¶ The mere extent of an author’s popularity is perhaps a poor argument, yet it is significant that two books by this author are in their HUNDRED AND TENTH THOUSAND, and numbers of them well into their SEVENTIETH THOUSAND, whilst the one which a Frenchman recently described as “Monsieur France’s most arid book” is in its FIFTY-EIGHTH THOUSAND. ¶ Inasmuch as M. France’s only contribution to an English periodical appeared in “The Yellow Book,” Vol. V, April 1895, together with the first important English appreciation of his work from the pen of the Hon. Maurice Baring, it is peculiarly appropriate that the English edition of his works should be issued from the Bodley Head. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FRENCH NOVELISTS : : OF TODAY : : BY WINIFRED STEPHENS WITH A PORTRAIT FRONTISPIECE Cr. 8vo, PRICE FIVE SHILLINGS, NET. “No book of the spring season will receive a heartier welcome than Miss Winifred Stephens' ‘French Novelists of To-day.’ It provides what thousands of educated readers have long been asking for in vain—a guide to the writings of the great living masters of French fiction. It is evident that Miss Stephens has gathered much of her material in France, and that she has been in contact with the personal as well as the artistic life of the authors described. The biographical passages in each chapter add much to our knowledge, and are obviously compiled from first-hand information. Miss Stephens shows critical powers of a high order. Her accounts of the chief novels are pleasant reading for those already acquainted with the books, while for the beginner they afford a clear, judicious, comprehensive guide.... We cannot praise too highly this sparkling and graceful book, which should have a place in the library of every student of French literature. Its practical value is enhanced by the full and careful bibliographies.”—_British Weekly._ “These light chapters will be serviceable in helping the English reader to realise the personality and work of the writers they deal with.”—_Times._ “The book may be welcomed as a further sign of the progress of France and England towards mutual comprehension. Thanks to its useful bibliographies, it will serve as an excellent guide to all those who are anxious to make themselves acquainted with what is best in modern French fiction.... The criticism of this book is good, and gains much by its connection with a concise biography of the author discussed.... The book may be recommended to all English readers of French fiction.”—_Daily News._ “A felicitous and graceful little volume, presenting very adequately the eight French novelists of to-day who are read, criticised, and sold ... should be read along with recent essays on French writers by Mr. Edmund Gosse.” _Daily Chronicle._