The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-06-08
BOOKS B
By Paul Pry

Those who complain of the numerous pieces of historical fiction of the day will no doubt be somewhat modified by much of 1t recently that can scarcely be termed historical in the proper sense Of the term. For a real tangible peg on which to hang the romance of a story seems all that Is desired by many of the writers of this class of fiction. Anthony Hope indeed, did not require this and drew even upon his own fertile resources for the country, king and scenes of his popular stories. Few, however, are able to do this with the spirited aetuality which pervaded his imaginary concep- tions; and so we find the greater number preferring some picturesque and romant- ic historic scene. France is the favorite country and many of its periods have been delightfully."- portrayed. MT. Justin Huntly Mccarthy, in his recent romance. has selected the time of Louis XI. Cor what especial reason is not apparent, for there is certainly nothing of interest attached to the personality of the ann bilious and interruptions King. The title will no doubt appeal to many readers '
 inward resentment against conditions and environments and experienced a cor responding yearning for opportunities.
 If Were King" Is the recital of such Ionged for golden opportunities that came to one who seemed hopeless In dreaming of them.
 If I Were King is a vivacious TO- nance filled with spirited action and many quaint conceits. Much of the ac- tion takes place in the Fircoue Tavern, at which place Is gathered very strange company, indeed, set in high relief by no less a parsonage than King Louis incognito. The story itself Is most ex- ceuently conceived and the development of the plot entirely structural through out. The ingeniousness and cleYerness of the story makes 1t thoroughly enter taining, for 1t will facinate even the most fastidious reader. One of the strongest points of the book is the ease with which the characters are portrayed. That they are individual and thoroughly unlike oth- CTS of our acquaintance makes the achievement the more remarkable They are drawn in a few broad mastery strokes and stand out upon the canvas with great vividness and actuality. We may not enjoy the company gathered at the hospftable "Ficoue," but, at least we are drawn and interested by brave Master Francois Villou, sometime "schol- ar, poet, thinker, drabber, blabber, good at pen, point and pitcher" Few incl dents of romantic fiction quite equal in droil, whimsical humor the experiences of Master Villou. Yet, the fact that he was fully equal to the jocularity and the gravity of the situation fully justifies the readers early interest in him. The mo- bleness strength and energy of Villou's true nature expands under the wooing presence of his golden opportunity at the Palace of the King and he rapidly be- comes heroic and capable in thought and demeanor. It is a very cleverly concoct- ed story, but it would be unpardonable to give even a suspicion of the fanciful and interesting plot. That the story lacks the historical atmosphere is rather remarkable in piece of work by so clever a historian as Mir. Mccarthy The Lady Katherine just misses being a very lovable heroine and yet 1t Is difficult to define why As good a reason as any, no doubt, may be found in one of her rejoinders to her lover which reads-"I