Life, 1896-06-25 · page 7 of 17
Life — June 25, 1896 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 513 This page features a detailed satirical illustration and literary criticism. The large left-side drawing appears to depict a chaotic zodiac or astronomical scene, showing allegorical figures among celestial elements—likely referencing astrology or fortune-telling as subjects of ridicule. The text discusses Mr. Parker's literary works, praising his historical romance "The Seats of the Mighty" (set during the Quebec siege) and his novel "The Cruise of the Ninety-Nine." The passage suggests Parker successfully combines romantic storytelling with historical detail, comparing his narrative style to established authors like Dumas and Hugo. The final section humorously references Harvard's baseball victory over Princeton and notes the British royal family's presence at Waldorf Astor's social event—typical of Life's era commentary on elite American society.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
513 on the Mounted Police and the laziest, most disreputable half-breed who loafs around a Company Post. Mr. Parker is rarely humorous, but “The Cruise of the Niniety-Nine" n this volume is as fantastic as even Mr. Stockton might wish. The blowing up of a keg of smuggled liquor in the cellar of the church at the very minute when the smuggler himself is being confirmed, is a touch of the grotesque that would make Hamlin Garland laugh in his most solemn moments. | SHAY GS * * HAT Mr. Parker has also learned how to write a sustained novel of breadth and intensity is shown by his recently published historical ro- mance, ‘‘ The Seats of the Mighty” (Appleton). The siege of Quebec has long been waiting for the romantic mind and skilful hand, and that Mr. Parker (a descendant of British sol- diers) should have been born in Que- bec makes him peculiarly the right man for the opportunity. As a char- acter, Doltaire will appeal to the dra- matic instincts of lovers of good fiction. He is mingled of Richelieu and Jago, but can stand alone. There isa fas- cinating woman in the story—the sub- tile A/ixe—and it is a true stroke to make her susceptible to Doltaire’s in- tellectual finesse, while detesting his personality. The hero of the story who is supposed to write the narra . wins one’s sympathies but hardly one’s admiration. There is a certain reti- cence in his narrative about himself that well becomes a brave man. It is to be spoken to Mr. Parker's credit that he is not blind to the possi- bilities for romance of this new conti- nent. —-——__ Drock, Te hilarity of young Harvard over a recent victory of its ball nine over Princeton culminated in a small riot in Harvard Square and police court exercises next morning. Princeton ought to feel highly honored. It was not always anevent of such egregious magni- tude for Harvard to win a game from her. 3 g Zz oz FA zi z8 zo z03 52 Po & w xs r> ge +s zy £ ge 6 8 8 T is pleasant to notice that the royal family of Great Britain is beginning to get into our Mr. Wal- dorf Astor's set. } comicbooks.com