The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-27

Wells. Published by Charles scribner's Sons.
 Readers of H. c. Wells books have recognized in him a writer of a dlstinc- tive class of literature, who has field of work which he occupies alone. His two former books. "The War of the Worlds" and "When the Sleeper Wakes produced a profound impression and con- vinced his many readers of the original ity and strong Individuality of the au- thor's genius. His ingenuity was dis played in extremely weird conceptions, and yet with persuasiveness that was most convincing. His latest book, "The Food of the Gods,' and how 1t came to earth, Is a surpassing example of the authors unusual talents, and will appeal to all readers who thoroughly enjoy some thing out of the ordinary.
 In the opening pages MT. Wells de- scribes "The Food of the Gods' and It's characteristics and how 1t came 10 earth. In the pages which follow giving de- tailed description of the use of the "Food' the author is whimsically humorous, and yet oftimes pathetic also. The food Is given the scientific name of "Herakleo- phorbia," and after one of the Profes- sors experiments satisfactorily with 1t on hens and rats he gives a small dose to his Daby-boy who Is undersized, and says and our real interest lies at present with your boy"
 Redwood turned about and came and stared at his collaborator.
 What do you think of him. Bensing- ton? You can look at this business with greater detachment than can. What am I fa d0 about him 2'
 "Go on feeding him."
 "On Herakleophorbia7 ?"
 "On Herakleophorbia-"
 And then hell grow"
 Hell grow, as far as I can calculate; from the hens and wasps to the height of about i've and thirty feet-with every thing in proportions"
 And then what1l he do7'
 That" said MT. Bensington, '1s just what makes the whole thing so inter- esting.'
 eConfound 1t, man Think e hls And when he's grown up." said Red wood. "hell be one solitary Gulliver in ,pgmy world"
 MT. Bensington's eye over his gold rim was pregnant.
 ..Why solitary?" he said and repeated still more darl1ly, 'Why solitary?"
 But you don't propose -"
 q said," said MT. Bensington, Why solitary"
 Meaning that one might bring up other children -T
 The situations are most extraordinary and the volume Is a thoroughly clever one It bears the imprint of September, 1904.
 "The Girl and The Kaiser"-By Pauline Bradford Mackie. Published by the Bobbs- Merrill company.
 eThe Girl and the Kaiser" Is dainty little volume just from the press and as it's name ingeniously suggests, contains very striking situation in the meeting of the little heroine with the Kaiser-play- fully termed ''Wilhelm der Plotzliehe." erhe sudden.) It Is the story of young unassuming unconventional American girl visiting her uncle in Germany, who is an admiral in the German navy.
 Those readers who may have tired of clever or "smarty" novels may take up this one with genuine zest since It's sim plicity and artlessness form it's greatest charm. It is winsome little story or s.the way of a maid" who was not afraid to fall in love with young naval officer and fall out again as conveniently when she discovered the shocking state of things-to an American-which precludes the possibility Of marriage of an officer except to a woman of wealth, and then this wise young woman proceeds to tell the Kaiser" what she thinks about such 'horrid' 'aws-without any apparent im- pression on his majesty, however, unless it te his usual interest In the fair sex. . The author takes a few well known German characteristics and places beside them a number of distinctively American ones and the result is nothing startling or unusual. but simple. winsome little story-just the sort that sweetens and brightens the heart of the reader.
 John La Farge classifies the master pieces of painting which he considers in the December McClure.s as "Allegories," and under this heading he presents "The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine" by Correggio, Spring." by Botticelli, and .sThe Shepherds of Arcadia by Poussin. Mir. La Farge most Interestingly discusses the whole subject of a1legorical expres- sion through the art of painting and &C., complishes that unusual feat of present. ing a technical and highly specialized sub feet in terms of general understanding and human interest. This is the sort of art criticism which must charm public critics alike.
 The wonderful little study of human na- ture as it works out in our busy Ameri- can life is offered by Herman Knicker- booker Viele in the December McClure's in "The Money Meter" By a series of interesting incidents a rich banker Is dra- matically shown how insufficient the money measurement is in the real things of life The devoted young preacher who prefers his humble charge to large sal ary elsewhere the poor widow who prizes her children above gold; the struggling clerk whose prospect of home is more to him than preferment are all object lessons to the man of millions that there are many things in life which money can not buy, and much in life beyond wealth. .sMunchausen By the Baron. Published by Rand, McNally & Co.
 That, in this new volume. we have the same old Prince of Liars" we may guess from the recital of an incident in the opening pages of the book.
 Tn a little glen I saw two monstrors stags engaged in battle They rushed to- gether with such force that the striking of their antlers caused streams of fire 10 fly forth. Though I stood quite near them they were so intent upon each others destruction they observed not my presence. As viewed the combat. happy though struck my mind I was by nature very agile, and as the stags came