The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-11-02
ADVERTISED BY THE CAMERA
How an English Photographer Made
Novel Famous.

Joseph Henry Shorthouse, manufactu-
rer Of sulphuric acid, author Of John In
glesant, Countess Eve Sir PercivaI.'
etc In this manner a well-knOwn bio
graphical dictionary sums up the novelist
OF Birmingham. whose books are known
one may may almost say wherever the
English language is spoken.
The busting Midland city has reason to
be proud Of her family Of clever men. To
the WORLD Of politics she has given Mr.
Joseph Chamberlain. to art she gave the
late Sir + BuTng-Jones. TO the church
Archbishop Benson, and she has put the
finishing touches to her fame by present
ing the world with the author Of John
Inglesant."
Twenty years ago Mr.. Shorthouse was
unknown except as a manufacturer OF
che micals, a business in which he had
taken an active interest for many years.
Then a story took form in his brain, AT q
he produced John Inglesant.' move!
which has had one OF the most remarka-
bic runs Of popularity on record But.
like many other famous books. II did not
jump into favor at once. II was first up
lishcd In Birmingham. the edition being
exactly 100 copies. OF these fifty or sixty
were given away by the author himself
and what became Of the remainder his
tory does not state PEOPLE who had Sc
cured the free copies said that the book
don house. but the publishers of the me
tropolis seemed 20 think differently. NJ
James Payn, who was reader for one
firm. rejected il. and another publisher
followed suit. Then Messrs- Macmillan
had the courage OF their convictions and
printed q small edition.
And now a strange thing happened. A
photographer had succeeded in persuad-
Ing the late Mr.. Gladstone % SIT before
his camera. and the famous statesman
took his place before that instrument Of
torture With a book under Is arm. The
volume bore the title OF John IngleSant,'
printed In gold letters in the usual way.
and the light happening TO CLINT upon
those two words made them show clearly
In the photograph. The portrait OF the
Premier was one Of the most pleasing
ever taken. and WAS published broadcast
over the land, each copy clearly ShOWlEg
the title Of the book. and the result was
a sudden ClamoroUs demand for the work
Of the new novelist. Mr.. Gladstone MIN
self is reported TO have said that 20 was
one Of the few works OF fiction that ever
succeeded In keeping him out Of bed all
night
one feels when poring over the pages OF
John iuEleGInL that Mr. ShOTthousc has
succeeded in reading between the lines OF
history. that he has realized as lew other
men have realized the thoughts and the
pa ssiuns Of the actors who took the lead
ing roles IN the tr0UblOus times OF Charles
!. What could be- more dramatic. for in
stance. and carry "A stronger suggestion Of
Truth than the scene in which the King
understanding Al last that IugIesaut is
90 be- sacrificed. IS toId that he viii not
compromise him.
Then the King said NO: there IS no fear
Of John IHgl0saut. I believe you There
is no fear that amy man VIII betraE his
friends and be false TO his order and his
plighteC word except the kiuS,-eNcept
the King
Ia those few lines Mr.. ShorthouSs has
thrown a lUTid light on the character az
the unfortunate monarch. VINO. though
f.fH raa#N
the advice Of those around him was at
least ke,HIy conscious of his f@iiiugs. and
caulG recognize sincerity Of purpose ia
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