction. He seems to appreciate
| the humorous side of the religious myths
of the Greeks and the Romans and
| jumbles them up with modern apphca-
| tons and illusions in a way calculated
TO provoke laughter rather than con-
vey very deep learning in mythology. AT
the same time the tales adhere closely
to the original versions, and their fun
and satire make them agreeable read
ing.
The illustrations, by notable list of
artists including Charles Dana Gibson
and Oliver HEREFORD, are drawn in close
sympathy with the text, and are both
clever and funny. Mr.. Atwood's pseudo
classical panels-two of which decorate
the binding-are most appropriate.
COONTOWN'S 400: Thirty humorous
drawings by F.. w. Kemble. Buff
clotn binding, with special cover design
lin brown and red. PIP. "a, 8 IL.
NewYork: Life Publishing Company.
$500.
Mr. Kemble thoroughly appreciates
the fun of darkey life and is able TO
transfer his appreciation TO paper, and
by his clever drawings convey it to the
minds of others. In "Coontown's 4O0,"
| a handsomely printed book containing
thirty of these drawings, with the appro-
pirate teyt, his ability is seen at its best.
As the title indicates. they show darkeys,
male and female, in their aspirations
for the higher social life, with its forms
and ceremonies. The book is dedicated
to THE Lambs" of New York, 1.-The
Bohemians" of SAN Francisco, and The
Savages" of London. the three leading
social organizations of artists. writer's
and actors with which Mr. Kemble is
affiliated. 'Co0ntOwn's 400" outside of
Its artistic merit, is we'll calculated 10
make one forget ones troubles for a
while
The Coming Age has already become
a great favorite in ten thousands of the
thoughtful homes in America. Indeed.
It's rapid growh in public favor is at first
sight rather surprising when we remenl-
Der that il dev0tes its chief space to the
thoughtful discussion of serious and vital
problems of the hour and hence cannot
be expected TO appeal to the popular
taste which seeks entertainment rather
than instruction. Doubtless one reason
for the success of The Coming Age is
found in its diversity and the wisdom
displayed by the editors in supplying in
tcresting conversations, biographical
sketches. and Il liberal amount Of en-
pertaining fiction. In regard to the lat
ter The Coming Age for 1900 promises
to be of special interest. The January
number opens with a romance of life
and love by Mrs. c. X Reifsnider, en-
TILED Two Hearts for One which is
to be literally Illustrated by character
drawings made by u well known artist.
This Story Orens well and the editors
announce that ii will be a novel of
strength and absorbing interest: a
Modern Minister" novelette, by George
Sanford Eddy also comes in the Jan
pary number and will run for the next
three months. 1t is story somewhat
Of the order Of II Mills Steps but is
UNNECESSARILY Stronger and more finish
ed than the latter. The Coming Age
for January is one of the most attrac-'
tive OF the great American monthles.
II. l.. D. in the New York Times,
gives the following very happy inge-
NOUS medley which all book lovers will
appreciates:
Richard Carvel" was very fond of
visiting at The House of the Wolf
where he could plainly hear "The Choir
Invisible and Trinity Bells He had
to pass through 'June's Garden and
Lost Mans Lane TO get there and
Looking Backward often saw David
Harum' riding on Black Beauty, where
upon he gave him Rose in Bloom and
Five Little Peppers tied with "A Bow
Of Orange Ribbon One day, while there,
Richard say Janice Mededith' Next
Door with The Coloners Opera Cloak
on. holding 'Helen's Babies but he con-
sidered her An Old Fashioned Girl and
left her showing Pictures of Italy to
THE Heavenly Twins He often told
Hugh Wynne' that That Affair Next
Door as he called her. was full OF
Moods but she was not ALady of
Quality and her family were not 'Vir-
ginans.' it was not surprising and then
1T is Never Too Late 10 Mend.
BY the way here's a little story on
Stanton Mhich shows hat though a
charming poet he has practical sense:
that though one of the most genial Of
men. he can think of self.
We We're talking in the Constitution
office one day, both of us bewailing the
fact that the opybuyer of a certain I
publication was not giving us as good
prices as his predecessor.
The new buyer of manuscript for the
paper writes verse, too" / said.
who is he?" asked Stanton. What |
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