* * *

_Descriptive Notes
on the Volumes for 1910_:--

SECOND STRING. _Anthony Hope._

This brilliant social comedy contains all the qualities which have
given Anthony Hope his unique reputation as a historian of modern
life. He introduces us to the society of the little country town of
Meriton, the tradespeople, the loungers in the inn parlour, the
neighbouring farmers and squires, and especially to Harry Belfield,
the mirror of fashion in the county and candidate for its
representation in Parliament. We see also his former school friend,
Andy Hayes, who has returned from lumbering in Canada to make a
living at home. The _motif_ of the tale is the unconscious
competition of the two friends, of whom Andy is very willing to play
"second fiddle," did not character and brains force him to the
front. The young squire of Halton is too selfish and capricious to
succeed, and in spite of his loyalty to friendship, Andy finds
himself driven to take his place both in love and in politics. A
host of characters cross the stage, and the scene flits between
Meriton and London. The book is so light in touch, so shrewd in its
observation, so robust and yet so kindly in its humour, that it must
be accorded the highest rank among Anthony Hope's works--which is to
say, the first place among modern social comedies.

FORTUNE. _J. C. Snaith._

Mr. J. C. Snaith is already known to fame by his historical
novels, his admirable cricketing story, his essay in Meredithan
subtlety "Brooke of Covenden," and his most successful Victorian
comedy "Araminta." In his new novel he breaks ground which has
never before been touched by an English novelist. He follows no
less a leader than Cervantes. His hero, Sir Richard Pendragon, is
Sir John Falstaff grown athletic and courageous, with his
imagination fired by much adventure in far countries and some
converse with the knight of La Mancha. The doings of this
monstrous Englishman are narrated by a young and scandalized
Spanish squire, full of all the pedantry of chivalry. Sir Richard
is a new type in literature--the Rabelaisian Paladin, whose foes
flee not only from his sword but from his Gargantuan laughter. In
Mr. Snaith's romance there are many delightful characters-