The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1916-04-27

Digested the masses he learned into learning"
"A Fable of Critics.
What shall 1 read2 Such is the question
every where. The question does not seem diff
cult one, but the contrary, too easy to admit of
much discussion. 1t is like standing in an orchard
adened with fruit; it is not matter of choice, but
of falling to, and taking the best
There is class of books known as novels of
the day; novels of adventure, of society, and of
high-wrought passion. AS a rule they are to be
avoided on the same ground that you would
decline to buy fair-ooking garment when you
have reason to believe that it's wool is shoddy. It
is true that great novel may contain exciting ad-
venture; in itself there is no harm in thrilling
events, for all facts off into surprise. But
masses of books, nearly all the novels of the day,
have one or both of two characteristics; the plot
turns upon a restlessness und er, or violation of,
marriage, or the tone is pessimistic, namely hold
ing evil to be the law of society. Occasionally
sweet, healthy novel slips from the press, like one
of Mrs. Stoves, MacDonald's or Mrs. Whitner's
but the great masses are such as we have de-
scribed
But you ask how shall we know the good
books from the bad? just as you distinguish be-
tween persons, by reputation and acquaintance
use the same rule with books If your friend
''who reads all the new books is surprised that
you have not seen Zolas, or Vinda's last, inquire
how long since he has read Henry Esmond,' and
the blush will be on the other cheek. An author
very soon gets reputation; 60 by it and make no
adventures amongst the unknown.
If you ask who the best novests are, we will
venture to name those who at least head the COL
umn. Scott, Cooper, Thackeray, Mrs. Stowe,
Dickens, George Eliot, Hawthorne, Macdonald,
Miss Bronte Miss Edgeworth, Mrs. Whitney,
Jane Austen, Bulwer, Kingsley, Black, How
els, Backmore; of foreign authors, Victor
Hugo, Auerbach, Ruffin and Ebers. Surely here
are enough for the longest life. There is a vast
number of good novels besides these,-correct in
presentation, sound in sentiment, instructive,
entertaining. We do not say DON'T read them;
but consider the matter we'll.
We realize there are various tastes amongst
US, that much reading is done to while away time
Read somewhat in the way of discipline. This
may take you in direction contrary to your tastes
You are doubtless fond of the novel, but you re-
quire another kind of book-an essay, a treaties,
review article history, a biography,-s something
that may not win the attention, which, therefore,
you must GIVE. Read variously. The secret of
true living is to have many interests.
You will find, after a time that one of the
chief delights in reading consists in substantiating
what you find in one department by what you find
in another. If you have fancy or Partially,
you may best feed it not by direct, but by gen.
eral reading, for you will find it running as
thread through all literature
Read in the Ire of your pursuit. If you sell
advertising, study such books as, advertising
Business Force by Che1rington. Adds our Sales"
Casson. If you prefer poetry, engineering, cleo
trcity or any other pursuit, select the best books
on these subjects and study them. The obvious
effect of reading upon pursuit is that one can
follow it more ntegently, but it has finer value
when we take our LABOR into literature, it is en-
obled Farming has grown steadily in dignity as it
has been studied and followed in the light of
books. When read of our pursuits we think
of them more calmly, more profoundly and object
lively. Our vocation is so near us that we do not
see itbut the book separates us from it. so we can
look on all sides.
Webster said, many other students read
more than did, but so much as l read made my
own"
If this seems like making toll of what should
always be pleasure let say that after time this
habit of thoroness gets to be of its keenest
enjoyment. We speak of the pleasure of know
LEDGE but may not have discovered that only
EXACT knowledge can yield pleasure The prin-
er may draw certain excitement from books, but
no peace or satisfaction.
Books are our most steadfast friends; they are