Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-05-02

phia University Extension Society, the
cultivation of Reading was dis
cussed. Strange to say, the novel found
ardent supporters, Mr.. w. Hudson
Shaw actually declaring in plain terms
that the cry against the reading Of
fiction is preposterous."
Few educated persons would have
agreed with him once on a time. 1t.
used to be considered that novel read
ing was a sure sign of weak intellect,
and woman, as especially addicted to it
was unsparingly ridiculed. The new
school argues with more sense that
novels foster a taste for books in gen.
eral, and that the taste once acquired,
discrimination will be gained in time.
The writer we'll remembers reading
in 1.-The Cations" a reference to the
Life of the Rev. Robert Hail." and the
quotation therefrom. Il have not
complained sir, have /? No. and l
won't complain! Curiosity was piqued
to read the biography. and perusal OF
1t tempted to that of other equally val
liable works. so that on looking back
THE Caxtons" seems to mark dis
tinct mental epoch.
There is another reason for cham
pioning the novel nowadays, and 1t is
found in the fact that modern novels
are superior in tone to those of by
gone day. Grant that the problem
novel is still a noxious growth in the
garden Of literature, how many beau
tiful and fragrant blooms ,are to be
plucked therein! In brief and to aban-
don simile the fact that 50 many peo-
pie write and publish nowadays has
created competition which in turn has
IA or Ia
who would be the author of success
full novel. must draw upon huge stores
of dramatic and descriptive power and
knowledge The novel which public
opinion now indorses is helpful, broad
ening and uplifting in it's influence.
So let the summer girl lay in a good
supply Of light reading matter. only
using care in it's Observation-Disclosures
phia Ledger.
Arthur. Sherburne Hardy's latest
novel His Daughter First" which is
arousing keen interest during it's serial
publication in the Atlantic, will be
ready in book form in May.
The just published life of Miss Yonge
is not very thrilling work, we believe,
but it has value as in some sort a
picture of early Victorian manners.
The author of 1.-The Heir of Redclyffe''
brought out her first book in 1874. 1t
was called "Abbey church" and was is
sued by permission of a family coun-
eli on the understanding that the au-
thor did not take any money for 1t
herself-"it being thought unladylike
to benefit by ones own writings
Times have changed!
In Mr.. Pemberton's Life of the late
Bret Harte there is a most picturesque
account of the Americans first visit to
the grave of Charles Dickens. He
tried to speak," says the friend who
took him to the Abbey but choked up;
tears ran down and fell on the stone
as he bowed his bare head very low;
his hand trembled as l led him away
Alas for the celebrities who entreat
and command that no biographies OF
them shall be written! Poor Thack-
eray's request was obeyed for few
years, and then fatty disregarded
even his own daughter published az
'introductions' what was in truth {
biography. And now one of Thack'
eray's contemporaries who asked tina
she should not he subject to a bio
graphy is to be treated in the same way
This Is Mrs. Gaskell, whose novels arr
about to he reissued by London firm
The menrpir is coming out in connection
with this issue. Mrs. Gaskelrs book.
have given pleasure to so many readers
that 1t would seem she had fully earned
the rightto have her wishes respected
Bret Harte was often asked to write
his autobiography. and it MS said tina
the idea had taken possession of hi
mind in his later years-but not linz
OF 1t did he write, 1t would have beer
worth reading, for the author knew
most of the interesting people of hi
time. There is an amusing story tolt
by J. Ii Toole of a luncheon will
Harte: after greeting from m!
host. he said. Let me introduce you t,
the Duke of st. Adams oh! yes
said. with smile. and shook hand
with the gentleman who was assumin,
that character. as l thought. Then h
introduced me to Sir George Ire
v,lyan, and had hardly shaken hand
with him when my host said: L would
like to introduce you to Count Bis
marck. OH! yes + said bowling t.
the newcomer: how many more of yo,
are l0GTe. w mere is Won NlpltkG, ~
instance Bret Harte laughed, so di'
Trevelyan: a comedian is allowed
certain privileges. and my remark wa
considered. I dare say. more or les
complimentary: but l had no idea wha
4 fool l was making of myself. A
luncheon / said to the man who sa
next me. Who is the gentleman Hart
introduced me to asst. Albans?' 9TH
Duke of st. Adams he replied. AM
the man opposite?' Herbert Bismarck
the princes son. No. I said. 'reall
oh! yes he said. And the man talk
ing to him?' That ds Sir George Ire
velyan.' ! was enever more sold in m.
life"
Tho late Samuel Butler, the autho
of "Erewhon," left behind him the MS
of novel called The Way of Al
Flesh" 1t Is to be published sthi
spring. and those who have enjoyet
"Erewhon" are looking forward to {
new pleasure.