20–20944
A story in short chapters suitable for bedtime reading. It is a book about three happy children, Jehosophat, Marmaduke, and little Hepzebiah. They live on a farm, and children who read the book will learn all about their three dogs, the other farm animals, the scarecrow and their friend the Toyman. The pictures are by E. Boyd Smith.
ANDERSON, SHERWOOD. Poor white. *$2 (1c) Huebsch
20–27471
In this novel, as in his Winesburg stories, Mr Anderson tells the story of an Ohio town. It is a story of the transition period of the eighties and nineties between an agricultural and an industrial civilization. There was a time in that period, says Mr Anderson, when art and beauty should have awakened. Instead, the giant, Industry, awoke. The hero of the book, however, is not an Ohioan. He is a poor white who wanders up from Missouri, an indolent, dreaming boy, shaken out of his lethargy by a New England woman who tries to train his mind to definite channels. The result is the development of an inventive strain which the awakening giant, Industry, takes and uses to its own ends. The author’s treatment of Hugh is pathologic. He is attracted to women but is afraid of them. On his wedding night he is seized with panic and runs away, to be brought back by his father-in-law the next day. And never, except for fleeting moments, does he find satisfaction, either in his marriage or his work.
“Will undoubtedly be criticised by many readers for its sordidness of detail and its emphasis upon sex, but will be read by those who do not object to this with admiration for the frank truth of portrayal of a certain section of life.”
+ − Booklist 17:155 Ja ’21
Reviewed by R. C. Benchley
Bookm 52:559 F ’21 380w