work is on the high wave of popularity just now, proached by the native writer in similar vein.

is unap

The old slur as to who reads an American book holds forth no more, and even the indefatigable German is at last making inroads in the lighter literature. Lieutenant Bilse, of "Garrison-town" fame, has written what is called "a story" merely, entitled "The Blue Castle." It, and another work, on the German army, will be published by John Lane in the early autumn, and assuredly they will find a public awaiting them.

There is a pretty little war on between critic and author in the pages of the Daily Chronicle, wherein William Archer, critic, has assailed John H. Ingram, author, who has just written what the modest author unquestionably thinks is an immortal work on "Kit Marlow." Mr. Archer seems to have the best of the fight up to now, and he winds up his reply to Mr. Ingram's plaint: "Let me assure Mr. Ingram that I have no wish to destroy his reputation and I have no hereditary feud with his hero . . . who was, let us say, a sort of Elizabethan Professor Huxley." William Archer as a critic is good, but William Archer as a defender of his criticisms is even better.

Messrs. Black have the temerity to announce in their wonderfully successful series of color-books an edition of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," illustrated in colors from drawings by Simon Harmon Vedder. The name is new to the writer of this letter, and the combination therefore appears the more startling.

The real "literary event" of the past few weeks or months is the series of letters from Ruskin to Charles Eliot Norton which are appearing in the Atlantic Monthly. Ruskin as a letter-writer is certainly not to be compared with Lamb or Fitzgerald, but there is a personality which indicates, in a way, the vigor and energy of Ruskin's daily life before he had come upon the days which so distorted and dimmed his judgments.

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Automobile literature still progresses apace, and amuses and instructs. The last announcement is The Complete Motorist," by Filson Young. From its title one would infer that it says the last word on the subject, but, being educative and instructive, it will hardly have the wide circulation which Sidney G. Paternoster's "Motor Pirate" is receiving, as a book peculiarly suitable for summer reading.

A curious publication is just announced by Messrs. Smith, Elder, an entire volume of "Errata" to the "Dictionary of National Biography," that vast storehouse of biographical fact, from prelates, prize-fighters, and statesmen, to stars of the opera. Its need was great, apparently, and, as the publishers are "presenting copies to all subscribers to the original stupendous work," no one is likely to be dissatisfied.

Messrs. Lippincott's series of "French Men of Letters" has been universally commended here; indeed, the wonder is why something of the sort has not been done before now. Why not a series devoted to French- or, if not French alone, Continental statesmen? Surely our politicians have much to learn.

The novel of July is unquestionably Winston Churchill's "The Crossing," the subject being one that seems readily enough appreciated here, more so even than was "The Crisis," and, furthermore, the British novel-reading public seems to have at last got the identity of the English Winston Churchill and his American namesake quite distinct.

Members of the Dickens cult, and their names are legion in America, will perhaps be interested to know that Household Words has again changed hands, and is now published by one of the leading houses in the line of "popular literature at a penny a copy. Mr. Hall Caine was evidently not able to direct its fortunes so that his son could, as nominal editor, make a success of this now decrepit literary freehold. Perhaps the price of one penny will resuscitate it- and perhaps not.

Has Joseph C. Lincoln's Cap'n Eri," a sort of "Cape Cod Folks" tale, made any stir in America? I have not remarked it. But surely it will, for with its quaintness and humor, to be likened to nothing that the author's English contemporaries turn out but the work of Mr. Jacobs, it will make a place for itself near which characterizations such as David Harum and Eben Holden stand practically alone.

Elliott Flower's "The Spoilsmen," that remarkable political novel which had unstinted praise from Mr. Cleveland, has appeared in London with the Putnams' imprint. The critics are not all agreed as to what it all means. Politics, though of a variegated hue in England, are not exactly of the same sort that Mr. Flower's pen pictures. Still there is enough that is analogous to call forth encomiums of praise for the author who has the power to see and write thus of the

world of intrigue, which to-day in politics is apparently as boundless as in medieval times, when heads were literally chopped off for similar offences. The English reader who would like to know how the political wires are pulled in America could not have a better exposition put before him than "The Spoilsmen."

66

"Victoria Cross," who may or may not have been the originator of the "hilltop" novel some years back (in the Keynotes Series), has at least sustained her (or his) reputation as an absolutely fearless writer, with Six Chapters of a Man's Life," against which, on its appearance a few months ago, there was a great outcry, and “To-morrow," which is advertised as this author's great new novel," and which "has run through eight editions (impressions?) in fourteen days." It is furthermore advertised as "higher intellect fiction. Better than ten thousand sermons," all of which sounds really humorous. Perhaps the author is not so much to blame as the publisher.

M. F. M.

NEW YORK, August 16, 1904.

BUSINESS during the past month has been brisk, although this period is expected to be the dullest of the whole year. Of course, sales are chiefly confined to fiction, and, while the piles of the recent novels grow rapidly smaller, the heavier stock, with the possible exception of the "Nature Books," remains practically uncalled for. While sales have been limited, however, there is a great deal done at this season toward getting ready for the fall business, which will soon be here. The school-book rush is only two weeks ahead, and dealers who carry this line will have all they can do within a month's time.

At this time publishers are sending out announcements of their fall lines, and salesmen are showing "dummies" and samples. Judging from the announcements received to date, it would seem that the season is to be started earlier than last year. Many of the more important books are promised for September or early October.

With the forecast of the season as yet incomplete, it is too early to say what the popular books of the fall will be, but "Old Gorgon Graham," the new series of "Letters from a Self-made Merchant to His Son," seems to be the most promising. Certainly nothing announced yet is likely to compete with it.

Of the month's fiction, "Rachel Marr," by Morley Roberts, is one of the leaders. It started well, and the second edition has sold out already. "The Challoners," by E. F. Benson, is going very well also, while "The Rose of Old St. Louis," by Mary Dillon, is already among the ten best sellers. "The Interloper," by Violet Jacob, has been well spoken of in the advance reviews, but as yet has been very little called for. "Nancy Stair," by Elinor McCartney Lane, is one of the older books which has increased largely in sales of late.

"The Second Mrs. Jim," by Stephen Conrad, is now being called for often. "The Pillar of Light," by Louis Tracy, must be reckoned as one of the year's successes, as with little or no advertising it has been in constant demand since publication. Its bright, attractive jacket, compelling interest in the book, has materially increased its sale.

"The Foolish Dictionary," much to the surprise of almost everybody, is having a wide sale. "The Marvellous Land of Oz," by Frank Baum, which is expected to be one of the most successful juveniles during the holidays, has already been issued. It is a continuation of "The Wizard of Oz." The new John Henry book, "I'm from Missouri," promises to be very successful, as there have been many advance orders. During the latter part of August these important books are to make their appearance, viz.: "The Seeker," by Harry Leon Wilson; "The Last Hope," by Henry Seton Merriman, and Vergilius," by Irving Bacheller. The Clansman," Thomas Dixon, Jr.'s new book, which was expected in August, will not be issued until January, 1905. There were many advance orders for it.

66

The question as to how much the cheap cloth reprints of recent popular novels would restrict the sale of the season's new books, a problem which was much talked of early in the spring, has been definitely settled, as the reprints have been a very small factor in the season's business. The new series of paper books, including "The Crisis," "The Virginian," and others, has been very popular during the summer season, but while they have, of course, killed the sale of the cloth editions of the same titles, they have not perceptibly encroached on the field of the regular dollar-anda-half novels.

An astonishing feature of the month's business was the fact that five of the newest books went out of print almost at the same time, and several books were reported as binding. The books that went out of print were "Rachel Marr," by Morley Roberts, Nancy Stair," by Lane, "The Queen's Quair," by Maurice Hewlett, "In the Bishop's Carriage," by Miriam Michelson, and "The Singular Miss Smith," by Florence Kingsley. The sale of all of the above is steadily increasing, and there is a possibility of these being among the leaders of the coming season. August seems to be a popular month this year, as there are more books announced for publication than ever before at this time. The new Bacheller novel, one by Lilian Bell, another detective story by Arthur Morrison, the new John Henry book, and a posthumous story by Henry Seton Merriman are some of the more prominent ones that will make their initial bow this month, to say nothing of a score or more of things not so prominent. In conversation with a leading publisher the question of the issuing of so many books in August was brought up, and he expressed the opinion that it was an experiment which was being tried, and that if it worked successfully many of the September publications would be issued in August, so as to facilitate their distribution prior to the opening of the regular fall business.

Among the local things was a very useful little book compiled by Rupert S. Holland and Robert D. Jenks (two Philadelphia lawyers), and issued under the title of "The Citizen's Handbook," containing comprehensive information on many legal points that one meets almost daily, and it should have a very large sale in the State of Pennsylvania. Volume four of the new edition of "Bryan's Dictionary of Painters has made its appearance, and is a very handsome volume. "The Real New York," by Rupert Hughes, is a very clever book on the many characters that one meets in the great metropolis. It is selling steadily.

Mrs. Helen R. Ely's interesting volume entitled "A Woman's Hardy Garden" is making new friends daily among those that are interested in gardens.

Maurice Maeterlinck's new volume, "The Double Garden," is receiving the usual notice that his books have, and is selling steadily. Stewart Edward White's "The Forest" is also selling remarkably well. A. H. Savage Landor's "Gems of the East" is a timely addition to the books on this particularly interesting section of the world, and it should have a good sale. G. Stanley Hall's contribution to scientific literature, entitled "Adolescence: Its Psychology," is having a large sale when one considers that it is a large two-volume book. Arthur W. Elson's "History of the United States" is still also going well. Among the new juveniles is L. Frank Baum's Marvellous Land of Oz," which is looked upon as being a prospectively larger seller than his "Wizard." We are promised a few new things in the way of effective advertising for this book that will set the boys and girls running after it. The new cheap editions of Sophie May's "Little Prudy" and J. T. Trowbridge's "Cudjo's Cave" should create a popular demand for these two well-known books.

66

Fiction, the ever present bugaboo of the trade, offers some remarkable things. Helen R. Martin's "Tillie, a Mennonite Maid" is still selling largely. Mary Johnston's "Sir Mortimer" is gradually dying. Josephine Dodge Daskam's "Memoirs of a Baby" has dropped off in sales considerably recently. The clever advertising of Charles Felton Pidgin's "Letter H" created a large demand on publication day and for a few days thereafter, but the sale has dropped off. Dolores M. Bacon's clever "Diary of a Musician" is selling well. Maarten Maarten's "Dorothea" is still in fairly large demand. The sale of Louis Tracy's "Pillar of Light" is rather disappointing. George A. Lawrence's "Brakespeare" has been reissued in well-made editions at a medium price, and is selling well. Mary Dillon's "Rose of Old St. Louis is finding lots of admirers, which it justly merits, and is selling largely. Anna Warner's "Woman's Will" is selling well. Hallie Erminie Rives's "The Castaway" is going well,

THE announcements which several of the publishers have made of their new publications for this fall would indicate as large an output as in former years, and there will not be any dearth of good and interesting titles. One of the most valuable of the new things will be a new edition of the collected works of Leslie Stephen, numbering probably ten volumes, and edited by James Bryce and H. W. Paul, a set that will be greatly appreciated by many readers. Albert Bushnell Hart is to undertake the editing of a series of volumes which will form a history of America, each volume to be written by a person especially fitted for his topic.

Among the writers of fiction, Ralph Connor, Gilbert Parker, C. N. and A. M. Williamson, and John Fox, Jr., are noted. A new volume of poems from Drummond, author of "The Habitant," should be successful.

Sales during the month have been confined largely to fiction, and "The Crossing" seems well established at the head of the list. "Rachel Marr," the new Morley Roberts book, is proving a success, and an interesting array of matter, both of praise and condemnation, concerning it, has been put forth by the critics and reviewers. The Rose of Old St. Louis" by Mary Dillon, besides having especial interest attached to it at this time, is a very readable story and is starting in well. The Georgie Sheldon book, "Katherine's Sheaves," still continues in demand, and has evidently awakened further interest in Miss Burnham's Christian Science books, "Jewel" and "The Right Princess." John Strange Winter's new story, The Little Vanities of Mrs. Whittaker," is good, but it has not sold to any extent as yet. E. F. Benson, author of "Dodo," has a new story, "The Challoners," which ought to have a fair sale at least. There has been a noticeable revival of interest in Marie Corelli's later books, occasioned by an illustrated article on her which appeared recently in one of our daily papers.

66

It will be interesting to note the measure of success attained in the sales of the new books, "The Seeker," by Harry Leon Wilson, author of "The Spenders," and of "Vergilius," by Irving Bacheller, as their former successes were published by a Boston house, and both the new books are to be brought out by New York houses. Both books are announced for immediate publication, and there has already been demand for them. "The Loves of Edwy," written and illustrated by Rose Cecil O'Neill, is nearly ready, and is to be an attractive book in appearance.

The announcement that Charles Wagner will come to this country soon has evidently given impetus to the demand for his books, although they have been selling well right along. Elwell's "Bridge" still continues to be the favorite among whist players in spite of its numerous rivals, the demand for it since the first of this month having been large. A very welcome and noteworthy addition to nature-study books is "New England Ferns and Their Common Allies." The book is well and attractively made, and is fully illustrated with good plates, some of which are made by the author, Helen Eastman. In spite of some rather enthusiastic notices, it is doubtful if "The Diary of a Musician," edited by Dolores M. Bacon, proves a success, although the unexpected (or undeserved) frequently happens, but as yet buyers have not enthused over it.

The call for books on Japan and Russia has dropped off very decidedly, and is not likely to revive much until the actual war stories come along.

Notice of an interesting change among the Boston publishing houses has just been made public-the Lothrop Publishing Company property having been turned over to Lee and Shepard. For the present, at least, the houses will continue on a separate basis, and it seems likely that the Lothrop name, so long and well known, will not be dropped entirely.

The Crossing" still continues to lead the list of best selling books, while "The Castaway" makes only a fair second, followed by "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," "The Queen's Quair," "The Lightning Conductor," "The Silent Places," "The Singular Miss Smith," "Katherine's Sheaves," Anna the Adventuress," "Rulers of Kings."

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B. P. H.

A Romance of the Tropical Forest. W. H.
Pp. 315. N. Y. G. P. Putnam's Sons. $1.20
Philip Payne. 12mo. Pp. 476. Chicago:
Co. $1.50.

The White Shield. Caroline Atwater Mason. 12mo. Pp. 160.
Philadelphia: Am. Baptist Pub. Soc. $1.50.

Pp. 316. N. Y. :

The Letter H. Charles Felton Pidgin. 12mo.
G. W. Dillingham Co. $1.00.
Yours With All My Heart. Her Own Story, as Told by the
Beautiful Italian Gazelle-Hound, Fairy. Esther M. Baxenda.e.
12mo. Pp. 310. Boston: L. C. Page & Co. $1.50.
The Loves of Edwy. Rose Cecil O'Neil. 12mo.
Boston Lothrop Publishing Co.
At Home with the Jardines. Lilian Bell.
Boston L. C. Page & Co. $1.50.
The Green Diamond. Arthur Morrison.
Boston: L. C. Page & Co. $1.50.

Pp. 432.

$1.50.

12mo.

12mo.

Il's't'd. Pp. 320. Il's't'd. Pp. 304. Il's't'd.

Yosemite Legends. Compiled by Bertha M. Smith. Illustrated in color by Florence Lundborg. Buckram. $2.00 net. Postage, 10 cents.

Prosit: A Book of Toasts. Compiled by Clotho. Decorations by Gordon Ross. Buckram. $1.25 net. Postage, 8 cents. The Simple Home. By Charles Keeler. Illustrated. Canvas. 75 cents net. Postage, 5 cents.

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Upland Pastures. By Adeline Knapp. Photogravure frontispiece by Wm. Keith. Rubricated. Limited edition. Half leather. $3.00 net. Postage, 8 cents. Psychological Year Book. Compiled by Janet Young. Flexible sultan. 50 Postage, 5 cents. Sultan boards, $1.00 net. Bound in flexible lambskin. Boxed. $1.50 net. Postage, 6 cents. The Entirely New Cynic's Calendar of Revised Wisdom for 1905. By Ethel Watts Mumford, Oliver Herford, Addison Mizner. Illustrated. Gay gingham. Poster label. 75 cents net. Postage, 4 cents.

The 101 Epicurean Thrills 101 Sandwiches. Flexible Oxford gray antique. 50 cents net. Kitchen edition. Canvas. $1.00 net. Postage, 5 cents. Oxford gray IOI Beverages. Flexible Kitchen edition. CanPostage, 5 cents.

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101 Chafing-Dish Recipes. Columbia Blue linen. 50 Kitchen edition. Canvas. $1.00 net. Postage, 5 cents.

Impression Classics

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By William Morris.

No. 33. Evangeline,

By H. W. Longfellow.

No. 34. Selections from Epictetus.
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By Lord Tennyson.

No. 36. Selected Poems of John Boyle
O'Reilly.

Impressions Calendar. (Entirely new.) 12 leaves and cover. Designed by W. S. Wright. Size, 144 x 834. Boxed. $1.50 net. Postage, 12 cents. Christmas Carol Calendar. 6 Carols and cover. Designed by H. M. Sickal. Size, II X II. Boxed. $1.00 net. Postage, 8 cents. Ideals. (The first Impressions Calendar.) 12 leaves, with new cover design by W. S. Wright. Size, 7 x 10. Boxed. $1.00 net. Postage, 8 cents. Aspirations. (The second Impressions Calendar.) 12 leaves, with new cover design by W. S. Wright. Size, 7 x 10. Boxed. $1.00 net. Postage, 8 cents.

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