The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-07

"THE SIDE OF THE ANGELS By
 Basil King. Harper Brothers, publish
 CTS, New York.
 What chiefly distinguishes the work of a master novelist from the facile artistry of the mere story teller is that inteilec- tual content which pervades and domi- mates the tale throughout. It is not enough that a story be told with skill for it's own sake; if it would take rank as great art it must rear it's structure upon broader foundation, given in those deep and permanent phases of human nature and conduct. Not only must the novelist have a story to tell, it must be worth the telling by virtue of it's significance as a revelation and criticism of life.
 Basil Kings new novel. The Side of the Angels is a case in point. Ones interest is caught from the start and IS held by the mere spectacle of half dozen characters working out their des- tiny before our eyes. It has offered en- tertainment in generous measure because it has had a story to tell and has told it admirably. But the authors art goes far deeper and to those who do not lightly skim the pages to snatch the story will be evident the many finer and deeper aspects of the tale.
 MT. Kings intent is to set forth how a man unselfshly striving to make smooth the lives of those about him may involve both himself and them in tragic outcome because he has ignored the fact that his own life first needed lectification. If one is to ally himself on the side of the angels some in- trospection is first necessary.
 rhorlev Masterman comes of a good family. is heir to considerable for tune, and after his years of study in Europe he elects to practice medicine in his home town-his ancestral town, it may be said, for the Mastermans and Thorleys have been people of conse- quence in this place for generations
 The authors fine gift of invention is manifest in the art with which the coil of circumstance is frightened, and Thor his wife, his brother, and Rosie Fay, market gardeners daughter, are speed fly involved in a drama of keen sus- pense mounting from one crisis to an other until the climax
 Thor at the outset of the story comes upon Rosie Fay at work in her fathers s green houses, and he is captivated by this fair nymphlike creature. She stlrs his blood and dominates his thoughts for a brief season, but he quickly dis covers that his half-brother, Claude, is in love with Rosie, and has been court ing her in a clandestine fashion. In this moment of recoil is born his resolve to make all smooth for the two young lov- CTS. Rosie's father is almost penniless and Rosie herself is the mainstay of his 6ecadent business Claude has no share in the wealth which Thor has inherited on his mothers side He decides to help out Claude by giving an income to Rosie upon her marriage. Claude's mo- mentary suspicion of Thors interest in Rosie is allayed by Thors announce ment that he is soon to marry Lois Will lougaby. the daughter of his father'T partner, thus fulfilling a long unspoken Understanding between them. Thor marriage to Lois takes place, but Claude SalIies The latter present discovers Thol,s former interest in Rosie. He misinterbrets Thor's intended generosity ha SC suspicion and hot jealousy seize hold of him. Lois, also, comes to share some portion of the truth, and divines the rest. Such is the predicament which Thors altruistic impulses precipitate.
 It is now several years since The Inner Shrine and "The Wild Olive evidenced Mr Kings literary genius and placed him in the front rank of our American novelists "The Side Of the