New-York tribune., 1908-04-18

1t is said that when you meet Thomas Hardy
in the main street of Dorchester-the Caster
bridge Of his novels-you will recognize him by
his short quick step by the sharply defined
features. 1T is strong face, terminating in
wonderful forehead" says the author OF
sketch in Black and White" The novelist. 1t
is added, Lives the life of a literary recIuse,
and seldom wanders far from his native place
But he is out in ell weathers, caring nothing for
wind and tempest; does he ever wear an
overcoat When the weather gets colder he
dons an extra waistcoat and another, till per-
haps he will wear three or four in the depth of
winter He shuns society; he objects strongly
10 being Iionized,' and those who know him
best are the workers in the Frome Valley, who
have been the subject of his life's study" The
natives of Dorset it appears, do not properly
appreciate the work of Hardy
They will talk TO you Of the poetry of William
Barnes, they have erected monument @ 10 to-, MN MN m
it comes TO the man who has portrayed tielI @ ile
are silent - prophet IS not without honor etc.
Alas though must confess IT. IT Is true oI Ssa
through the Hardy country entered the church
Erd u tb 81 novels Sf ' or the purpose Of looking at What
had previously missed-the gargoyles from which
the rain poured and washed the flowers Sergeant ga.
troy planted aEeS Fe6 e6tared FTnfe ne @
with native, and in some roundabout fashlon Ile
coIy ersation turned 10 the subject or boxing
chester market asked him if he had seen AT; ;
Hardy there that DAY The builder, you & mean cam,
No, but I would think no more Of shaking hands hands
with him than ! would with you. lo ms cruat
mind one who talked boxing was the equal 10
this genius Of his native county
The late Coventry Patmore is quoted as MAX
ing to Hardy the foolish statement that - Pair
~ Rlue Eyes" would have been far finer work
had it been rendered in verse. 1t Is to be hoped
that this remark did not, has been suggested.
aI,a, fO verse
Jude the Obscure are told has been his
favorite among his books, but it is hinted that
its rlsce has since been usurped by The
Dvnasts' over which the author has expended
more labor than the public will ever knoW-more
labor than the average writer devotes TO score
of novels
hook on Robespierre is in preparation by Mr.
. p warwick who has just brought out a
,a entitled ..Danton and the French Revo-
luton"
Never Saw Die" is the title of novel which
tho Russian Grand Duke Michael has lately
,oroDleted The London Bookman' says that
the hook is likely to create considerable SEN
sation."
-rta library of Mr Preston A Perry, which is
.. ba sold at the Anderson auction rooms next
,,.aaly contains many interesting manuscripts,
incuna bula and early printed books-and among
other things a chained book of the hfteenth cen
turv with ring and swivel. In ii beautiful copy
of Poe's poems is inserted long letter IN the
noe,s hand-a letter not without the mournful
passages which rarely failed TO appear III his
/ correspondence:
Since ! heard from you / have had re Iteration
Of the promise about the Custom House appoint
mont from Rob. Tyler. \ friend Of mine Mr..
Tas Heron having heard from me, casually that
/ had some hope of an appointment called upon
.tieo Maid my respects TO Gen j. W Tyson. the
leader OF the T party IN TINS city, VINO seems es
recialv we'll Gisposed-but Notwithstanding ali
ttis have nv doubts. A few days VIII end them.
II 7 do not get the office am just where started.
Nothing can be done 10 secure IL thsn mas
7 iteTature Is 4 a sad discount There is really
nothing 10 done in this way. Without an inter
veil cut their throats. y good Magazine. OF he
trua stamp. would 90 wonders IN the way al a
general republication Of letters-but this or the
Law We must haye-both If possible
The forthcoming number of THE Century" is
"a contain an article entitled What the World
MIGHT Have Missed" In this paper Dr. ". A.
y Dorland will present a summary OF the re-
bIe work done in science, art literature.
,nusic. politics and diplomacy by men over
forty
In the Calendar OF the Manuscripts OF the
MARQUIS of Bath" lately published BY the Brit
ish Historical Manuscripts Commission, there
are some confidential letters Of Matthew Prior,
the poet written while he was on the Continent