Frenzied Fiction/Adverts
BOOKS BY STEPHEN LEACOCK
LITERARY LAPSES
ELEVENTH EDITION
Crown 8vo5s. net
PRESS OPINIONS
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 something in cheerfulness if Mr. Leacock continues to produce as many excellent jests to the book as there are in the one under notice.”
NONSENSE NOVELS
Twelfth Edition.Crown 8vo.5s. net.
PRESS OPINIONS
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."
World.—"There is a certain subtlety of wit about these mock novelettes which, while it does not move to irrepressible laughter, tickles the senses not unpleasantly . . . always refreshing."
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 recognised 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."
SUNSHINE SKETCHES OF A LITTLE TOWN
Seventh Edition.Crown 8vo.5s. net
SOME PRESS OPINIONS
The Times.—"His real hard work, for which no emolument would be a fitting reward, is distilling sunshine. This new book is fall 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."
BEHIND THE BEYOND
AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO HUMAN
KNOWLEDGE. With 16 Illustrations by A. H. Fish.
Fifth Edition.Crown 8vo.5s. net.
SOME PRESS OPINIONS
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."
ARCADIAN ADVENTURES WITH THE IDLE RICH
Third Edition.Crown 8vo.5s. net.
SOME PRESS OPINIONS
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 show 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 sever 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 this delightfully humorous and clever book."
Evening Standard.—"In this box the satire is brilliantly conspicuous."
MOONBEAMS FROM THE LARGER LUNACY
Third Edition.Crown 8vo. 5s. net.
PRESS OPINIONS
"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."—Times.
"Excellent fooling . . . wisdom made laughable."—Morning Post.
"Here is wit, fun, frolic, nonsense verse, satire, comedy, criticism—a perfect gold mine for those who love laughter."—Daily Chronicle.
"Very pungent and telling satire. Buy the book—it will give you a happy hour."—Sunday Times.
"Under the beams of the moon of his delight, the author never fails to be amusing."—Standard.
"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."—Pall Mall Gazette.
"Unlike a number of so-called humorists, Mr. Leacock is really funny, as these sketches prove."—Land and Water.
"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."—Field.
"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."—Spectator.
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 recognise that he mingles shrewdness with levity—that he is, in short, wise as well as merry."
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.
"An excellent antidote to war worry."—Morning Post.
"You will acknowledge, if you have not done so before, the satirical keenness of Mr. Leacock."—Evening Standard.
"The book is a joy all through, laughter on every page." Daily Graphic.
"Further examples of the diverting humour of Professor Leacock."—Times.
"'Further Foolishness,' in a word, is the most admirable tonic which I can prescribe to-day . . . the jolliest possible medley." Bystander.
"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."—Daily Chronicle.
"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."—Spectator.
"A humorist of high excellence."—Pall Mall Gazette.
Really clever and admirably good fun."—Daily Express.
"Some day there will be a Leacock Club. Its members will all possess a sense of humour."—Star.
JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD, VIGO STREET, W. 1.