Conan Doyle Leads
Conan Doyle Leads is an article published in The Evening News (London) on 22 september 1906.
Conan Doyle Leads
Increasing Interest in Best Novel Contest.
FIRST APPEARANCE OF "TREASURE ISLAND."
- "The White Company."
- "Thelma."
- "King Solomon's Mines."
- "Prisoner of Zenda."
- "Tale of Two Cities."
- "John Halitax, Gentleman."
STRIKING FACTS ABOUT THE RACE.
The first vote for Stevenson's "Treasure Island" arrived this morning.
Conan Doyle's most popular book seems to be "The White Company," which now leads. "Sherlock Holmes" and "Micah Clarke," have received very few votes
"Barabbas" is the only one of Marie Corelli's books, besides "Thelma," which has received substantial support.
There is a notable revival to-day in "David Copperfield."
After a hard struggle Colonel Lew Wallace's "Ben Hur" drops out of the first six.
Mr. Hall Caine has hitherto received lees then a dozen votes.
Only one supporter has appeared for the ones popular "Monte Cristo."
The difference between "The White Company" first, and "Thelma" second, this morning is only four votes.
Another Rider Haggard novel that promises well is "Nada the Lily."
Another first appearance to-day is that of Rudyard Kipling, with "The Light that Failed."
The "Prisoner of Zenda," while losing one place, still receives a large number of votes.
To day's "Evening News" post-bag contained exactly three times as many letters on the "Best Novel Race" as it contained yesterday.
SOME OF TO-DAY'S VOTES.
Out of several favourite novels I must vote for Kipling's "Light that Failed." — T. C. Hine, Farnham.
I am now aged fourteen, and I think that the best novel I have ever read is Rider Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines." I had it given to me as a prize. Why I like it so much is because it is full of adventure, and reads more like truth than fiction. My mother read it, and she also thinks that it is the best novel. My uncle wishes to vote for Ouida's "Under Two Flags." My aunt votes for Rita's "Sheba." — F. C. Ridler, Fleet.
Anyone who has read "Monte Cristo," "Joseph Balsamo," or "The Three Musketeers," by Dumas, and "Sherlock Holmes," "Rodney Stone," or "The White Company," by Conan Doyle, can hardly deny the wonderful genius that entitles these novelists to head the list, both for popularity and style. — J. Wontman, Walthamstow.
"Good for Nothing," by G. J. Whyte-Melville, is, in my way of thinking, one of the most lovely books I have ever read, and ought to leave a lasting impression with a reader possessed of a thinking mind. — M. E. Freethy.
"Schoolmaster" is right. Boys do read Scott, and also Dickens. I myself like the "Christmas Carol" better than any other novel. — Schoolboy, Farnham.
I am surprised at the lack of appreciation which English novel readers are showing for that large-hearted broad-browed thinker who has given the world "Vanity Fair."
Permit me to add a vote for what has truly been described as "the greatest novel in the English language." — R. R., Wallington.
My opinion is that the most beautiful story of domestic life ever written is Mrs. Craik's "John Halifax, Gentlemen." Every man and woman ought to read this book. Miss Corelli is also a very clever woman. All her books are full of sense. — S. John Clift (age 17), Battersea.
Although I must admit that "Thelma" is indeed a grand book. I should like my vote to go for Rider Haggard's famous "She." I think it is a wonderful book, as also is "King Soloman's Mines." — S. Lowe, Shepherd's Bush.
My vote goes to "Tess of the D'Ubervilles," whose brilliant author, Thomas Hardy, is, in my opinion, second only to Shakespeare in his knowledge of human nature. — A. V. T., Walthamstow.
I am at a loss for the reason why Charles Kingsley appears to be so little read by the working classes. I should advise every working man and woman to read "Alton Locke" and "Westward Ho!" The former book is entirely devoted to the interests of the working people. Much progress has been made in education and the conditions of labour since Kingsley's time, but the book is not to be regarded as "out of date." The chief characters of "Westward Ho!" are splendid examples of manly Christianity, free from cast and fanaticism. — Kingsley Admirer, Oxford-street.
I consider "The Octopus" and "The Pit," by the gifted young American author, the late Frank Norris, to be the most notable novels I have read. They are both fascinating works. — Youthful Reader, East Sheen.
Our favourite novel is "David Copperfield." — K. E. Hartt, A. A. Price, K. P. Price, B. F. Price, Greenwich.
Allow me to vote for Marie Corelli. I think "Barabbas" the best novel I have read, giving next place to "Thelma." I am one of her great admirers. — E. Jex, Blackfriars.
Why has no one mentioned "Nada the Lily," by Rider Haggard? What two finer characters could you have than Umslopogaas and Galaxi? — G. L. Baker, Beckenham.
I have studied your interesting table in the "Evening News" during this week, and now plump for "Esmond," by Thackeray, as the best book. — A. A. A., Beckenham.
