The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1904-01-23
OUR LITERARY TABLE

TWO TYPES OF THE HISTORICAL NOVEL
CBy Miss Ethel Harcombe, O3 Sacred Heart Academy
Ogden)
Every period of development. every change in the
character reflected in its literature, and
perfect mirror of the present time than that
of its literary achievements could exist
AS varied and htfu the interests of the peo-
pie today so the forms i'll which the authors Of
fiction seek to charm and captivate the world
The historical novel. touching as it does with new
life, the chief in the drama of the past fuhl5
important niche III the halls of modern literature
The union of fact and fancy. blending as 1t does
history and poetry. is peculiarly pleasing.
the great play OF making history is re-enacJed
and the minor points upon which history cannot en-
large fully developed thus giving motive for
many which in the bare chronicles may have
seemed so inexcusabIe.
OF the many historical novels which have won fame
and admiration for their authors, recent ones
may be chosen typifyinG the trend of modern ne
ton: "Blennerhasset" and Dorothy Vernon
Both deal with the formative period of history one
of revolution the other of the middle period
in England, yet how wildly do they differ in the
scenes and characters they portray.
'Blennerhasset" is written lay one whose sympa
hes enlisted with those of the southern states
and he paints his hero. Aaron Burr in glowing cooTs
generous, noble character. far removed from the
intriguing of his time.
In direct contrast the hero, stands Alexander
Hamilton, pictured unprinciped pollt1cl4A
STOPPING to SANDER the man he calls friend ana
fearing to meet his adversary the field Of honor3
The book is cleverIy written and the cunningly de
vised hints existing proofs HamiltOns treacherE
cannot fail to throw doubt and odium on the hitherto
highly esteemed political OF one of America
leading statesmen
The beautiful devotion of Theodosia Burr for her
father is charngly related in the latter part of the
book She is his most trusted ally and is ready 10
relinduish home and happiness to aid him in his Wild
scheme of ruling Mexico as its emperor.
The other work, "Dorothy Vernon" while drawing
It's incidents from time perhaps euogized thar
any other has distinct personality.
Into the story woven many new phases in the
life of Mary Stuart phases. too, that cannot fail 10
displease the admirers of the ell starred queen"
II pictures the life of girl of Elizabeth's time
and her character is deep contrast to that of the
heroine of 'Blennerhasset. Charles Major has sue
cesfuly entered into the spirit of the times and his
heroine is the typical woman of the Tudor epoch
she followed her impulses which lead all often
defiance, not only of the accepted principles Of de
corum but of her fathers wishes and commands.
The author describes his heroine the strongest
weakest. bravest of her and certainly she is
character fascinating in many respects repusiVe
in others.
1t is fault common TO the historical novelist 70
offset the creation of his mind the skill Wncn
carries out this contrast is much to be admired III O0'
books
Many widely different types Of the historical,
novel might be chosen but Dorothy Vernon ana ana
"Bennerhasset mark distinct class III the hc'ion
of today.
to popularity and In former works OF TINS css
to Intensity interest in history.
The predominant tendency of the present age 20
marked in the social world permeates HiuSh u ~
literature; 1T very marked IN the TWO oooK
under consideration, the tendency to tear down olo
and cherished ideals from their high pedestais ana
elevate new and untried ones IN their places