Four Years of Novel Reading | Page 5

would be doing good service in helping towards that
comparison of experiments which leads up to the survival of the fittest
method. Whether it be by the union of several students in a society, or
by the individual efforts of isolated readers, in some way the regular
study of fiction must be set on foot. And this study of fiction will be, in
its highest form, the study of life.
R. G. MOULTON.

FOUR YEARS OF NOVEL-READING
THE BACKWORTH CLASSICAL NOVEL-READING UNION
A BRIEF HISTORY
BACKWORTH forms part of a group of mining villages lying near to a
north-eastern headland of the German Ocean, and is one of the many
small industrial centres spreading like net-work throughout the great
mining county of Northumberland. If any evidence were required of the
immense improvement in industrial conditions, and of the general
progress of the mining class, in this part of England, it would only be
necessary to contrast Backworth with some of the older mining villages,
decaying remnants of which are to be found, where active industry is
no longer in progress. Its improved dwellings, commodious board
schools, flourishing co-operative society, popular workmen's institute,
and a number of other interests and advantages, are so many proofs of
its general prosperity and happiness as compared with the life and
conditions prevailing in mining communities thirty years ago.
When the great movement of University Extension was conceived and
began its benignant career, it was almost natural tliat its earliest
missionaries should find their way to Northumberland. Backworth,
with many other places, associated itself with the scheme in these early
days; but to Backworth alone belongs the distinction of having
maintained an almost unbroken attachment for many years. It was
during a course of University Extension lectures that the movement to
which this brief history relates first took definite shape, and the "
Classical Novel-Reading Union " had its birth.
The first course of lectures of a purely literary nature was delivered in
the spring of 1890, and among other lessons taught was the importance
of fiction as a wholesome and educational influence. It was soon
discovered that although Backworth read fiction, it was not fiction of
the best class; and there was no systematic study of the best works of
the best authors, and scanty knowledge of the great classics of fiction

which are among life's best text-books. This course of lectures was one
of the most successful ever held in Backworth. It was followed by deep
and intelligent interest, and awoke in many the first perceptions of the
great educational value of literature; and when it was suggested that a
society should be formed, the object of which should be the study of
classical fiction, the project was received with an appreciation closely
allied to enthusiasm.
The idea having been adopted, the principle, purpose, and plan of
operation of the proposed society, were embodied in a circular as
follows:

PRINCIPLE.
Literature is the science of life; and the great classical novels are
among the best text-books of life. To study these is the true antidote to
trashy and poisonous fiction.

PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Union is to encourage a course of systematic
novel-reading, (1) at the rate of a novel a month; (2) to be taken up by
ordinary readers and students, the former reading and talking about the
novels, the latter meeting to discuss and do work.

PLAN OF OPERATION.
1. A post-card will be sent to every member at the beginning of the
month announcing, (a) the novel chosen for the month; (b) a very brief
suggestion from some competent literary authority of some leading
points to be kept in view during the reading of the work; (c) the date
and business of the first meeting.
2. All joining the Union undertake to read during the month the novel

selected, and from time to time endeavor to turn conversation upon it.
3. All members are invited to attend, and (if they like) take part in the
meetings of the Union. At the same time it is fully recognized that
many more will undertake the reading than those able to attend the
meetings or do work.
4. The business of the meetings will be, (1) the reading and discussion
of papers (especially upon subjects connected with the suggestions
made by the literary authority); (2) discussion of difficulties or queries
started by members; or (3) formal debates upon questions arising out of
the novel of the month.
5. There will be one meeting in the earlier half of each month; others
during the month (if found desirable), by adjournment from the first, or
by the appointment of the council. If practicable, meetings shall be held
in various places in the district.

MEMBERSHIP AND GOVERNMENT.
1. The membership shall include local and