The objects of this Handbook are:-- (1) To mention the chief novels of important recent authors. (2) To show what kind of novels they write. (3) To tell what some of the leading novels are about. (4) To give a brief sketch of the writer's career. (5) To show something of public opinion concerning them. (6) To illustrate the struggle of authors for a footing. PRESS NOTICES. "The noble army of novel readers will find a good deal of useful and interesting information in 'The Novel-Reader's Handbook,' by William Roberton, author of 'The Kipling Guide Book,' and published by _The Midland Counties Herald_, Birmingham. The book is a guide to recent novels and novelists. As the author says, in the main the novelists dealt with have become popular within the last decade, and, as a rule, those have been selected who are in demand at the libraries, and who have a good public at their command."-- _Sheffield Daily Telegraph_. PUBLISHERS: "THE MIDLAND COUNTIES HERALD," BIRMINGHAM. #PARIS EXHIBITION, 1900.# The highest possible Award: #THE ONLY "GRAND PRIX"# exclusively granted to Steel Pens. #JOSEPH GILLOTT'S PENS.# Nos. for Bankers, etc.: Barrel Pens, 225, 226, 262. Slip Pens, 332, 909, 287, 166, 404, 601, 7,000. In Fine, Medium, and Broad Points. The Turned-Up-Point, 1,032. Of Highest Quality; and, having Greatest Durability, are therefore #CHEAPEST.# ESTABLISHED UPWARDS OF A CENTURY. #WILLIAM PEARSALL, Manufacturing Silversmith,# Jeweller, Electroplater, and Watchmaker. PRESENTATION PLATE. COMMUNION AND CHURCH PLATE. _Designs Furnished, and Estimates Free_. Wedding, Christening, Birthday, and Silver Wedding Presents in great variety and newest patterns. #Old Garnet and Pearl Jewellery and Sheffield Plate. DEALER IN ANTIQUE SILVER PLATE. 29, High Street, BIRMINGHAM.# Maker of the City of Birmingham Souvenir Spoons. Diamond Jewellery. #L.N. HOBDAY & CO.,# WATCH AND CLOCK MANUFACTURERS, Jewellers & Silversmiths, #13, NEW STREET, BIRMINGHAM.# DIAMOND RINGS and JEWELLERY of First Quality and Designs. #Special Novelties for Wedding and other Presents.# AN INSPECTION Of STOCK INVITED. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. L.N. HOBDAY & CO. beg to inform their friends and patrons that after March 25th, 1901, and during the rebuilding of their premises, the business will be temporarily removed to 14, Midland Arcade (now in course of construction), 2 doors from their present address. #THOMAS PINSON,# House, Land, and Estate Agent, VALUER & SURVEYOR, PROPERTY & MORTGAGE BROKER. Rents and Interests Collected. Properties Economically Managed. #COBDEN BUILDINGS, CORPORATION STREET, BIRMINGHAM.# Agent for the Royal Fire and Life Assurance Co. #ALFRED HUGHES, Confectioner and Restaurateur, BIRMINGHAM.# A Great Variety of Food Specialities. VIENNA BREAD. CAKES AND BISCUITS OF THE NEWEST AND BEST KINDS. #Catering for Public and Private Parties.# _17 & 18, NORTH-WESTERN ARCADE 25, PARADISE STREET, 36 & 37, DALE END_.