PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2309, 2 June 1898, Page 39

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

The Wide World Magazine, Sir George Newness new sixpenny monthly, is to hand by the last mail, and a copy of the firsb number kas been forwarded to us by Messrs W. J. Prictor and Co., publishers. This new aspirant for pubiic favour alms at an extensive clientele, as its title indicates, and judging by the first number we should say the expectations of the enterprising originator of what is certainly a novelty in magazine literature are almost certain of fulfilment. Adventures of the most thrilling kiod extend from cover ho cover, and if we are to take the sub-heading •• Truth is Stranger than Fiction " literally — and the assertion made in the introductory article that there will be no fiction in the magazine will, we presume, warrant our doing so — it would seem that the age of chivalry must really hold second place to the more prosaic modern days in dseds that make the blood tingle. Among the contents of the number under notice the "Tragedies of Mount Blanc," by Dr Lnnn, and •' Devotees," by Captain Howard, are quite unique. In a remarkable budget crammed full of good thinga perhaps the best r-ve "The Naturalist Abroad," an account of Mr S&ville-Kent's researches ; " The Cruise of the Slaver Carl ; ' ;. nouses in air and water; the experience of Professor Ha'ddon-— all of which will have a ..special interest for an£ipodeans ; " How the North Pole will be Reached," b7 Nansen ; "A Battle Royal with a Tiger " and " The Romance of Seal-hunting," by Sit George Baden-Powell. The illustrations »re as unique as the literary contents, and, needless to say, the printing is all that could be desired. There are so many charming sixpenny monthlies nowadays that it seems somewhat risky to launch a new venture of the kind on the market, but one conducted on such novel lines it sure to find a satisfactory opening, and if kept up to the promise of the first number success is almost assured.