Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-19
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES E. TRAcEWELL.

We have seen no local review of 1.-THE
Golden Wind" by Takashi Ohta and
| Margaret Sperry, the first of the So
called Paper Books issued by Charlie;
Boni, New York.
1t deserves mention. not only because
it is a good story, told in an unusual
way, but also because 1t is in paper
binding.
There is something particularly
chummy about this type of book cover
an appeal so we'll known abroad that
European paper-backed editions of the
classics are to be seen everywhere.
There is many an American reader
who not only has happy memories OF
i such foreign publication but also
cherishes the recollection of "paper-back
novels" issued in America, which he
often read as child.
Some of these books were ultra -popu-
lar in appeal, but others included many
of the world classics. We can recall an
oldAtime edition bound in blue paper,
with an imitation of leather strap and
buckle, which contained many of the
masterpieces of Alexandra Dumas.
II our memory serves us, 1t was in this
edition that we first read that splendid
play of all time, "Cyrano de Bergerac"
What If an American does claim. and
perhaps with much justice, that Rostand
took the idea from play of his?
1t is generally agreed that Rostand
made the play his own by the inimitable
way IN which he handled the theme of
the noble Self-sacrifice Of the big-nosed
hero.
The new Paper Books are in line with
one of the two main movements in
American publishing. Along with a
trend toward larger and more hand
some volumes. with an mounting
price, there has run a counter move
ment toward good books in good cheap
editions.
While popular biographies in the new
modern manner" commonly sell for SIS
and Sc, the book market has seen the
issuing of many splendid standard
works, both old and new, at prices
around a dollar apiece. Perhaps the
most spectacular successes along these
lines are the Modern Library and the
Star Dollar Library. There are many
others, however, including both new and
old Libraries; notable among the latter
are the Nelson's, the Everyman, and
Burt's.
In issuing the Paper Books at a sub
scription price which comes to AZ cents
volume, the publishers have under
taken venture which still has all the
earmarks of real adventure. Perhaps
even Mr.. Boni is not sure of the out
come. To place good books well de-
signed and carefully made within the
reach OF any reader" as is the an
nounced intention of the publishers, is
an achievement which time alone can
prove. If THE Golden Wind" is a fair
sample, however, the average reader
will remain extremely eager for the
next one, and believer in the sue
cess of the venture.
y
A collaboration always presents diff
ficulties. A reader cannot help Won
dering how much each party to the
pact had to do with the completed ven
ture. The young Japanese author of
THE Golden Wind" is a resident of
New York State, after a lifetime of
adventure, some part of which is more
or less described in the book. Miss
Sperry is credited with the form and
style Of the book.
The story tells of young man BAN
ished from his country for the political
beliefs Of his father. He goes to China,
is sent to the fighting front, attempts
TO desert by running away between the
lines. and turns out to be hero against
his will. His subsequent adventures
among bandits, picturesquely calling
themselves the Kin of the Everlasting