Classical World Volume 14 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 edition. Excerpt: ...audience should not be counted against him. Why should he write if he is not to be read by the people who above all need such reading? Xenopoulos, after all, does not pretend to be a model. He is very explicit on that point in his own PrefaceHe does not hesitate to express'his views rather militantly. He is irritated by the insinuation of his opponents that for the love of money he has lowered his art to 'journalism', if I may so translate somewhat freely the untranslatable hacentsvMf6cents, and he calls the crities severely to task for their superficial judgment of a conscientiously planned and executed story: . 'No, it is not the result of vulgar and false patriotism, but, rather a human work of psychological and sociological mtcrest. Of course, it portrays a period of patriotic activity and enthusiasm, but it does this only to show the mfluence which the atmosphere created by them has had on certain characters'. The student of antiquity will recall more than one example of self-vindication among ancient writers. It is a peculiar characteristic of Xenopoulos to preface many of his works with somewhat acrimonious justifieations of his methods of writing. I do not know whether he succeeds in carrying out his intentions, especially with readers who are unacquainted with the adverse criticisms he endeavors to overthrow. The fact is established, however, that modern Athenian reviewers frequently engage in polemics. In spite of any defects, 'The War' presents an entertaining plot and is written with the ease and naturalness which characterise most of Xenopoulos's work. There are passages in it of considerable charm and once at least a strong element of pathos reveals a flash of power. There is much delicacy