title: The Time Spirit
author: Snaith, J.C.
description: A ROMANTIC TALE.
   This reviewer does not happen to have read anything by J. C. Snaith since the appearance of "Broke of Covenden," until the agreeable task of considering "The Time Spirit; A Romantic Tale," was assigned him. The intervening period represents a good many years, and much water has glided by the mill meantime.
   "Broke of Covenden" was a very strong novel; the writer recalls that it was commended to him by Richard Mansfield, who gave him a copy to read, pronouncing it the best and most powerful book of fiction that had been produced in England for many years. Be that as it may, "The Time Spirit" seemed to be its superior in many respects, notably in the absence of a certain grimness and rigidity which characterized Mr. Snaith's earlier production.
   It has the happy ending which the reader of today craves as an antidote for the many unhappy endings of real life; the heroine is both beautiful and wholesome, the hero is a manly gentleman with a determination to get what he is after, and the characters of the old Duke and Mrs. Sanderson are most lovable. "The Time Spirit" presents no very serious plots or problems to vex the jaded mind, surfeited with those of the times and not anxious to encounter them in fiction as well as in fact. It does not even remotely touch upon the war theme, for which one should be deeply grateful. It is a delightful book, in the reading of which can be found surcease from modern care and a rest for the weary soul tired of hearing about battle, murder and sudden death; a simple and pleasant story, "a romantic tale," exceedingly well told, that leaves behind it an agreeable taste and a welcome feeling of optimism. The world needs more novels of this type, and can well do with fewer war books by amateur writers.
   -"The Bellman, " Volume 26  1919]