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LITERARY LAPSES
Twelfth Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s. net
Spectator.—"This little book is a happy example of the way in which the double life can be lived blamelessly and to the great advantage of the community. The book fairly entitles Mr. Leacock to be considered not only a humorist but a benefactor. The contents should appeal to English readers with the double virtue that attaches to work which is at once new and richly humorous."
Globe.—"One specimen of Mr. Leacock's humour, 'Boarding-House Geometry,' has long been treasured on this side."
The Guardian.—"Much to be welcomed is Professor Stephen Leacock's 'Literary Lapses,'—this charming and humorous work. All the sketches have a freshness and a new personal touch. Mr. Leacock is, as the politicians say, 'a national asset,' and Mr. Leacock is a Canadian to be proud of. One has the comfortable feeling as one reads that one is in the company of a cultured person capable of attractive varieties of foolishness."
Pall Mall Gazette.—"The appearance of 'Literary Lapses' is practically the English début of a young Canadian writer who is turning from medicine to literature with every success. Dr. Stephen Leacock is at least the equal of many who are likely to be long remembered for their short comic sketches and essays; he has already shown that he has the high spirits of 'Max Adeler' and the fine sense of quick fun. There are many sketches in 'Literary Lapses' that are worthy of comparison with the best American humour."
Morning Post.—"The close connection between imagination, humour, and the mathematical faculty has never been so delightfully demonstrated."
Outlook.—"Mr. John Lane must be credited with the desire of associating the Bodley Head with the discovery of new humorists. Mr. Leacock sets out to make people laugh. He succeeds and makes them laugh at the right thing. He has a wide range of new subjects; the world will gain in cheerfulness if Mr. Leacock continues to produce so many excellent jests to the book as there are in the one under notice."
Truth.—"By the publication of Mr. Stephen Leacock's 'Literary Lapses' Mr. John Lane has introduced to the British Public a new American humorist for whom a widespread popularity can be confidently predicted."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
NONSENSE NOVELS
THIRTEENTH EDITION
Crown 8vo. 5s. net
Spectator.—"We can assure our readers who delight in mere joyous desipience that they will find a rich harvest of laughter in the purely irresponsible outpourings of Professor Leacock's fancy."
Pall Mall Gazette.—"It is all not only healthy satire, but healthy humour as well, and shows that the author of 'Literary Lapses' is capable of producing a steady flow of high spirits put into a form which is equal to the best traditions of contemporary humour. Mr. Leacock certainly bids fair to rival the immortal 'Lewis Carroll' in combining the irreconcilable—exact science with perfect humour—and making the amusement better the instruction."
Daily Mail.—"In his 'Literary Lapses' Mr. Stephen Leacock gave the laughter-loving world assurance of a new humorist of irresistible high spirits and rare spontaneity and freshness. By this rollicking collection of 'Nonsense Novels,' in tabloid form, he not only confirms the excellent impression of his earlier work, but establishes his reputation as a master of the art of literary burlesque. The whole collection is a sheer delight, and places its author in the front rank as a literary humorist."
Mr. James Douglas in The Star.—"We have all laughed over Mr. Stephen Leacock's 'Literary Lapses.' It is one of those books one would die rather than lend, for to lend it is to lose it for ever. Mr. Leacock's new book, 'Nonsense Novels,' is more humorous than 'Literary Lapses.' That is to say, it is the most humorous book we have had since Mr. Dooley swum into our ken. Its humour is so rich that it places Mr. Leacock beside Mark Twain."
Morning Leader.—"Mr. Leacock possesses infinite verbal dexterity.... Mr. Leacock must be added as a recognized humorist."
Daily Express.—"Mr. Stephen Leacock's 'Nonsense Novels' is the best collection of parodies I have read for many a day. The whole book is a scream, witty, ingenious, irresistible."
Public Opinion.—"A most entertaining book."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
SUNSHINE SKETCHES OF A LITTLE TOWN
WITH A FRONTISPIECE BY CYRUS CUNEO
Ninth Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s. net
The Times.—"His real hard work, for which no emolument would be a fitting reward, is distilling sunshine. This new book is full of it—the sunshine of humour, the thin keen sunshine of irony, the mellow evening sunshine of sentiment."
Spectator.—"This is not the first but the third volume in which he has contributed to the gaiety of the Old as well as the New World.... A most welcome freedom from the pessimism of Old-World fiction."
Academy.—"One of the best and most enjoyable series of sketches that we have read for some time … they are all bright and sparkling, and bristle with wit and humour."
Pall Mall Gazette.—"Like all real humorists Mr. Leacock steps at once into his proper position.... His touch of humour will make the Anglo-Saxon world his reader.... We cannot recall a more laughable book."
Globe.—"Professor Leacock never fails to provide a feast of enjoyment.... No one who wishes to dispose intellectually of a few hours should neglect Professor Leacock's admirable contribution to English literature. It is warranted to bring sunshine into every home."
Country Life.—"Informed by a droll humour, quite unforced, Mr. Leacock reviews his little community for the sport of the thing, and the result is a natural and delightful piece of work."
Daily Telegraph.—"His Sketches are so fresh and delightful in the manner of their presentation.... Allowing for differences of theme, and of the human materials for study, Mr. Leacock strikes us as a sort of Americanised Mr. W. W. Jacobs. Like the English humorist, the Canadian one has a delightfully fresh and amusing way of putting things, of suggesting more than he says, of narrating more or less ordinary happenings in an irresistibly comical fashion.... Mr. Leacock should be popular with readers who can appreciate fun shot with kindly satire."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
BEHIND THE BEYOND
AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO HUMAN KNOWLEDGE. With 16 Illustrations by A. H. Fish.
Fifth Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s. net
Punch.—"In his latest book, 'Behind the Beyond,' he is in brilliant scoring form. I can see 'Behind the Beyond' breaking up many homes; for no family will be able to stand the sudden sharp yelps of laughter which must infallibly punctuate the decent after-dinner silence when one of its members gets hold of this book. It is Mr. Leacock's peculiar gift that he makes you laugh out loud. When Mr. Leacock's literal translation of Homer, on p. 193, met my eye, a howl of mirth broke from me. I also forgot myself over the interview with the photographer. As for the sketch which gives its title, to the book, it is the last word in polished satire. The present volume is Mr. Leacock at his best."
Spectator.—"Beneficent contributions to the gaiety of nations. The longest and best thing in the book is the delightful burlesque of a modern problem play. Miss Fish's illustrations are decidedly clever."
Observer.—"There are delicious touches in it."
Queen.—"All through the book the author furnishes a continual feast of enjoyment."
Dundee Advertiser.—"'Behind the Beyond' is a brilliant parody, and the other sketches are all of Mr. Leacock's very best, 'Homer and Humbug' being as fine a piece of raillery as Mr. Leacock has written. Mr. Leacock is a humorist of the first rank, unique in his own sphere, and this volume will add yet more to his reputation."
Aberdeen Free Press.—"Exquisite quality … amazingly funny."
Yorkshire Daily Post.—"In the skit on the problem play which gives the book its title the author reaches his high-water mark."
Glasgow Herald.—"Another welcome addition to the gaiety of the nations. The title-piece is an inimitably clever skit. It is both genial and realistic, and there is a genuine laugh in every line of it. Humour and artistry are finely blended in the drawings."
Daily Express.—"The pictures have genuine and rare distinction."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
ARCADIAN ADVENTURES WITH THE IDLE RICH
FOURTH EDITION
Crown 8vo. 5s. net
Spectator.—"A blend of delicious fooling and excellent satire. Once more the author of 'Literary Lapses' has proved himself a benefactor of his kind."
Morning Post.—"All the 'Adventures' are full of the fuel of the laughter which is an intellectual thing."
Pall Mall Gazette.—"Professor Leacock shows no falling off either in his fund of social observation or his power of turning it to sarcasm and humour. The book is full to the brim with honest laughter and clever ideas."
Bystander.—"It is necessary to laugh, now even more necessary than at ordinary times. Fortunately, Professor Leacock produces a new book at the right moment. It will cause many chuckles. He is simply irresistible."
Westminster Gazette.—"Marks a distinct advance in Mr. Leacock's artistic development."
Daily Chronicle.—"This altogether delightful and brilliant comedy of life.... Mr. Leacock's humour comes from the very depths of a strong personality, and in the midst of a thousand whimsicalities, a thousand searchlights on the puerilities of human nature he never loses touch with the essential bite of life."
Saturday Review.—"Professor Leacock is a delightful writer of irresponsible nonsense with a fresh and original touch. These 'Arcadian Adventures' are things of sheer delight."
Tatler.—"I have not felt so full of eagerness and life since the war began as after I had read this delightfully humorous and clever book."
Evening Standard.—"In this book the satire is brilliantly conspicuous."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
MOONBEAMS FROM THE LARGER LUNACY
FOURTH EDITION
Crown 8vo. 5s. net
Times.—"Such a perfect piece of social observation and joyful castigation as the description of the last man in Europe … the portrait of So-and-so is not likely to be forgotten … it is so funny and so true."
Morning Post.—"Excellent fooling … wisdom made laughable."
Daily Chronicle.—"Here is wit, fun, frolic, nonsense, verse, satire, comedy, criticism—a perfect gold mine for those who love laughter."
Sunday Times.—"Very pungent and telling satire. Buy the book—it will give you a happy hour."
Standard.—"Under the beams of the moon of his delight, the author never fails to be amusing."
Pall Mall Gazette.—"Mr. Leacock's humour is a credit to Canada, for it has a depth and a polish such as are both rare in the literature of a young nation."
Land and Water.—"Unlike a number of so-called humorists, Mr. Leacock is really funny, as these sketches prove."
Field.—"Indeed a very pleasant hour can be spent with this author, who is full of humour, wit, and cleverness, and by his work adds much to the gaiety of life."
Spectator.—"Mr. Leacock has added to our indebtedness by his new budget of refreshing absurdities.... In shooting folly as it flies, he launches darts that find their billet on both sides of the Atlantic."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
ESSAYS AND LITERARY STUDIES
Fifth Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s. net
Truth.—"Full of practical wisdom, as sober as it is sound."
Morning Post.—"He is the subtlest of all transatlantic humorists, and, as we have pointed out before, might almost be defined as the discoverer of a method combining English and American humour. But he never takes either his subject or himself too seriously, and the result is a book which is as readable as any of its mirthful predecessors."
World.—"Those readers who fail to find pleasure in this new volume of Essays will be difficult to please. Here are discourses in the author's happiest vein."
Daily News.—"All are delightful."
Bystander.—"No sane person will object to Professor Leacock professing, so long as he periodically issues such good entertainment as 'Essays and Literary Studies.'"
Daily Telegraph.—"The engaging talent of this Canadian author has hitherto been exercised in the lighter realm of wit and fancy. In his latest volume there is the same irresistible humour, the same delicate satire, the same joyous freshness; but the wisdom he distils is concerned more with realities of our changing age."
Outlook.—"Mr. Leacock's humour is his own, whimsical with the ease of a self-confident personality, far-sighted, quick-witted, and invariably humane."
Times.—"Professor Leacock's paper on American humour is quite the best that we know upon the subject."
Spectator.—"Those of us who are grateful to Mr. Leacock as an intrepid purveyor of wholesome food for laughter have not failed to recognize that he mingles shrewdness with levity—that he is, in short, wise as well as merry."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
Further Foolishness
SKETCHES AND SATIRES ON THE FOLLIES OF THE DAY
With Coloured Frontispiece by "Fish," and five other Plates by M. Blood
Fourth Edition. Crown 8vo. 5s. net
Morning Post.—"An excellent antidote to war worry."
Evening Standard.—"You will acknowledge, if you have not done so before, the satirical keenness of Mr. Leacock."
Daily Graphic.—"The book is a joy all through, laughter on every page."
Times.—"Further examples of the diverting humour of Professor Leacock."
Bystander.—"'Further Foolishness,' in a word, is the most admirable tonic which I can prescribe to-day … the jolliest possible medley."
Daily Chronicle.—"Mr. Leacock's fun is fine and delicate, full of quaint surprises; guaranteed to provoke cheerfulness in the dullest. He is a master-humorist, and this book is one of the cleverest examples of honest humour and witty satire ever produced."
Spectator.—"In this new budget of absurdities we are more than ever reminded of Mr. Leacock's essential affinity with Artemus Ward, in whose wildest extravagances there was nearly always a core of wholesome sanity, who was always on the side of the angels, and who was a true patriot as well as a great humorist."
Pall Mall Gazette.—"A humorist of high excellence."
Daily Express.—"Really clever and admirably good fun."
Star.—"Some day there will be a Leacock Club. Its members will all possess a sense of humour."
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
FRENZIED FICTION
FOURTH EDITION
Crown 8vo. 5s. net
"Everything in 'Frenzied Fiction' is exhilarating. Full of good things."—Morning Post.
"More delightful samples of Leacock humour. These delightful chapters show Mr. Leacock at his best."
Daily Graphic.
"Stephen Leacock has firmly established himself in public favour as one of our greatest humorists. His readers will be more than pleased with 'Frenzied Fiction.'"—Evening Standard.
"It is enough to say that Mr. Leacock retains an unimpaired command of his happy gift of disguising sanity in the garb of the ludicrous. There is always an ultimate core of shrewd common-sense in his burlesques."—Spectator.
"Full of mellow humour."—Daily Mail.
"From beginning to end the book is one long gurgle of delight."—World.
"If it is your first venture into the Leacockian world read that delicious parody 'My Revelations as a Spy,' and we will be sworn that before you've turned half a dozen pages you will have become a life-member of the Leacock Lodge."—Town Topics.
"When humour is such as you get in 'Frenzied Fiction' it is a very good thing indeed."—Sketch.
"There is always sufficient sense under Stephen Leacock's nonsense to enable one to read him at least twice."—Land and Water.
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
THE HOHENZOLLERNS IN AMERICA
AND OTHER IMPOSSIBILITIES
Crown 8vo. 5s. net
"Equal in gay humour and deft satire to any of its predecessors, and no holiday will be so gay but this volume will make it gayer.... It is a book of rollicking good humour that will keep you chuckling long past summer-time."—Daily Chronicle.
"At his best, full of whims and oddities … the most cheerful of humorists and the wisest of wayside philosophers."—Daily Telegraph.
"He has never provided finer food for quiet enjoyment … his precious quality of Rabelaisian humanism has matured and broadened in its sympathy."—Globe.
"In the author's merriest mood. All of it is distilled wit and wisdom of the best brand, full of honest laughter, fun and frolic, comedy and criticism."—Daily Graphic.
"The book is inspired by that spirit of broad farce which runs glorious riot through nearly all that Stephen Leacock has written."—Bookman.
"He has all the energy and exuberance of the born humorist.... All admirers will recognize it as typical of Mr. Leacock's best work."—Manchester Guardian.
"An entertaining volume."—Scotsman.
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
THE UNSOLVED RIDDLE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
Crown 8vo. 5s. net
A discussion of the new social unrest, the transformation of society which it portends and the social catastrophe which it might precipitate.
The point of view taken by the author leads towards the conclusion that the safety of the future lies in a progressive movement of social control alleviating at least the misery it cannot obliterate, and based upon the broad general principle of equality of opportunity, and a fair start. The chief immediate opportunities for social betterment, as the writer sees them, lie in the attempt to give every human being in childhood, education and opportunity.
"His book is short, lucid, always to the point, and sometimes witty."—Times.
"A book for the times, suggestive, critical and highly stimulating. Mr. Leacock surveys the troubled hour and discusses the popular palliatives with a keen, unbiassed intelligence and splendid sympathy. I hope it will have as large a circulation as any of his humorous books, for it has much wisdom in it."—Daily Chronicle.
"The charm of Mr. Leacock's book is … that it deals tersely and clearly with the problem of Social Justice without technical jargon or any abuse of generalities."—Morning Post.
LONDON: JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD
THE HUMOROUS NOVELS OF HARRY LEON WILSON
BUNKER BEAN
MA PETTENGILL
SOMEWHERE IN RED GAP
RUGGLES OF RED GAP
Crown 8vo. 7s. net
Harry Leon Wilson is one of the first of American humorists, and in popularity he is a close rival of O. Henry. His "Ruggles of Red Gap," published at the beginning of the war, achieved a distinct success in England, while the raciness and vivacity of "Ma Pettengill" have furthered the author's reputation as an inimitable delineator of Western comedy. An English edition of this author's works is in course of preparation, of which the above are the first volumes.
"The author has the rare and precious gift of original humour."—Daily Graphic.
"Thackeray would have enjoyed Mr. Wilson's merry tale of 'Ruggles of Red Gap.' A very triumph of farce."—Sunday Times.
"Mr. Wilson is an American humorist of the first water. We have not for a long time seen anything so clever in its way and so outrageously funny."—Literary World.
