New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-13
LITERARY NOTES.

Mr.. Thomas Hardy's new book. which will
presently De published. will contain nothing
save drama in six acts. Interesting as it may
prove 10 be- we cannot but feel with Mr. Har-
dy's suggestive but not all inspired poetry in
mind. that we would give all the plays he could
ever write for one new novel as good as THE
Return Of the Native or Tess
The monograph on Queen Anne which is to
be added to the magnificent Goupil series is to
be written by Mr.. J. Churton Collins There
could not be a better historian chosen for the
work. Mr.. Collins is also about to deliver
course Of three lectures on The Poets and
Poetry Of America" ami these will be printed
in The North American Review" They will
be awaited with lively interest, for Mr.. Collins
is one Of the most candid brilliant of living
critics.
4 plaintive journalist in Shanghai wants to
know why it is that no one ever seems to write
a story the scene of which is laid in China with
out betraying the most lamentabie ignorance Of
the country and the manners and customs Of
the people. The explanation ought not to be a
very esoteric affair. II probably amounts to
this-that not one novelist in half million
writing STORY of Chinese life'' takes the trou-
bic TO go to China, 10 stay there any length of
time, if he does visit the country or TO read
what the authorities have written on the subject
Two Of the writer's who will be included in the
new edition Of the Mermaid Series who were
not included in that series in its original form
are Dryden and Shadweu. Professor Saintsbury
viii edit both writers. Two volumes will be
given to Dryden. We have already received
from the Scribners the three volumes devoted to
Ben Joneon and the three given respectively to
AIarlowe Otway and Steele. The new form
IS not so substantial as the old but it is cheaper
and more convenient. One of these volumes
goes easily into the pocket. They printed IN
good type on thin paper. and there Is the usual
frontfspiece portrait or other establishment.
The books make an attractive appearance in
their covers Of old rose linen stamped in gold.
The Mermaid Series" as IT originally print
ed has long been cherished by students, and
It deserves the new lease of life IT now promises
to receive.
When M. G. A. Henty. the popular writer OF
1uvenilia- died about year ago. and ii was
nounced that two new books by him would ap-
rear this season. everybody supposed that these
would be the last publications bearing his name
on the title pages. 1t IS stated. however,
that at least three additional stories by him
may be expected, and probably more will see the
light. He kept ahead Of the printers, after the
who is believed to have enough material ready
to keep his publishers busy at the rate of two
volumes a year for the next seven years.
It has occurred to a French diplomatist, who
IS also q man Of letters that as men in com
merce on both sides Of the Channel have found
Il worth while to meet at public banquets it
might also be profitable for those who follow the
liberal arts and work IN kindred professions to
~ -an-s--
Claretie, the director Of the Coincide FRANCHISE.
and that gentleman gives # to the world in
these words:
Why should not the Journalistic the literati
the painters OF France invite the journalists, the
novests. the artists Of England to a banquet, at
which they would commune together over
Shakespeare and Corneille2 should like to be
empowered 10 publish the name of the original
! was almost going to say the inspired-diplo-
matist who desires to appeal to the poets TO
bring about pacitication. 1 can imagine Herbert
Spencer or Swirburne the great thinker the
great poet presiding in Paris at a banquet like
banquet Of Plato at which honeyed words would
fall and speak a message of peace and justice to
the world I imagine some great repre-
sentative Of French thought replying. I think
such toaSts would Te-echo in the world. And the
idea Of my dplomati5t friend is not Utopian for
he is practical man. only he knows the omnip-
otence Of art and of thought
Mr. Albert D. Vandam. who died the other
day in London. was for many years tie Paris
correspondent Of THE Globe" He is remem-
bered in this country more particularly the
author of An Englshman in Paris which a
good many readers chose to regard as the
posthumous memoirs Of Sir Richard Wallace
when 1t appeared in 1892 That opinion did not
live long Mr.. Vandam was of Dutch birth
but he spent most Of his life in Paris. where
he developed positive gift for the acquisition
OF information, and where he wrote a great deal
/ Of entertaining gossip. He nearly lost his life
during the siege Of Paris. In the street one day
/ he was suspected OF being a spy. and the crowd
was quite ready to hang him to the nearest
] lamppost. but he was recognized by an officer.