Maxwell, W. B. Guarded flame. †$1.50. Appleton.
“Richard Burgoyne, the philosopher hero, marries in late middle age the orphan daughter of a scientific colleague,—a girl more than thirty years his junior.... The disturbing element enters with the engagement of a scientific assistant named Stone, who becomes one of the household ... and, without knowing it, wins the love of Burgoyne’s niece, a cheerful, normal but attractive girl. Burgoyne, discerning his niece’s attachment, and believing it to be returned, broaches the subject to his secretary; and Stone ... drifts into an engagement, only to realize, when he has committed himself, that he is in love with Mrs. Burgoyne and she with him. The progress of this double treachery—to his betrothed and his master—assumes tragic dimensions owing to Burgoyne being struck down by paralysis, and the story reaches a climax in the discovery of the guilty lovers by the sick man, and in the enlightenment and suicide of his niece.”—Spec.
“An enthralling study of character by an earnest and sympathetic student.”
+ + – Acad. 71: 136. Ag. 11, ’06. 640w.
“Mr. Maxwell displays himself as temperamentally sentimental, sacrificing truth to illusions. We have criticized his novel seriously because it is a serious piece of work. In outlook, treatment, restraint, and characterization it is a notable performance. The theme is large and heroic, and, subject to the limitations we have indicated, is adequately handled.”
+ + – Ath. 1906, 2: 238. S. 1. 570w. + Current Literature. 41: 701. D. ’06. 530w.
“Mr. Maxwell has produced the most powerfully written book of the year. It is not likely to be the most popular one, for it is too true to life.”
+ + + Ind. 61: 821. O. 4, ’06. 450w.
“The chief merit of ‘The guarded flame’ is, therefore, not its realism, which is common enough nowadays, but the inspiring picture of the patience, forgiveness and wisdom of the old scientist.”