Bayne's right to assume the chair of interpretative criticism. But still
there are so many examples in his book of fine and true perception, and so
evident a sympathy with intellectual excellence and moral beauty, that we
do not feel disposed to quarrel with him on account of the apparent
erroneousness of some of his separate opinions. Besides, his work is
written in a style which will recommend it to a class of readers who are
not especially interested in the subjects of which it treats, and it
cannot fail to stimulate in them a desire to know more of the great
writers of the century.
* * * * *
_White Lies. A Novel_. By Charles Reade. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. 1 vol.
12mo.
The early chapters of this novel lack the brisk movement, the sparkling
compactness, the stinging surprises of Mr. Reade's usual style, but he
kindles and condenses as he proceeds. As a whole, the work compares
favorably with his most brilliant compositions. He is a writer difficult to
criticize, because his defects are pleasing defects. Dogmatism is commonly
offensive, and Mr.
Pages:
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390