This volume is a reprint of a book originally published in 1917. Several excellent essays about literature are included. Subjects addressed include literature in relation to war, poverty, sex, prosperity, and business. The following statement is from the Introduction: "This book is an effort to bridge the gulf between literary theory and literary practice. In these days of specialization it is more than ever true that the man who lectures and writes about the craft of writing seldom has the time or the inclination to show, by actual work, that he can apply his principles. On the other hand, the successful novelist, poet, or playwright devotes himself to his craft and seldom attempts to analyze and display the methods by which he obtains his effect, or even to state his opinion on matters intellectual and aesthetic. "Now, the professor of English and the literary critic are valuable members of society, and the development of literature owes much to their counsel and guardianship.""