Graustark: the Story of a -LOW Behind the Throne. By
George Barr McCutcheon. (Grant Richards. 6s.)—The throne in Mr. McCutcheon's story is such a very little one that, like the celebrated baby, it really hardly counts. The only new feature in this latest example of the "Royal" school of fiction is that the hero is an American, and he and his friend "hustle around" in a way which makes the citizens of the State of Graustark "sit up" considerably. Graustark, of course, lies in that particular quarter of Europe, dear to the heart of tho novelist, which, in Mr. McCutcheon's words, is situated "away off to the east" of Paris. How full is that convenient corner of tiny thrones, large enough for all the trappings of Royalty to abash the amorous hero, and yet small enough not to seem to interfere with the movements of la haute poUtique. Modern ideas of grandeur are so uplifted that Swift's ideal of being "used like a Lord" no longer satisfies the hero of fiction,—he must be" used like a King." Mr. MeCutcheon's book will amuse all readers who enjoy the mock-Royal romance, and is full enough of adventure to satisfy even an audience of schoolboys.
Previous page
