The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1901-10-03
COL. r. B. CREECY'S GREAT WORK.
A Review of His Book, Grandfather S
Tales of North Carolina.
Raleigh Morning Post.

i
Who have attempted to play that role
among us2 We can count our authors
on our fingers. Compare North Caro-
lima in this respect with Scotland
Scotland has published thousand
books to where we have published
one Every attempt at authorship in
North Carolina is therefore q matter
Of congratulation, and OF interest.
We should hasten to applaud; we
should manifest appreciation; we
should show our approval in such
way as will tend TO multiply books
among US. 1t is not meant that we
should say poor book is good one;
but for the present we must be con-
tent to walk on common ground, and
not expect to soar in the high realms
where authors of the very tirst-class
are found. If our people shall make
it a point to patronize letters in
practical way; if they will buy North
Carolina books; ii they will encourage
people to write books, we will pro-
duce authors enough to remove the
stigma from North Carolina. and
among them may he found some Of
the very highest merit.
We have been led to these refisc-
lions by considering the case OF our
veteran brother of the press-Colonel
K. Il. Creecy. The Colonel has been
writing for the public for more than
thirty years, and during all that
period, and earlier, he might as well
have been turning out books that
could have rcdounded TO the credit Of
North Carolina. But there was no in
ducement. There was no sentiment
among the people that gave him any
assurance that his books would be
bought. At last in his old age, for he
is now about 81 years old, he was in
duced to make the financial venture.
He had added volume to the scant
number Of North Carolina produc-
tions. The question i5-how will the
people of North Carolina treat it?
Will they treat it 50 as to induce
somebody else to take up the roll of
authorship? In other words-will the
people Of North Caro!Ina make this
publication a finaEcia success. or will
they, by allowing it to be a financial
failure, throw damper upon others
who are inclined to enter upon the
work OF authorship?
We have been permitted to look
over the advanced copy Of Colonel
Creecy's book. It is entitled '.Grand-
fathers Tales of North Carolna," and
contains about 1875 separate and dis
tinct articles, each averaging about
two pages, as the volume seems
about 30 pages. There are some
fine engrayings in it. We do not
mean poor wood cuts, caricatures of
pictures but illustrations cTeditablc
to any book. The type, paper and
binding are. all good, and Edwards &
Broughton, who have done the work,
are to he-complimented for their part
of this North Carolina production.
Of the literary merit, it is only
necessary to say that Colonel Creecy
is recognized as one of the easiest and
rcadest writers the State has ever
produced. In addition to the grace
and elegance OF his composition. he
possesses a delightful humor that i'm
parts delicious flavor to his style.
There is a piquancy about it that
all readers will enjoy.
And these tales are written for the
most part in such pleasant vein that
there is not a dull or heavy article
among them. In nearly every ARTICLE
there is either an anecdote inter
woven, or pathetic incident, and, il
! not, there is some striking occurrence
| that makes it noteworthy.
These tales are all about North Car.
Dina; either some North Carolina
event or North Carolinian. Neces,
| sariiy, they are of much historical
value. They embrace the whole field
from Virginia Dare down to the pres
ent generation, for the Colonel says
he did not wish to speak of the living.
| While therefore in writing of some OF
the great editors of the State he men.
toned those that have passed away
he had to omit the names Of those
equally fine writer's who are now con
Quoting the North Carolina press.
The list of subjects handled shows
a large variety. Many deal with the
distinguished characters who were
prominent fifty and sixty years ago
! some the Colonel knew. And, indeed
| these articles are, ia measure, the
Colonels "reminiscences; and there is
a great deal of humor in them. The
other articles dealing with events
also make charming reading. They
are pen and ink sketches, designed t.
instruct the young and please the
mature A mother can read them al
aloud TO the family circlc-and the
sparkling viyacity Of the composition
will interest and amuse the boys and
girls; and the gray-beards will enjoy
it as much as any.
On the whole, as-this book is Il new
departure, being North Carolina facts
dressed up in agreeable garb, and
presented in a charming light, WI
hazard the prediction that it will be
warmly welcomed by the North Caro-
lima public, and that our reading peo
pie will hasten to enjoy the repast the
good old Colonel has prepared fol
them. We sincerely trust it will bt
| so. Such a meritOrious work should
excite the admiration of our people
and should prove so great financia
success that other fine writer's ma,
be induced to assume the role 0
authorship.