Part 38 (1/2)

The Wallet of Kai Lung. By ERNEST BRAMAH.

This is the first book of a new writer, and is exceedingly well done.

It deals with the fortunes of a Chinese professional storyteller, who meets with many surprising adventures. The style suggests somewhat the rich Oriental coloring of the Arabian Nights.

Edward Barry: SOUTH SEA PEARLER. By LOUIS BECKE.

Author of ”By Reef and Palm,” ”Ridan, the Devil,” etc.

With four full-page ill.u.s.trations by H.C. Edwards.

An exceedingly interesting story of sea life and adventure, the scene of which is laid in the Lagoon Islands of the Pacific.

This is the first complete novel from the pen of Mr. Becke, and readers of his collections of short stories will quickly recognize that the author can write a novel that will grip the reader. Strong, and even tragic, as is his novel in the main, ”Edward Barry” has a happy ending, and woman's love and devotion are strongly portrayed.

Unto the Heights of Simplicity. By JOHANNES REIMERS.

We take pleasure in introducing to the reading public a writer of unique charm and individuality. His style is notable for its quaint poetic idiom and subtle imaginative flavor. In the present story, he treats with strength and reticence of the relation of the s.e.xes and the problem of marriage. Certain social abuses and false standards of morality are attacked with great vigor, yet the plot is so interesting for its own sake that the book gives no suspicion of being a problem novel. The descriptions of natural scenery are idyllic in their charm, and form a fitting background for the love story.

The Black Terror. A ROMANCE OF RUSSIA. By JOHN K. LEYS.

With frontispiece by Victor A. Searles.

A stirring tale of the present day, presenting in a new light the aims and objects of the Nihilists. The story is so vivid and true to life that it might easily be considered a history of political intrigue in Russia, disguised as a novel, while its startling incidents and strange denouement would only confirm the old adage that ”truth is stranger than fiction,” and that great historical events may be traced to apparently insignificant causes. The hero of the story is a young Englishman, whose startling resemblance to the Czar is taken advantage of by the Nihilists for the furtherance of their plans.

The Baron's Sons. By MAURUS JOKAI.

Author of ”Black Diamonds,” ”The Green Book,” ”Pretty Michal,” etc.

Translated by Percy F. Bicknell.

An exceedingly interesting romance of the revolution of 1848, the scene of which is laid at the courts of St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Vienna, and in the armies of the Austrians and Hungarians. It follows the fortunes of three young Hungarian n.o.blemen, whose careers are involved in the historical incidents of the time. The story is told with all of Jokai's dash and vigor, and is exceedingly interesting.

This romance has been translated for us directly from the Hungarian, and never has been issued hitherto in English.

Slaves of Chance. By FERRIER LANGWORTHY.

With five portraits of the heroines, from original drawings by Hiel.

As a study of some of the realities of London life, this novel is one of notable merit. The slaves of chance, and, it might be added, of temptation, are five pretty girls, the daughters of a pretty widow, whose means are scarcely sufficient, even living as they do, in a quiet way and in a quiet London street, to make both ends meet.