The Descent of Man and Other Stories |
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Author:
| Wharton, Edith |
ISBN: | 978-1-4921-1240-2 |
Publication Date: | Aug 2013 |
Publisher: | CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
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Book Format: | Paperback |
List Price: | USD $8.99 |
Book Description:
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A Review from
The Literary World, volume 35, 1904: IN the ten short stories comprised in this volume, Mrs. Wharton has again proved that she is a master-hand in the delicate art of short-story writing. No better volume of stories has appeared since Mrs. Wharton's last volume called "Crucial Instances," perhaps not any so good, taking everything into consideration. There is a subtlety and charm about this woman's work that is entirely individual, a certain literary...
More DescriptionA Review from The Literary World, volume 35, 1904:
IN the ten short stories comprised in this volume, Mrs. Wharton has again proved that she is a master-hand in the delicate art of short-story writing. No better volume of stories has appeared since Mrs. Wharton's last volume called "Crucial Instances," perhaps not any so good, taking everything into consideration. There is a subtlety and charm about this woman's work that is entirely individual, a certain literary atmosphere and perfection of finish that is hardly approached by any other writer save Henry James, with whose work Mrs. Wharton's is often compared. Some have said she is an imitator; this hardly seems fair, to the present writer. Unquestionably her work resembles his, both in aim and in manner; but it seems to us that Mrs. Wharton is strong enough of herself not to be classed among literary imitators. The resemblance comes, we believe, from a likeness of mind and a striving for the same sort of literary perfection, and the resulting likeness is a matter of necessity, not imitation. To many, both writers seem too "precious " for real enjoyment. Occasionally there is foundation for-this, notably in James's " The Sacred Fount," and in parts of Mrs. Wharton's " The Valley of Decision," and in one This story we confess to finding a little too "precious," or "blind," one might almost say, for ready appreciation, and therefore for easy enjoyment.
But none of the other stories in the book can be accused of vagueness; the points are perfectly clear and the telling is straightforward. Of course Mrs. Wharton's style is not the running one which makes the reading of a story the work of a careless few moments,-one has to read rather slowly to get the full benefit of the subtlety of her wit and humor. But in our mind this is one of the charms of her work. The very fact that one cannot devour her stories instantly, like a "quick lunch," so to speak. is a merit; the very lingering over them is a pleasure, as is the dallying with good food and drink; the result is correspondingly stimulating and worthwhile.
In this particular volume it may be said that Mrs. Wharton has yielded a few points toward popularity, - that is, several of the stories are distinctly humorous, a new venture for her. For, while her stories have always shown a sense of humor, and displayed "a pretty wit," they have not been what is called humorous. In this volume, however, " The Descent of Man," " The Mission of Jane," " The Other Two." and " Expiation," are distinctly humorous, almost "funny." Likewise she has tried her hand at a ghost story.
While it cannot be said that there is really any falling off from her high standard of excellence in this book, by her attempt at more popular things, we do hope that she will stop here, and not try to become " a popular author." She does not need (to be vulgarly material) to become so, we doubt if she could, and some of us want one author left who can be counted on to do the real thing, irrespective of editor's orders and ephemeral popularity