[Review of The Marrow of Tradition]

The power of such a book as Chestnutt's "Marrow of Tradition" lies in its searching truthfulness. Dealing as this book does with matters over which there is the deepest feeling, its value must depend upon the fidelity with which it portrays the conditions. To the accuracy of the picture Mr. Chesnutt has presented, there is a surprising unanimity of opinion. The riot he describes ought have been photographed in a dozen Southern towns; the murder has, unfortunately, been reduplicated a score times, and even minor details and atmospheric effects of the book carry with them the conviction of actuality.