Evening star., 1936-04-08
NEW BOOKS
AT RANDOM
LEXINGTON IN OLD VIRGINIA. BY
Henry Boley. Richmond: Garrett q
MasSie Tnc
BY Margaret Cermond.

LEXINGTON IN OLD VIRGINIA. BY
Henry Boley. Richmond: Garrett q
Massie, Inc.
This is the nineteenth volume in q
series of historic publications presented
by house that has on more than one
occasion been given the highest award
of the American Institute of Graphic
Arts for beautiful books. Many and
varied are the books that have been
written since the revival during the past
several years Of a sentimental interest in
those sections of the country which fig
ured prominently in the making of a
new Nation. The quaintness of New
England and the charm of the old South
have taken on new significance since
the collecting of antiques became a fad
and started veritable rush toward these
cradles of original Americanism. Like
all converts to new idea, these seekers
after goods soon acquire thirst for knowl-
edge, and many Of them are gaining
through art, architecture and time
melloWed products of master craftsmen
true picture of those phases Of national
development about which there has been
but little genuine understanding.
Many well-equipped writer's, realizing
the need of a popular form Of reading
material to meet the demand for con-
densed factual literature, have combined
narrative and art to good effect. In the
series of which this volume, on one of
Virginias early communities, is the latest
addition, 1t has been the purpose of the
publishers to make each book as artistic
and as beautiful as it is interesting and
authentic.
So closely interviewer are the tangible
and the intangible that the writing of
any book about the old South is an art
in itself. History and tradition, actuality
and romance, common sense and atmoS-
phere are elements that have become
unified rather than weakened by the
march Of time. They are the undivorc-
able components of that Intangible
charm that is peculiar to the Southland,
that transforms Sight-SeerS into dream
ers and romancers, that gives visitors
a treasured memory.
All of the qualities required for the
writing the story of Lexington are pres
ent in Mr.. Boley. sHis work shows a
temperament naturally attuned to the
spiritual appeal of the small town that
has so rich store of memories of IL
lustriouS men whose honorable deeds
are recorded in the Nations history.
Inseparable from any story of Lexing-
ton are the dominant personalities of
Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
But these men and the influence of
their lives upon the community, the
State and the entire South are only two
of the many outstanding individuals as
sociated with Lexington who have served
the Nation q c Soldiers inUanfnrc frnr-
tiersmen, educators, ministers. Indian
fighters and statesmen and in many
other fields.
A key to the nature of the book is to
be found in the authors brief preface
and in its dedication Ito the gallant men
who followed Lee of whom my father
was one" Mr.. Boley was inspired to
write the story of Lexington while listen
ing TO the Beethoven Ninth Sym
phony' during the glorious sunset hour
which in the Virginia mountain regions
casts magic spell upon the earth and
fills the soul Of man with sense Of
serenity. Fortunate is he" writes Mr..
Boley, whose lot is so pleasantly cast;
music, magnificent scenery, fine fellow
ships. abiding friendships and. in fact,
everything that makes life worth the
4lhlAlS AL VI IAlCSC. anu OllC
in Lexington. With this appreciation
came the desire to put in writing some
of the interesting bits about the old
town, which have given. and still give,
that something which sets it apart"
The volume is a series of sketches Of
people, places and events directly con-
nected with Lexington since its settle
ment in 1870. They are based upon facts
cleaned from authentic records and
augmented by random stories picked up
here and there in conversations and
gathered from the memories of those of
ripper years. Beautiful Photographic il
lustrations and handsome binding en-
folded in a colorful jacket cover add to
the general attractiveneSs and appeal of
the book.
THIS MAN LANDON. BY Frederick
Palmer. New York: Dodd, Mead
& Co.
Among the many new books that are to
be classed as campaign publications is this
one about the Governor of Kansas, who
is at this time being regarded as a likely
candidate for the Republican nomina-
ton for President when the convention
of that party meets in Cleveland in
June. The writer has made splendid
job of giving fairly brief biography Of
the man and a complete, terse record
of his career as a citizen and as public
official without bias or undue favoritism.
The book has specific value at this
time for the reason that even though
he is now being discussed generally as
the possible head of his party, Governor
Landon has kept himself rather far in the
background and is not so well known as
are many others who are also being
studied and weighed for presidential
capabilities This book affords all voters
who take their right of franchise seri-
ously an opportunity to make themselves
acquainted with his career and with
his record as the chief executive of one
Of the major commonwealths of the
Nation. 1t has no frills or furbelows
but gives keen insight into the char
acter of the man and includes his Kansas
day.address, delivered on January 80 Of
this year.
ID osIxro,,s NJ, 80