“The novel is so well constructed, there is so much rich color in the landscapes, and so much clever character drawing that, at first sight, it seems strange that it does not interest one particularly. But the reason is not far to seek. It is a novel of propaganda.”
+ – Nation. 83: 141. Ag. 16, ’06. 360w. + N. Y. Times. 11: 384. Je. 16, ’06. 130w.
“Generally speaking, the English will do well enough. For the story, in spite of Senora Bazan’s reputation, it does not in the present version afford those thrills which one demands in fiction of the lost Dauphin school.”
+ – N. Y. Times. 11: 454. Jl. 14, ’06. 410w. + R. of Rs. 34: 382. S. ’06. 90w.
Beach, Rex Ellingwood. [Spoilers.] †$1.50. Harper.
A story which breathes the “wild west” atmosphere of Nome and the outlying mining camps, one whose brutality (of the daring Jack London order) proves the truth of Kipling’s “there’s never a law of God or man runs north of Fifty-three.” The plot involves a conspiracy against the joint owners of the Midas, the richest mine of Anvil Creek. A charming girl is the unconscious agent of the villains, and is also the cause of bitter rivalry between one of the owners and one of the conspirators. There are brawls, shootings in the streets, riots, battles at the mines, and murderous hand-to-hand fights—all of which show elemental savage man free from moral restraint.
“The only trouble with his method is that it results in an absolutely false picture of life.” Edward Clark Marsh.
– + Bookm. 23: 433. Je. ’06. 1100w.
“He mistakes vulgarity for strength and brute force for manliness; and he discusses without reserve matters which emphatically demand discreet treatment.”