"The
every way acourate and satisfying to the imagina.
every way acourate and satisfying to the imagina.
Athenaeum - London - 1912a
The first four Sketch-Books will be follows gives still stronger proof of this.
It ally manifest in the Chopin Sonata, in which
London and · Edinburgh,' by Lester G. abounds in clever devices. A first and second she brought out all the poetry. It was the
Hornby; 'Paris,' by Eugène Béjot; and subject are developed separately, and after reading of a great artist. Criticism for the
Rochester,' by K. Kimball.
wards combined, and with them is associated time being was silenced : she got at the
a third subject, which seems evolved from very heart of the music. Her playing of
THE COMMITTEE of the forthcoming the basso of the Chaconne, while in an
Schubert's Moment Musical' in A flat,
Exhibition of Designs for Mural Paintings imposing coda is heard the Choral. In this Op; 94, No. 2, was remarkable for beauty
and for the Decoration of Schools, &c. , an-
Fugue will be found triple and quadruple and warmth of tone. Temperament and a
nounce a competition for the decoration of double counterpoints, stretti, inversions, highly strung nature easily account for any
the vestibule of the Middlesex Hospital. Mr.
&c. No composer would venture on such exaggerations : they were the outcome of
Edmund Davis, a Governor of the hospital, a work unless well acquainted with Bach, qualities which few pianists possess in so large
has generously arranged for the rebuilding so that it is not surprising to find solid a measure as Miss Purnell.
of the entrance with a view to mural decora- traces of that influence. Karg-Elert is not
tion. The circular giving particulars may slavishly imitative, but frankly acknow. Gardiner Concert at
The programme of the third Balfour-
Queen's Hall on
be dobtained from the Hon. Secretaries, ledges the source of his strength; the new
Mural Decoration Committee, Crosby Hall, elements, however, in his music give to it ties. Mr. Percy Grainger's 'Mosk Morris,'
Wednesday included some interesting novel;
S. W.
life and interest.
for seven-part string orchestra, is bright,
a
as
a
2
6
$
:
## p. 447 (#339) ############################################
No. 4408, APRIL 20, 1912
447
THE ATHENÆUM
Mr.
was
>
cleverly scored, and characteristic, and it was
Curtis (Elizabeth Alden), THE NORSEMAN,
rendered with point and life under his
DRAMA
A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS.
direction. Of the composer's skill in works
Portland (Maine), Mosher Press
of short compass there is no question. We
There is little that is distinctive in this
shall hope one day to hear a work from NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.
poetic drama of the fates of Frithiof and
his pen" which will show how he can
(Notice in these columns does not preclude longer and the blank verse is correct, but it lacks
Ingeborg. The characters are well defined,
creato and develop important themes.
review. )
As yet he has only given proof of Alice Bland and the Golden Ball, Phoca and inspiration or power of phrase to prevent
great skill and tact, and a thoroughly
History Repeats Itself, Tom, Cousin its growing wearisome. It is at best a
healthy feeling. The piece was followed
Mary, and Red Riding Hood, by C. A. dignified performance, not rising above the
by
Balfour . Gardiner's delightful
Dawson-Scott; Mr. Sampson, by Charles mediocre, and seldom sinking below it.
Shepherd Fennel' Dance, which
Lee, 6d. net each.
Dent Ellis (Dorothy May Brodrick), THE LIGHT-
heard more than once during the Prome- We should like to direct a large circle of BEARERS : A MISSIONARY PAGEANT, 6d.
nade Concert season last year. Later in the harassed entertainment-mongers to these
net.
Ely, Tyndall
evening his part-song "The Stage Coach,' carpet plays.
carpet plays. 'Mr. Sampson' is a little A dull and apostrophic masque, composed
novelty, proved attractive. Two Psalms gem, treating the relationship of two middle- of allegorical and historical figures, and not
for chorus and baritone solo (Mr. Ernest aged women and their next-door neighbour containing even the semblance of poetic
Groom) by Grieg, from Op. 74, were not well with that humour which is akin to pathos. merit.
placed, coming after the two works just • Phoca,' with its echo of the Forsaken
mentioned. The first, My Jesus sets me Merman, is a crystallized idyll
, but the vintras (Louis), L'OR ET LES Roses, tragédie.
free,' is interesting; the second is of simple author's touch is a trifle heavy for the gos-
Paris, Publications Encyclopédiques
hymn-tune pattern. Some old English samer opportunities of the playlet.
This tragedy, dealing with mediæval
madrigals were admirably rendered by the
Naples, is in the true Romantic manner. We
Oriana Madrigal Society, under the able Creighton (Charles), M. D. , AN ALLEGORY OF
had imagined that the age which greeted
direction of Mr. Charles Kennedy Scott.
OTHELLO, 3/6 A. L. Humphreys such productions was long past. Mar-
The author in his Introduction suggests shalled in aid are all the traditional acces-
A letter of Mendelssohn's, recently adver-ample reasons for not suspecting allegory in sories-gloomy, vaulted apartments, secret
tised for sale by J. A. Stargardt of Berlin, “a great design firmly grasped and naturally stairs, rapiers in profusion, and grinding of
recalls an early attempt to get him to unfolded ” likeOthello' 'He then suggests bolts in iron doors. The author's smooth
write an opera.
The Chappell firm com- plenty of objections to the parallel he puts
missioned J. R. Planché, who wrote the forward between Bunyan and Shakespeare: emotion with alarming facility, but leaves
verse runs through the whole gamut of
Oberon’ book for Weber, to prepare one In respect of moral purpose, of course, the us unconvinced and uninspired.
for Mendelssohn. The composer was informed parallel fails ; for the dramatist could hardly
of this, and in replying from Leipsic on Feb. be said to inculcate a moral if he declined to
ruary 12th, 1838, stated that a “good, truly tell what the moral was. ” It is an odd and
poetical libretto had long been his desire. infructuous sort of allegory, the full expla-
Play-Making : a Manual of Craftsmanship.
This is the very letter (written in English) nation of which has escaped the close scrutiny By William Archer. (Chapman & Hall. ).
which has been advertised for sale. After of the wits of three hundred years and more,
To the minds of some lovers of art there is
a long correspondence between Planché and, when we discover the quality of Shake-
a curious fascination in the study of art's
and the composer, Planché agreed to adopt speare's hints, we can only conclude that it processes. For them enjoyment, and even
all Mendelssohn's suggestions, and the manu-
script was sent in 1839 a second time to stand the weakest allegorist in print.
has been our good fortune to misunder. beauty, are enhanced by comprehension of
the technical skill with which beauty has
Leipsic. No letter or message respecting it
Shakespeare was, indeed, an extraordinary been presented, and into their recollected
was ever received from Mendelssohn, and
It appears that he meant King pleasure in a beautiful thing consideration
the manuscript was not returned.
Lear' to be a complete allegory of the
of its how and why enters largely. Any
In the long notice of Mendelssohn in Reformation in England.
“Othello is a
reader of this pattern will find congenial
Grove’s ‘Dictionary' there is no mention of religious allegory, too. The Turks in the pasturage in Mr. Archer's book; and if
this, not even in the new edition, revised first act are the Nonconforming clergy, mark it, their critical perceptions would
theatregoers at large would but read and
by, F. G. Edwards, an authority on Men in the reign of Elizabeth. Brabantio is
delssohn. Another proof of its being little Archbishop Whitgift. The feint on Rhodes become so much sharpened as to render
known is afforded by a notice of some is an abortive attack on doctrines (roads, or
impossible the performance of some plays
Mendelssohn
Concerts in The Athenæum of well-trodden highways of thought), Cyprus, happily,
from the ordinary writer of hand-
pretty well received. Differing,
December 9th, 1871. Speaking of the fasti-
diousness which prevented Mendelssohn monies. Iago represents Bacon as the books, Mr. Archer does not frame a system
from writing an opera, the writer remarks that anonymous pamphletoer whose attack of rules, but rather (if the medical term
"' dissects ont ” prin-
he could have had the assistance of Scribe severely wounded Hooker in 1599. Hooker may be admitted)
or Planché the very men who had been in is Montano ; and Othello's story is that of ciples from actual plays, showing in how
negotiation with Mendelssohn. In last the Lollards, his marriage to Desdemona many ways these principles may be fulfilled,
Saturday's Notes and Queries, in the article meaning his acceptance of the traditional and, incidentally, what excellent reasons
· Charles Dickens,' Mr. John Collins Francis sacrament of the Altar in England. When
often underlie our unreasoned dissatisfaction
refers to Chorley, who, after his retirement Brabantio called his daughter a
with certain passages of various plays.
from the staff of The Athenæum in 1868, still (I. iii. 195), he was thinking of Bishop, Jewel; of specific cases, the book is full is sound and
The criticism of which, in the examination
wrote for it occasionally. Chorley was an
intimate friend of Mendelssohn's, and must, taught him to put on other children are the penetrating throughout, but it is, perhaps,
when last acts come under consideration
one would think, have heard of one or both Anglican Articles of Religion. Doubtless,
series of correspondence. The notice was by when Cordelia called her sisters“ jewels,"
that its breadth of view is most marked.
Gruneisen, but no reply came from Chorley. Shakespeare was thinking of two bishops,
For example :
The latter died soon afterwards, February or the one was of sufficient importance to be “I suggest, then, that the modern tendency to
16th, 1872, but was apparently in good duplicated.
take lightly Aristotle's demand that the drama
health until the day before his death.
Those who like this sort of reasoning will should have a beginning, a middle, and an end'
arises from the nature of things, and implies,
find it carried out here in detail, with refer-
not necessarily, nor even probably, a decline in
ences to Warburton and other critics. We craftsmanship, but a new intimacy of relation to
Concert, 3. 80, Royal Albert Hall.
can only say that, if Shakespeare found life, and a new sincerity of artistic conscience.
Sunday league Concert, 7, Queen's Hall.
the game a congenial pastime, we do not. I suggest that the weak last act,' of which critics
and
so often complain, is a natural development from
We are content with 'King Lear
which authors ought not on occasion to shrink,
• Othello' as they stand_to the uninitiate and of which critics ought on occasion to recognize
Strolling Players' Orchestral Society, 8. 39, Queen's Hall. eye, and we can offer Dr. Creighton no the necessity. To elevate it into a system is
Madame Leschetizky's Pianoforte Recital, 3, Bechstein Hall.
Amy Francis and Nancy Hancock's Mâtinée, 3, Steinway
encouragement to publish the several dis- absurd. There is certainly no more reason for
Frederick Lamond's Beethoven Recital, 3, Bechstein Hall guises in five or six other plays. We do not deliberately, avoiding an emphatic ending than
for mechanically forcing one. But authors and
Madame Sperann Calo's Vocal Recital, 8. 15, Bechstein Hall.
Donald F. Tovey's Chamber Concert. 8. 30. Æolian Hall.
propose to alter our whole conception of
critics alike should learn to distinguish the themes
Shakespeare on such evidence. It is evidence which do, from the themes which do not, call for
Thomas Perceval Fielden's Pianoforte Recital, 3. 15, Æolian
at best of no importance, for he who speaks a definite, trenchant solution, and should handle
Loon Rain'. Vocal Recital, 8. 15, Bechstein Hall.
of the all-sufficing beauty of the poetry theni, and judge them, in accordance with their
inherent quality. ”
Joan Manda and Frederick Lamond's klecital, 3, Bechstein
in its plain meaning appears to us to con.
demn some of the poorest
“ likelihoods of Mr. Archer's style of writing is weighty,
Germaine Schnitzer's Pianoforte Recital, 3. 15, Steinway Hall.
modern seeming" that have been added to but somewhat heavy. It does not suggest
Shakespeare.
Dettmar Dressel's Violin Recital, 3. 30, Dechstein Ball.
natural fuency with the pen.
man.
now
* jewel
PERFORMANCES NEXT WEEK.
Sun.
Mon. -8AT, Royal Opera, Covent Garden.
Mon. -Sat. London Opera House, Kingsway.
Mox. Doris Woodall's Lieder Recital, 8, Bochstein Hall,
Tors Kathro Bentineke's
Vocal Recital, 3 30, Beohstein Hall.
Clay Thomas's Vocal Recital, 8, Æolian Hall.
WED.
Hall.
THURS. Twelve o'clock Chamber Concert, Rolian Hall.
Joneph Klosky's Violin Recital, 3, Bechstein Hall.
וופון1
Aall.
Royal Amateur Orchestral Society, 8. 30, Queen's Hall,
PRI.
Hall.
Bar.
Queen's Hal Orchestra, 3, Queen's Hall.
Alexander Raxb's Pianoforte Recital, 3. Folian Hall.
## p. 448 (#340) ############################################
448
No. 4408, APRIL 20, 1912
THE ATHENÆ UM
no less than his wife, has given himseli JAMES CLARKE & CO.
In , ,
Dramatic Gossip.
another matrimonial partner, and has only
come home to make the acquaintance of his
A SELECTION OF NEW BOOKS.
We continue to follow the ramifications daughter—a crushed little girl whom he
of the Censor's ban with breathless interest. saves from a marriage of convenience, and FIGHTERS AND MARTYRS FOR
We observed his crusade against Puritan helps to the man of her heart. Barbara's THE FREEDOM OF FAITH.
ism; we beheld his ægis uplifted to protect love-affairs can have but one ending, when
By LUKE 8. WALMSLEY. 512 pp. Large
the display of irresponsible and inconse- once her father appears, and it is the
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 88. Bd.
quential immorality; and now we see him ludicrous predicament of the victims of
net.
withholding from the public gaze a play bigamy which is the centre of interest.
The book has a frontispiece in colours and
which, if it carry a didactic motive with it, In his second act Mr. Brighouse concentrates
16 illustrations on art paper of Wyolif, Savonarola,
is a vindication of the cardinal doctrines on these with the happiest results, thanks to Luther, Tindale, Knox, Henry Barrowe, the
of Christianity. We think, indeed, that Mr. the clever acting
of Mr. Dennis Eadie, Miss Pilgrim Fathers, 'Cromwell, Milton, George Fox,
Zangwill does injustice to the “ Next Helen Haye, and Mr. Hubert Harben. Bunyan, Watts, Wesley, William Carey, John
Religion. ” As a constructive faith, it is His first act, besides being tame and con- Williams, and Livingstone ; each having a long
given no substance, and its equipment in ventional, gives away his plot, while the chapter in the book.
“The author has carried out his task with much
the shape of a temple, a ritual, an organ and third is mere uproarious farce, and really
success, and the book may be commended as in
choristers in the last act does not impress unnecessary.
us with the originality of its pioneers.
"The
every way acourate and satisfying to the imagina.
MESSRS. W. HEFFER & Sons of Cam. tion. ”-Bookman.
Next Religion is inferior in technique, bridge will shortly publish, an edition of
grasp of reality, and massiveness of con. Shakespeare's Twelfth Night' which has CHARLES DARWIN AND OTHER
ception to 'The War God,' powerful as it is. been specially arranged and adapted for ENGLISH THINKERS: With. Reference
It alternates between the subtle dialectics performance at the Cambridge Theatre on
to their Religious and Ethical Value.
of destructive criticism and volcanic action April 30th and May 1st by the Cambridge
By 8. PARKES CADMAN, D. D. Large
in such a way as to obfuscate a central Repertory Company. The edition has been
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 58. net.
impression. It is too long, lingers where it prepared by Mr. Orlando Barnett and Mr. ЕUCKEN AND BERGSON. Their
should be quickened up, and is inclined to A. F. M. Greig.
be unwieldy. Moreover, the credulity of
Significance for Christian Thought.
the religion-maker in the third act, his
'DENYS OF AUXERRE' is the title of a new By E. HERMANN. Crown 8vo, cloth boards,
29. Bd. net.
surrender to the arts of commercial exploita poetical drama in five acts by James Barton,
tion and garish publicity, leave us rudely which will shortly be published by Messrs. " A study marked by ability. ”— Timos.
disillusioned as to the strength of his per Christopher. Its theme is the story-traced
THE IMPERISHABLE WORD.
sonality and the impenetrability of his by Pater from the stained glass of Auxerre
gospel. He is vulgarized, and our respect
Cathedral-of a pagan revival in the Middle By W. CHARTER PIGGOTT. Crown 8vo,
for him wanes.
The creation of the wife is Ages.
cloth boards, 28. od. net.
more vital characterization. She is handled PLAYGOERS who go to the Globe Theatre the average man, who will find in his clear and
“Mr. Piggott writes on subjects of interest to
with poignancy, insight, and rare sympathy. to hear lilting music, and to see pretty careful expositions much that will at once stimu. .
The force of the play lies really in the dia. dresses and scenery vivified by attractive late and comfort. ”-Dundee Advertiser.
logue of the first two acts—always trenchant, principals and chorus, will probably, come
ironic, masterful, and at times broadening away well content with "The Pink Lady, PROBLEMS AND PERPLEXITIES
into lofty and full-mouthed harmonies.
which was produced on the 11th inst. It is By W. E. ORCHARD, D. D. , Author of
Mr. Fisher White realized the founder of
a French farce, set to music, and played by • Modern Theories of Sin,' 'Evolution of Old
the new religion with unflinching per. an American company, all the members of
Testament Religion,' &c. 304 pages, printed
spicuity, conveying at the same time an which are possessed by one idea—that they
on India Paper, cloth boards, 23. Bd. net
undercurront of delicate pathos with a blend must “ hustle. "
“A most roadable and acceptable book. . . . . .
of feeling and ingenuity. Miss Adeline
peculiarly profitable for the quiet hour.
Bourne as
Except for the speed with which it is be opened anywhere, and something worth while
Mrs. Trame made the most
courageous endeavours, but did not temper acted, the accent of the performers, and the will be found ; and it can be laid down after a few
herself finely enough to the part. She was
chorus—which is boisterous, and descends moments, leaving suggestions to ferment in the
either too lachrymose or too cyclonic, and sometimes into merely making a noise—the reader's mind. It can also be easily carried in the
was prone to excessive gesticulation. Mr. play does not differ essentially from the pocket, and a book of this sort ought to be. "
Horace Hodges as the farmer who becomes English musical comedy. Miss Hazel Dawn
Aberdeen Daily Journal.
the sacristan of the new religion, and Mrs. looked very pretty in the name-part, but The MAIN POINTS in CHRISTIAN
Theodore Wright as the wife of the mis her singing would be improved by the intro-
BELIEF.
sionizing bishop and the mother of Mrs.
duction of a little more light and shade ;
By CHARLES REYNOLDS BROWN.
Trame, gave the most delightful renderings Miss Alice Dovey, the least tumultuous
of their parts.
Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 28. 6d, net.
member of the company, sang well ; while
Mr. Frank Lalor was exceedingly funny as
“Endeavours to restate for thoughtful laymen
THOUGH in “The Odd Man Out,' which Dondidier, a dealer in antiques, forced against of the orthodox faith, and it does this clearly,
rather than technical students the staple articles
is being given this month at Royalty his will to pose as a satyr. Donny, did, reasonably, and attractively. ” -Scotsman.
matinées, Mr. Harold Brighouse has written Donny didn't,' and Beautiful Lady, the
a full-sized comedy, he must still be classed latter reminiscent of the Chocolate Soldier SHORT TALKS TO BOYS & GIRLS.
as an author of one-act plays. The Price waltz, won instant approval from an enthu- By J. C. CARLILE, Author of 'Talks to
of Coal '--that admirable sketch of mining siastic audience.
Little Folks. ' Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 18.
life was in one act-form; and there is only
“ The 'talks' are direot, homely, and pleasant.
one act, the second, in his more ambitious
They will be found admirably adapted for young
effort, which shows him to advantage.
If the rest of his new play had but reached
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS.
minds. The writer talks to his youthful listeners
as a friend more than a preceptor, lightening his
its level, what an exhilarating and delightful
moral counsel with apt allusions from the world of
entertainment we should have obtained !
experience and of books. ”-Oxford Chronicle.
Not since the days of The Importance of
AUTHORS' AGENTS
READY SHORTLY.
Being Earnest' have we had a droller scene
on the stage than that in which the twice-
THE PERSON OF CHRIST IN
married Mrs. Enderby, is confronted by EDUCATIONAL
MODERN THOUGHT.
the husband she has long thought dead, EXHIBITIONS
By E. DIGGES LA TOUCHE, M. A. Litt. D. ,
LONGMANS & CO.
and hesitates between her duty to the
428, 452 Author of Christian Certitude,' &c. Demy
sanctimonious humbug with whom she has MAGAZINES, &c.
8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 8s. net.
found happiness and that to the returned
MAUNSEL & Co. . .
This is the first series of Donnellan Lectures
MISCELLANEOUS . .
prodigal, Daniel Weir, whose cynicism MURRAY
for 1911-12. Mr. Digges La Touche has already
and roving habits made marriage with him NOTES AND QUERIES
made his name as a suggestive and inspiring
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
a misery. Her choice, illogically, but natur-
writer on modern theology, a writer at once
ally enough, falls on the man who does not
scholarly and popular.
want her and offends her every sense of
PROVIDENT INSTITUTIONS
propriety, and the spectacle of the reprobate SHIPPING
London :
wriggling in the clutches of this flabby, but SITUATIONS VACANT
JAMES CLARKE & CO. , 13 and 14, Fleet Street.
resolute matron is worth going far to see.
TYPR-WRITERS, &c.
WARD & LOCK
And of all Booksellers.
It may
BELL & Sons
CATALOGUES
CLARK
::::
:::
PAGE
426
423
425
448
425
425
428
MACMILLAN & Co.
PAUL & Co.
PRINTERS
450
451
425
451
450
449
460
426
425
426
450
426
426
427
SALES BY AUCTION
::
-
---
-
## p. 455 (#341) ############################################
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
459
CONTENTS.
PAGE
459
THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE
460
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ISLAM
461
FORMAL LOGIC
462
THE CAPE OF ADVENTURE
463
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS
464
LADY ASHBURTON'S LIBRARY ; AUTOGRAPH LETTERS;
.
OF IDLENESS'; CUNNINGHAM'S EXTRACTS FROM
. .
. .
. .
fact may
VULGATE
468–471
471
LITERARY GOSSIP
472
BCIENCE EARTH FEATURES AND THEIR MEANING;
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SOCIETIES; MEETINGS
NEXT WEEK; GOSSIP
FINE ARTS-ARCHITECTURE; THE WORKS OF MAN;
. .
. .
PICASSO AND
MR. JOSEPH SIMPSON
AT
THE
. .
MUSIC - NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; GOSSIP; PER-
FORMANCES NEXT WEEK
479
GOSSIP
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
479-480
480
O
. .
was
and to assess their value at what they “I myself have perhaps been fortunate
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1912.
may be worth.
enough to render some humble service to
the King and to royalty. I have sold five
Mr. Davidson, whose death occurred
editions of a book in which the name of a
before these pages were seen through the Bourbon occurs on every page. ”
VICTOR HUGO: HIS LIFE AND WORK
press, devoted to his subject the wide
research and the exact study which are As politician no less than as man of letters
necessary to a scrupulous biography. he believed himself indispensable to the
He spared no pains in mastering the State, and boasted loudly of his influence.
evidences which' Hugo's contemporaries When he had not yet become a Republican
have left in abundance. He examined with a he gravely declared :-
THE ISCARIOT'; W. T. STEAD; BYRON'S 'HOURS critical eye the not too trustworthy state-
ments of the poet himself. The result is Republic my life wouldn't be worth three
“No, I am not a Republican. . . . In a
THE REVELS' BOOKS; THE REVISION OF THE
a history which is at the same time careful days' purchase. The different parties would
FORTHCOMING BOOKS . .
and lively, which for statements of mere wrangle with each other to get hold of
be relied upon, and is written me, and in less than three days my head
with an individual style-polished, inci- would fall. "
sive, mordant. His temperament and Pomposity, sublime belief in himself,
473—176 predilections, however, disqualified him vanity, arrogance, and inaccuracy as to
from being the ideal biographer of his own achievements, were defects which
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SALE; M. PABLO
Victor Hugo. Some element of hero-
STAFFORD GALLERY ; GOSSIP. .
478–478 worship is indispensable to the true grew into monstrous proportions in the
biographer of any man who is claimed sixty years of his public life.
among the great. Mr. Davidson, evidently
But Mr. Davidson has carried his
DRAMA-THÉRKSE RAQUIN; NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; disgusted by the excessive hero-worship indictment too far. Without a shadow of
which Hugo's wiser contemporaries ridi evidence, he accuses Hugo of “sharp
culed, went to the other extreme. A practice” in transferring the publication
cold admission of his genius as a writer of “ Marion Delorme' from one publisher
is unsupported by any explanation of what to another (p. 100)--an alleged breach of
it was in Hugo the man which made the contract which the publishers could not
LITERATURE
poet, the novelist, the dramatist. As the prove. When 'Le Roi s'amuse
biographer of a Republican, the author censored by the Government, Mr. Davidson
has no business to let his own hatred of puts it to the dramatist's discredit that
Republicanism appear. But it does ap- he allowed his publishers to advertise it
Victor Hugo : his Life and Work. By pear.
By pear. As one whose task it was to account a prohibited play (p. 103). In his
A. F. Davidson. (Eveleigh Nash. ) for the democratic professions of Hugo, strictures upon Hugo's relationship with
he is particularly unfortunate in revealing Juliette Drouet (p. 117) he forgets that
" HE is forced and artificial. .
London and · Edinburgh,' by Lester G. abounds in clever devices. A first and second she brought out all the poetry. It was the
Hornby; 'Paris,' by Eugène Béjot; and subject are developed separately, and after reading of a great artist. Criticism for the
Rochester,' by K. Kimball.
wards combined, and with them is associated time being was silenced : she got at the
a third subject, which seems evolved from very heart of the music. Her playing of
THE COMMITTEE of the forthcoming the basso of the Chaconne, while in an
Schubert's Moment Musical' in A flat,
Exhibition of Designs for Mural Paintings imposing coda is heard the Choral. In this Op; 94, No. 2, was remarkable for beauty
and for the Decoration of Schools, &c. , an-
Fugue will be found triple and quadruple and warmth of tone. Temperament and a
nounce a competition for the decoration of double counterpoints, stretti, inversions, highly strung nature easily account for any
the vestibule of the Middlesex Hospital. Mr.
&c. No composer would venture on such exaggerations : they were the outcome of
Edmund Davis, a Governor of the hospital, a work unless well acquainted with Bach, qualities which few pianists possess in so large
has generously arranged for the rebuilding so that it is not surprising to find solid a measure as Miss Purnell.
of the entrance with a view to mural decora- traces of that influence. Karg-Elert is not
tion. The circular giving particulars may slavishly imitative, but frankly acknow. Gardiner Concert at
The programme of the third Balfour-
Queen's Hall on
be dobtained from the Hon. Secretaries, ledges the source of his strength; the new
Mural Decoration Committee, Crosby Hall, elements, however, in his music give to it ties. Mr. Percy Grainger's 'Mosk Morris,'
Wednesday included some interesting novel;
S. W.
life and interest.
for seven-part string orchestra, is bright,
a
as
a
2
6
$
:
## p. 447 (#339) ############################################
No. 4408, APRIL 20, 1912
447
THE ATHENÆUM
Mr.
was
>
cleverly scored, and characteristic, and it was
Curtis (Elizabeth Alden), THE NORSEMAN,
rendered with point and life under his
DRAMA
A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS.
direction. Of the composer's skill in works
Portland (Maine), Mosher Press
of short compass there is no question. We
There is little that is distinctive in this
shall hope one day to hear a work from NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.
poetic drama of the fates of Frithiof and
his pen" which will show how he can
(Notice in these columns does not preclude longer and the blank verse is correct, but it lacks
Ingeborg. The characters are well defined,
creato and develop important themes.
review. )
As yet he has only given proof of Alice Bland and the Golden Ball, Phoca and inspiration or power of phrase to prevent
great skill and tact, and a thoroughly
History Repeats Itself, Tom, Cousin its growing wearisome. It is at best a
healthy feeling. The piece was followed
Mary, and Red Riding Hood, by C. A. dignified performance, not rising above the
by
Balfour . Gardiner's delightful
Dawson-Scott; Mr. Sampson, by Charles mediocre, and seldom sinking below it.
Shepherd Fennel' Dance, which
Lee, 6d. net each.
Dent Ellis (Dorothy May Brodrick), THE LIGHT-
heard more than once during the Prome- We should like to direct a large circle of BEARERS : A MISSIONARY PAGEANT, 6d.
nade Concert season last year. Later in the harassed entertainment-mongers to these
net.
Ely, Tyndall
evening his part-song "The Stage Coach,' carpet plays.
carpet plays. 'Mr. Sampson' is a little A dull and apostrophic masque, composed
novelty, proved attractive. Two Psalms gem, treating the relationship of two middle- of allegorical and historical figures, and not
for chorus and baritone solo (Mr. Ernest aged women and their next-door neighbour containing even the semblance of poetic
Groom) by Grieg, from Op. 74, were not well with that humour which is akin to pathos. merit.
placed, coming after the two works just • Phoca,' with its echo of the Forsaken
mentioned. The first, My Jesus sets me Merman, is a crystallized idyll
, but the vintras (Louis), L'OR ET LES Roses, tragédie.
free,' is interesting; the second is of simple author's touch is a trifle heavy for the gos-
Paris, Publications Encyclopédiques
hymn-tune pattern. Some old English samer opportunities of the playlet.
This tragedy, dealing with mediæval
madrigals were admirably rendered by the
Naples, is in the true Romantic manner. We
Oriana Madrigal Society, under the able Creighton (Charles), M. D. , AN ALLEGORY OF
had imagined that the age which greeted
direction of Mr. Charles Kennedy Scott.
OTHELLO, 3/6 A. L. Humphreys such productions was long past. Mar-
The author in his Introduction suggests shalled in aid are all the traditional acces-
A letter of Mendelssohn's, recently adver-ample reasons for not suspecting allegory in sories-gloomy, vaulted apartments, secret
tised for sale by J. A. Stargardt of Berlin, “a great design firmly grasped and naturally stairs, rapiers in profusion, and grinding of
recalls an early attempt to get him to unfolded ” likeOthello' 'He then suggests bolts in iron doors. The author's smooth
write an opera.
The Chappell firm com- plenty of objections to the parallel he puts
missioned J. R. Planché, who wrote the forward between Bunyan and Shakespeare: emotion with alarming facility, but leaves
verse runs through the whole gamut of
Oberon’ book for Weber, to prepare one In respect of moral purpose, of course, the us unconvinced and uninspired.
for Mendelssohn. The composer was informed parallel fails ; for the dramatist could hardly
of this, and in replying from Leipsic on Feb. be said to inculcate a moral if he declined to
ruary 12th, 1838, stated that a “good, truly tell what the moral was. ” It is an odd and
poetical libretto had long been his desire. infructuous sort of allegory, the full expla-
Play-Making : a Manual of Craftsmanship.
This is the very letter (written in English) nation of which has escaped the close scrutiny By William Archer. (Chapman & Hall. ).
which has been advertised for sale. After of the wits of three hundred years and more,
To the minds of some lovers of art there is
a long correspondence between Planché and, when we discover the quality of Shake-
a curious fascination in the study of art's
and the composer, Planché agreed to adopt speare's hints, we can only conclude that it processes. For them enjoyment, and even
all Mendelssohn's suggestions, and the manu-
script was sent in 1839 a second time to stand the weakest allegorist in print.
has been our good fortune to misunder. beauty, are enhanced by comprehension of
the technical skill with which beauty has
Leipsic. No letter or message respecting it
Shakespeare was, indeed, an extraordinary been presented, and into their recollected
was ever received from Mendelssohn, and
It appears that he meant King pleasure in a beautiful thing consideration
the manuscript was not returned.
Lear' to be a complete allegory of the
of its how and why enters largely. Any
In the long notice of Mendelssohn in Reformation in England.
“Othello is a
reader of this pattern will find congenial
Grove’s ‘Dictionary' there is no mention of religious allegory, too. The Turks in the pasturage in Mr. Archer's book; and if
this, not even in the new edition, revised first act are the Nonconforming clergy, mark it, their critical perceptions would
theatregoers at large would but read and
by, F. G. Edwards, an authority on Men in the reign of Elizabeth. Brabantio is
delssohn. Another proof of its being little Archbishop Whitgift. The feint on Rhodes become so much sharpened as to render
known is afforded by a notice of some is an abortive attack on doctrines (roads, or
impossible the performance of some plays
Mendelssohn
Concerts in The Athenæum of well-trodden highways of thought), Cyprus, happily,
from the ordinary writer of hand-
pretty well received. Differing,
December 9th, 1871. Speaking of the fasti-
diousness which prevented Mendelssohn monies. Iago represents Bacon as the books, Mr. Archer does not frame a system
from writing an opera, the writer remarks that anonymous pamphletoer whose attack of rules, but rather (if the medical term
"' dissects ont ” prin-
he could have had the assistance of Scribe severely wounded Hooker in 1599. Hooker may be admitted)
or Planché the very men who had been in is Montano ; and Othello's story is that of ciples from actual plays, showing in how
negotiation with Mendelssohn. In last the Lollards, his marriage to Desdemona many ways these principles may be fulfilled,
Saturday's Notes and Queries, in the article meaning his acceptance of the traditional and, incidentally, what excellent reasons
· Charles Dickens,' Mr. John Collins Francis sacrament of the Altar in England. When
often underlie our unreasoned dissatisfaction
refers to Chorley, who, after his retirement Brabantio called his daughter a
with certain passages of various plays.
from the staff of The Athenæum in 1868, still (I. iii. 195), he was thinking of Bishop, Jewel; of specific cases, the book is full is sound and
The criticism of which, in the examination
wrote for it occasionally. Chorley was an
intimate friend of Mendelssohn's, and must, taught him to put on other children are the penetrating throughout, but it is, perhaps,
when last acts come under consideration
one would think, have heard of one or both Anglican Articles of Religion. Doubtless,
series of correspondence. The notice was by when Cordelia called her sisters“ jewels,"
that its breadth of view is most marked.
Gruneisen, but no reply came from Chorley. Shakespeare was thinking of two bishops,
For example :
The latter died soon afterwards, February or the one was of sufficient importance to be “I suggest, then, that the modern tendency to
16th, 1872, but was apparently in good duplicated.
take lightly Aristotle's demand that the drama
health until the day before his death.
Those who like this sort of reasoning will should have a beginning, a middle, and an end'
arises from the nature of things, and implies,
find it carried out here in detail, with refer-
not necessarily, nor even probably, a decline in
ences to Warburton and other critics. We craftsmanship, but a new intimacy of relation to
Concert, 3. 80, Royal Albert Hall.
can only say that, if Shakespeare found life, and a new sincerity of artistic conscience.
Sunday league Concert, 7, Queen's Hall.
the game a congenial pastime, we do not. I suggest that the weak last act,' of which critics
and
so often complain, is a natural development from
We are content with 'King Lear
which authors ought not on occasion to shrink,
• Othello' as they stand_to the uninitiate and of which critics ought on occasion to recognize
Strolling Players' Orchestral Society, 8. 39, Queen's Hall. eye, and we can offer Dr. Creighton no the necessity. To elevate it into a system is
Madame Leschetizky's Pianoforte Recital, 3, Bechstein Hall.
Amy Francis and Nancy Hancock's Mâtinée, 3, Steinway
encouragement to publish the several dis- absurd. There is certainly no more reason for
Frederick Lamond's Beethoven Recital, 3, Bechstein Hall guises in five or six other plays. We do not deliberately, avoiding an emphatic ending than
for mechanically forcing one. But authors and
Madame Sperann Calo's Vocal Recital, 8. 15, Bechstein Hall.
Donald F. Tovey's Chamber Concert. 8. 30. Æolian Hall.
propose to alter our whole conception of
critics alike should learn to distinguish the themes
Shakespeare on such evidence. It is evidence which do, from the themes which do not, call for
Thomas Perceval Fielden's Pianoforte Recital, 3. 15, Æolian
at best of no importance, for he who speaks a definite, trenchant solution, and should handle
Loon Rain'. Vocal Recital, 8. 15, Bechstein Hall.
of the all-sufficing beauty of the poetry theni, and judge them, in accordance with their
inherent quality. ”
Joan Manda and Frederick Lamond's klecital, 3, Bechstein
in its plain meaning appears to us to con.
demn some of the poorest
“ likelihoods of Mr. Archer's style of writing is weighty,
Germaine Schnitzer's Pianoforte Recital, 3. 15, Steinway Hall.
modern seeming" that have been added to but somewhat heavy. It does not suggest
Shakespeare.
Dettmar Dressel's Violin Recital, 3. 30, Dechstein Ball.
natural fuency with the pen.
man.
now
* jewel
PERFORMANCES NEXT WEEK.
Sun.
Mon. -8AT, Royal Opera, Covent Garden.
Mon. -Sat. London Opera House, Kingsway.
Mox. Doris Woodall's Lieder Recital, 8, Bochstein Hall,
Tors Kathro Bentineke's
Vocal Recital, 3 30, Beohstein Hall.
Clay Thomas's Vocal Recital, 8, Æolian Hall.
WED.
Hall.
THURS. Twelve o'clock Chamber Concert, Rolian Hall.
Joneph Klosky's Violin Recital, 3, Bechstein Hall.
וופון1
Aall.
Royal Amateur Orchestral Society, 8. 30, Queen's Hall,
PRI.
Hall.
Bar.
Queen's Hal Orchestra, 3, Queen's Hall.
Alexander Raxb's Pianoforte Recital, 3. Folian Hall.
## p. 448 (#340) ############################################
448
No. 4408, APRIL 20, 1912
THE ATHENÆ UM
no less than his wife, has given himseli JAMES CLARKE & CO.
In , ,
Dramatic Gossip.
another matrimonial partner, and has only
come home to make the acquaintance of his
A SELECTION OF NEW BOOKS.
We continue to follow the ramifications daughter—a crushed little girl whom he
of the Censor's ban with breathless interest. saves from a marriage of convenience, and FIGHTERS AND MARTYRS FOR
We observed his crusade against Puritan helps to the man of her heart. Barbara's THE FREEDOM OF FAITH.
ism; we beheld his ægis uplifted to protect love-affairs can have but one ending, when
By LUKE 8. WALMSLEY. 512 pp. Large
the display of irresponsible and inconse- once her father appears, and it is the
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 88. Bd.
quential immorality; and now we see him ludicrous predicament of the victims of
net.
withholding from the public gaze a play bigamy which is the centre of interest.
The book has a frontispiece in colours and
which, if it carry a didactic motive with it, In his second act Mr. Brighouse concentrates
16 illustrations on art paper of Wyolif, Savonarola,
is a vindication of the cardinal doctrines on these with the happiest results, thanks to Luther, Tindale, Knox, Henry Barrowe, the
of Christianity. We think, indeed, that Mr. the clever acting
of Mr. Dennis Eadie, Miss Pilgrim Fathers, 'Cromwell, Milton, George Fox,
Zangwill does injustice to the “ Next Helen Haye, and Mr. Hubert Harben. Bunyan, Watts, Wesley, William Carey, John
Religion. ” As a constructive faith, it is His first act, besides being tame and con- Williams, and Livingstone ; each having a long
given no substance, and its equipment in ventional, gives away his plot, while the chapter in the book.
“The author has carried out his task with much
the shape of a temple, a ritual, an organ and third is mere uproarious farce, and really
success, and the book may be commended as in
choristers in the last act does not impress unnecessary.
us with the originality of its pioneers.
"The
every way acourate and satisfying to the imagina.
MESSRS. W. HEFFER & Sons of Cam. tion. ”-Bookman.
Next Religion is inferior in technique, bridge will shortly publish, an edition of
grasp of reality, and massiveness of con. Shakespeare's Twelfth Night' which has CHARLES DARWIN AND OTHER
ception to 'The War God,' powerful as it is. been specially arranged and adapted for ENGLISH THINKERS: With. Reference
It alternates between the subtle dialectics performance at the Cambridge Theatre on
to their Religious and Ethical Value.
of destructive criticism and volcanic action April 30th and May 1st by the Cambridge
By 8. PARKES CADMAN, D. D. Large
in such a way as to obfuscate a central Repertory Company. The edition has been
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 58. net.
impression. It is too long, lingers where it prepared by Mr. Orlando Barnett and Mr. ЕUCKEN AND BERGSON. Their
should be quickened up, and is inclined to A. F. M. Greig.
be unwieldy. Moreover, the credulity of
Significance for Christian Thought.
the religion-maker in the third act, his
'DENYS OF AUXERRE' is the title of a new By E. HERMANN. Crown 8vo, cloth boards,
29. Bd. net.
surrender to the arts of commercial exploita poetical drama in five acts by James Barton,
tion and garish publicity, leave us rudely which will shortly be published by Messrs. " A study marked by ability. ”— Timos.
disillusioned as to the strength of his per Christopher. Its theme is the story-traced
THE IMPERISHABLE WORD.
sonality and the impenetrability of his by Pater from the stained glass of Auxerre
gospel. He is vulgarized, and our respect
Cathedral-of a pagan revival in the Middle By W. CHARTER PIGGOTT. Crown 8vo,
for him wanes.
The creation of the wife is Ages.
cloth boards, 28. od. net.
more vital characterization. She is handled PLAYGOERS who go to the Globe Theatre the average man, who will find in his clear and
“Mr. Piggott writes on subjects of interest to
with poignancy, insight, and rare sympathy. to hear lilting music, and to see pretty careful expositions much that will at once stimu. .
The force of the play lies really in the dia. dresses and scenery vivified by attractive late and comfort. ”-Dundee Advertiser.
logue of the first two acts—always trenchant, principals and chorus, will probably, come
ironic, masterful, and at times broadening away well content with "The Pink Lady, PROBLEMS AND PERPLEXITIES
into lofty and full-mouthed harmonies.
which was produced on the 11th inst. It is By W. E. ORCHARD, D. D. , Author of
Mr. Fisher White realized the founder of
a French farce, set to music, and played by • Modern Theories of Sin,' 'Evolution of Old
the new religion with unflinching per. an American company, all the members of
Testament Religion,' &c. 304 pages, printed
spicuity, conveying at the same time an which are possessed by one idea—that they
on India Paper, cloth boards, 23. Bd. net
undercurront of delicate pathos with a blend must “ hustle. "
“A most roadable and acceptable book. . . . . .
of feeling and ingenuity. Miss Adeline
peculiarly profitable for the quiet hour.
Bourne as
Except for the speed with which it is be opened anywhere, and something worth while
Mrs. Trame made the most
courageous endeavours, but did not temper acted, the accent of the performers, and the will be found ; and it can be laid down after a few
herself finely enough to the part. She was
chorus—which is boisterous, and descends moments, leaving suggestions to ferment in the
either too lachrymose or too cyclonic, and sometimes into merely making a noise—the reader's mind. It can also be easily carried in the
was prone to excessive gesticulation. Mr. play does not differ essentially from the pocket, and a book of this sort ought to be. "
Horace Hodges as the farmer who becomes English musical comedy. Miss Hazel Dawn
Aberdeen Daily Journal.
the sacristan of the new religion, and Mrs. looked very pretty in the name-part, but The MAIN POINTS in CHRISTIAN
Theodore Wright as the wife of the mis her singing would be improved by the intro-
BELIEF.
sionizing bishop and the mother of Mrs.
duction of a little more light and shade ;
By CHARLES REYNOLDS BROWN.
Trame, gave the most delightful renderings Miss Alice Dovey, the least tumultuous
of their parts.
Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 28. 6d, net.
member of the company, sang well ; while
Mr. Frank Lalor was exceedingly funny as
“Endeavours to restate for thoughtful laymen
THOUGH in “The Odd Man Out,' which Dondidier, a dealer in antiques, forced against of the orthodox faith, and it does this clearly,
rather than technical students the staple articles
is being given this month at Royalty his will to pose as a satyr. Donny, did, reasonably, and attractively. ” -Scotsman.
matinées, Mr. Harold Brighouse has written Donny didn't,' and Beautiful Lady, the
a full-sized comedy, he must still be classed latter reminiscent of the Chocolate Soldier SHORT TALKS TO BOYS & GIRLS.
as an author of one-act plays. The Price waltz, won instant approval from an enthu- By J. C. CARLILE, Author of 'Talks to
of Coal '--that admirable sketch of mining siastic audience.
Little Folks. ' Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 18.
life was in one act-form; and there is only
“ The 'talks' are direot, homely, and pleasant.
one act, the second, in his more ambitious
They will be found admirably adapted for young
effort, which shows him to advantage.
If the rest of his new play had but reached
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS.
minds. The writer talks to his youthful listeners
as a friend more than a preceptor, lightening his
its level, what an exhilarating and delightful
moral counsel with apt allusions from the world of
entertainment we should have obtained !
experience and of books. ”-Oxford Chronicle.
Not since the days of The Importance of
AUTHORS' AGENTS
READY SHORTLY.
Being Earnest' have we had a droller scene
on the stage than that in which the twice-
THE PERSON OF CHRIST IN
married Mrs. Enderby, is confronted by EDUCATIONAL
MODERN THOUGHT.
the husband she has long thought dead, EXHIBITIONS
By E. DIGGES LA TOUCHE, M. A. Litt. D. ,
LONGMANS & CO.
and hesitates between her duty to the
428, 452 Author of Christian Certitude,' &c. Demy
sanctimonious humbug with whom she has MAGAZINES, &c.
8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 8s. net.
found happiness and that to the returned
MAUNSEL & Co. . .
This is the first series of Donnellan Lectures
MISCELLANEOUS . .
prodigal, Daniel Weir, whose cynicism MURRAY
for 1911-12. Mr. Digges La Touche has already
and roving habits made marriage with him NOTES AND QUERIES
made his name as a suggestive and inspiring
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
a misery. Her choice, illogically, but natur-
writer on modern theology, a writer at once
ally enough, falls on the man who does not
scholarly and popular.
want her and offends her every sense of
PROVIDENT INSTITUTIONS
propriety, and the spectacle of the reprobate SHIPPING
London :
wriggling in the clutches of this flabby, but SITUATIONS VACANT
JAMES CLARKE & CO. , 13 and 14, Fleet Street.
resolute matron is worth going far to see.
TYPR-WRITERS, &c.
WARD & LOCK
And of all Booksellers.
It may
BELL & Sons
CATALOGUES
CLARK
::::
:::
PAGE
426
423
425
448
425
425
428
MACMILLAN & Co.
PAUL & Co.
PRINTERS
450
451
425
451
450
449
460
426
425
426
450
426
426
427
SALES BY AUCTION
::
-
---
-
## p. 455 (#341) ############################################
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
459
CONTENTS.
PAGE
459
THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE
460
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ISLAM
461
FORMAL LOGIC
462
THE CAPE OF ADVENTURE
463
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS
464
LADY ASHBURTON'S LIBRARY ; AUTOGRAPH LETTERS;
.
OF IDLENESS'; CUNNINGHAM'S EXTRACTS FROM
. .
. .
. .
fact may
VULGATE
468–471
471
LITERARY GOSSIP
472
BCIENCE EARTH FEATURES AND THEIR MEANING;
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SOCIETIES; MEETINGS
NEXT WEEK; GOSSIP
FINE ARTS-ARCHITECTURE; THE WORKS OF MAN;
. .
. .
PICASSO AND
MR. JOSEPH SIMPSON
AT
THE
. .
MUSIC - NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; GOSSIP; PER-
FORMANCES NEXT WEEK
479
GOSSIP
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
479-480
480
O
. .
was
and to assess their value at what they “I myself have perhaps been fortunate
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1912.
may be worth.
enough to render some humble service to
the King and to royalty. I have sold five
Mr. Davidson, whose death occurred
editions of a book in which the name of a
before these pages were seen through the Bourbon occurs on every page. ”
VICTOR HUGO: HIS LIFE AND WORK
press, devoted to his subject the wide
research and the exact study which are As politician no less than as man of letters
necessary to a scrupulous biography. he believed himself indispensable to the
He spared no pains in mastering the State, and boasted loudly of his influence.
evidences which' Hugo's contemporaries When he had not yet become a Republican
have left in abundance. He examined with a he gravely declared :-
THE ISCARIOT'; W. T. STEAD; BYRON'S 'HOURS critical eye the not too trustworthy state-
ments of the poet himself. The result is Republic my life wouldn't be worth three
“No, I am not a Republican. . . . In a
THE REVELS' BOOKS; THE REVISION OF THE
a history which is at the same time careful days' purchase. The different parties would
FORTHCOMING BOOKS . .
and lively, which for statements of mere wrangle with each other to get hold of
be relied upon, and is written me, and in less than three days my head
with an individual style-polished, inci- would fall. "
sive, mordant. His temperament and Pomposity, sublime belief in himself,
473—176 predilections, however, disqualified him vanity, arrogance, and inaccuracy as to
from being the ideal biographer of his own achievements, were defects which
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SALE; M. PABLO
Victor Hugo. Some element of hero-
STAFFORD GALLERY ; GOSSIP. .
478–478 worship is indispensable to the true grew into monstrous proportions in the
biographer of any man who is claimed sixty years of his public life.
among the great. Mr. Davidson, evidently
But Mr. Davidson has carried his
DRAMA-THÉRKSE RAQUIN; NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; disgusted by the excessive hero-worship indictment too far. Without a shadow of
which Hugo's wiser contemporaries ridi evidence, he accuses Hugo of “sharp
culed, went to the other extreme. A practice” in transferring the publication
cold admission of his genius as a writer of “ Marion Delorme' from one publisher
is unsupported by any explanation of what to another (p. 100)--an alleged breach of
it was in Hugo the man which made the contract which the publishers could not
LITERATURE
poet, the novelist, the dramatist. As the prove. When 'Le Roi s'amuse
biographer of a Republican, the author censored by the Government, Mr. Davidson
has no business to let his own hatred of puts it to the dramatist's discredit that
Republicanism appear. But it does ap- he allowed his publishers to advertise it
Victor Hugo : his Life and Work. By pear.
By pear. As one whose task it was to account a prohibited play (p. 103). In his
A. F. Davidson. (Eveleigh Nash. ) for the democratic professions of Hugo, strictures upon Hugo's relationship with
he is particularly unfortunate in revealing Juliette Drouet (p. 117) he forgets that
" HE is forced and artificial. .
