Evening star., 1915-01-24
Unique Tribute to King Albert of Belgium

60HE volume known as King Al
berts Book" recently published
in London, as "a tribute to the
q Belgian king and people from
representative men and women through
out the world" is one of the unique pub
lications Of modern times 1t is only
1877 pages in length. but it contains
many full page illustrations. seventeen
being reproduced in color. the work of
world-renowned artists There are also
water colors. pen-and-ink sketches and
other reproductions by artists whose pic
lures have made them famous on both
sides Of the Atlantic.
The contributors to King A1berts
Book number 239 persons, among whom
are many of the most illustrous and
representative men and women in the
world. Princes, statesmen, diplomatists,
ecclesiastics scholars, scientists. men
and women of letters. artists and COM
posers all will be found in this unique
publication. which is sold for the bene-
fit of the London Daily Telegraph's Bel
gian fund being collected as a testi-
monial to the heroic king and his daunt-
less people.
King Albert's Book is published by
London Daily Sketch and the Glasgow
Herald The entire proceeds from
it's sale. it is advertised. will go to the
Belgians A copy of this exceptionally
Interesting and most artistic. but quite
unconventional volume. has been re-
ceived in Washington. In later and hap
Yia Inn ha h00 will Ho
come a valuable souvenir of the great
world war"
The large number of contributors nat
urally give the greatest range to the
articles, which run the whole gamut
from the first-an autograph letter writ
ten by the Right Hon. Herbert Henry
Asquith, NJ. p. K. c.. prime minister of
England and first lord of the treasury,
reproduced in his own handwriting on
note paper bearing his address 10
Downing street, Whitehall, S. w." en-
sraved in the upper corner-to the last
Maurice MaeterlinckS modest little note
to the editor of the book. In few well
chosen paragraphs. written in French.
the Belgian poet and dramatist declares
it Is not for him to sing the glories "of
my little country to which he adds
pertinently that so much has been writ
ten with such true and noble elo-
anything further.
A fine photogravure of King Albert
forms the frontispiece of the book The
picture is recognized as one of the
most faithful likenesses of the big
king of the little kingdom" 1t shows
him in uniform, standing, with his
arms behind him, the background being
a simple portiere. His expression is
grave and thoughtful and the royal
warriors pose is natural and unassum-
ing.
Queen Mary of England is the only
other person whose likeness graces the
book. Her picture is a copy of the oil
painting by Lavery, the British paint
er. A. R. A., r. s. A, Chevalier of the
Crown of Italy and of Leopold of Bel
gium. The colored reproduction bears
the queens autograph, "Mary-R." and
shows the royal lady resplendent in
jewels and with handsome order
peepins from under the broad blue rib
bon which descends from her left
shoulder and crosses her breast.
The introduction to King Albert's
book is from the facile pen of Hall
Caine, the English novelist, who writes
lengthy preface he makes clear the
purpose of the book. which he explains
"is published as the united voice of the
worlds gratitude to Belgium for her
unexampled heroism," and to express
sympathy with her in the heavy price
she has to pay in discharging the sub
lime duty which destiny laid upon her
of fighting by our side for the liberties
of all
Mr.. Caine. after going into the details
of the purpose of the book, tells of
Belgian heroism, and expresses the
publishers appreciation for the whole
hearted cooperation of the leaders of
thought. of art and of action, who are
prominent throughout the world for
their love of justice and freedom" The
explanation is made that the exi-
gencies of space in single volume
have made it necessary to limit the
number of contributors whom it has
been possible to invite to join in this
worlds tribute to the martyr nation
X \
Never before, perhaps" says Mr.
Craine in conclusion, have so many
illustrious names been inscribed with
in the covers of single volume. but
King Albert's book has significance
which even transcends its distinction
Out of the storm Of battle a great, new
spirit of brotherhood has been born
into the world men and women
Of all Dnuptrioo hau> dxo o1nenr 10