Life — October 3, 1907 — page 5: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Gear RAS Bol we. he iy Zoo 48 rar te at say that the best of all writing comes from fife direct. But few writers can see life lirect, and reading is the next best thing— the substitute. The conclusion from this would be-that writers must, according to their opportunities, choose direct or indi- rect knowledge. Thoreau is an example of the direct, Charles Reade of the indirect. Both were able to open new worlds to the mind. It is a pity that writing has become a thing apart. It is as artificial as ‘speechi- fying,’ or after-dinner oratory. The only good writing is done for a purpose—as Shakespeare’s work was done to please the audiences of the Globe. The ornament can safely be left to the craftsman’s delight in his skill.” ‘Thus the writers. They leave the ques- tion still in abeyance to a great degree. ‘The question, or rather the answer, seems to be on the whole more or less a matter of disposition and temperament. Just as one author prefers perfect quiet when he feels the cacoethes scribendi upon him, so can another collect his thoughts with a barrel organ on the sidewalk grinding out popu- lar airs. As W. S. Gilbert says: “It all depends’? Someoneonce said, “Put bees- wax on your chair and remain there until ideas come,” while the author across the way differed with him entirely and advised a walk in the town or country, where he could observe, and then work on_ his imagination. When doctors disagree there is little hope. When writers are at variance there need be no anxiety. Perhaps it would be as well to wait for the coming—will he ever come? —great American novelist to settle the question whether reading is really bene- ficial and necessary to writing. But whether it is or not, one thing is cer- tain. Every author, in his heart, says with Bennoch: I love my books! ‘They are companions dear, Sterling in worth, in friendship most sincere! Here talk I with the wise in ages gone, And with the nobly gifted of our own. If love, joy, laughter, sorrow please my mind, Love, joy, grief, laughter in my books I find! La Touche Hancock, Magazine Reading “THE Business Man, the Literary Person and the Crank were discussing the yuestion of magazines. “Suppose,” said the Literary Person, “that you were obliged, from abject neces- sity, to confine yourself to four of them, hich four would you select?” “I should take the World’s Work, Harper's, McClure’s and Everybody's,” said the Business Man. ‘I want to know what is going on and I am fond of good stories. For purposes of general informa- tion the World’s Work is far better than the Review of Reviews, which is not nearly as good as it used to be. Harper’shas splendid The reason one sees so many SlobeWervicke “*Elastic’’ Book-cases in choice homes is because people who know usually purchase the best that money can buy. They patronize the leading furniture dealer where they reside, and thus you find Slobe“Wervicke ‘‘Elastic’’ Book-cases not only in the best homes, but carried in stock by first-class dealers. We have about 1500 such agents who handle Globe“Wervicke ‘‘Elastic’’ Book-cases exclusively. It is the only sectional book-case having a patented door equalizer that controls the receding door so that it slides freely and easily, and made in eight different finishes of quartered Oak and Mahogany— dull and polish. Where not represented, we ship on approval— freight paid—prices uniform everywhere. Write for catalogue G 107 and agency list. The Globe-Wernieke Co. CINCINNATI Branch Stores: New York, 380-382 Broadway; Chicago, 224-228 Wabash Avenue; Boston, 91-93 Federal Street WHY NOT PRESERVE YOUR COPIES OF -LIFE- In Good Condition? If, when you have finished with the week's issue, it is placed on file in one of our binders, it is always convenient for reference and the volume becomes an unfailing source of pleasure and amusement. The Binder is an ingenious arrangement. substantially made, bound in either black or garnet cloth, with cover design in gilt. Sent to any address on receipt of one dollar by LIFE PUBLISHING COMPANY. 17 West Thirty-first Street, New York City It's healthfal and wholesome—a draught that’s Uf you only once try it you will crave it again, For the wine of perfection—it's Great Western Champagne. The quality of fruit and soil that made fame for French Champagnes of long ago has been attained in the vineyards of the ers Oo! Great Western Extra Dry Champagne Great Western received a Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition for quality—the only American wine to receive that honor and acknowledged equal to the finest French wines. The natural soil conditions, combined with the real secrets of cham- pagne making, secured by us at considerable expense, makes possible this superior Champagne. Because of the absence of duty, Great Western costs 50% less than the imported. In Great Western you receive all wine value. Try Great Western—comparisons prove its worth. PLEASANT VALLEY WINE CO., Sole Makers, RHEIMS, N. Y. Bold by dealers a fie Wines and served at jotels, Restaurants and Cafes. comicbooks.com