The Author, writing to his publishers, says:
"Reading it over, it seems a strange work for these days, when almost every novelist poses as a professor in ethics and the claim is made that the novel should become the public's Bible. It is because my view is so utterly opposed to this tendency; because I believe that the showman's booth is still possessed of more attraction for the many, than the village institute, with its lecturer; that I have deliberately written such a work, and so venture to test my theory.
"If there be any signs of problems in the book (and I am not aware that there are) they are no more than bare figures, drawn in tears and lettered with laughter upon the great universal blackboard, before which we poor schoolboys stand, hopeless as ever of finding solutions.... The work, after all, is but the outcome of the varied jumble of a life of some few sorrows and many great joys!"
Stories Without Tears.
By BARRY PAIN. Crown 8vo. 6s.
Aliens Near of Kin.
By N. VERNON. Crown 8vo. 6s.
"Aliens Near of Kin" is a charming story of Austrian life, and a first novel by a youthful author of decided promise. It has charm and simplicity, and can be cordially recommended.