Reading is such a great thing to do. It is always interesting to note the introduction of new reading material, not just in the current years but from the earlier decades of this city. Back in 1888, there were in just over two weeks in the local press a number of short items marked “New publications.” These were plugs for some new books with interesting comments included.
One book was Miracle Gold by Richard Dowling. This book was apparently in three volumes. A short critique stated: “This is a very well written story – rather sensational – but containing some good pen pictures. It is well worth perusal.”
The next “new publication” was Molly’s Story, Being a Family History as Related by a Faithful Servant, written by Frank Merryfield. The accompanying critique said: “This is an excellent tale, and should be read in every family circle, high and low, rich and poor. With much that is interesting, there is a great deal to admire and emulate.”
The Argonauts of North Liberty by Bret Harte was also new in 1888. The author was well known for his western stories, poems, and accounts of pioneering life. The critique noted: “This is one of this author’s latest productions and bears all the impress of his style; the story is well written but throws a strange light on Puritan piety.”
Next was Cradled in a Storm by T.A. Sharp. The commentary about this book was: “This is a very well written story and may be well received in the family circle. The heroine has rather strong proclivities, but after many trials she obtains the reward of virtue, and the wicked are duly punished.”
The last of the “new publications” we have included is Mr. Potter of Texas by A.C. Gunter. The comments made about this book were: “This is a New York novel in more respects than one; it is well calculated for the b’hoys (sic) and is replete with love and murder. We don’t think it is likely to be a first favourite with the more refined circles.”
And so we have a selection of “new publications” from June of 1888. Readers from mainland B.C. at that time might have gone down to their local bookstore to obtain a copy or perhaps mailed away to purchase one. The fascinating part of looking these up today is that they are frequently available as a used book, sometimes as a reprint, and in at least a couple of cases they are available online to read for free.
With a bit of research into the books or authors you might find out even more as in A.C. Gunter who, we found out, is credited with the popularization of the poem Casey at the Bat.
