[*] “A remarkably interesting and well-rounded piece of contemporary criticism.”
| + + | Outlook. 81: 890. D. 9, ‘05. 290w. |
Castaigne, Andre. Fata Morgana. [†]$1.50. Century.
This romance of art student life in Paris easily draws into one circle a circus rider, the daughter of a Chicago millionaire, the Duke of Morgana, the various critics, models, artists and poets of greater or lesser degree. The setting is Bohemian rather than artistic, and the characters are often coarse. The career of Phil Longwell, a young American painter, is followed through years of struggle from the time when he first falls in love with Hella, the pretty circus-girl friend of his boyhood, to the time when he wins honors, success and the admiration of the young American heiress. His paintings of the Fata Morgana, its strange legend and the simple faith of the people of Morgana, form striking contrast to the cynicism of Parisian life. The book is illustrated by the author.
“Unquestionably the plot is thin and the construction faulty. Is a typical artist’s book, full of life and colour.”
| + — | Bookm. 21: 183. Ap. ‘05. 280w. |
“Charming as is Monsieur Castaigne’s narrative, the chief interest will probably centre in the illustrations. In it the layman ... will find a rich store of interest and entertainment.”
| + | Int. Studio. 24: sup. 104. F. ‘05. 400w. |
“No less striking in plot than in title, it rests the reader wearied of stereotyped and hackneyed situations.”
| + | Reader. 6: 116. Je. ‘05. 320w. |