SOME OLD PORTRAITS

This is a book which might be considered as an offshoot of the epidemic of art books this season, and it has a double barreled gun chance for success:- first on Tarkington's name and fame, second on the tie-up possible with the other good art books. There's a chance for booksellers to do a special job of promotion, picking titles and customers with care, and linking the sales of one book to the possibilities of perhaps two others. This can be sold more for its text than for the 14 full-page reproductions in full color and the 7 halftones, fine as they are. For the text is delightful reading, and gives the reader a sense of sharing intimately in the understanding of the artists and their subjects. The 18th century was the century in English portraiture; and in recapturing the period, Tarkington has made painters, statesmen, royalty, courtesans, soldiers, poets, people his stage. A gossipy, human and vivid study, which makes Tarkington's own collection familiar to his public. Close tie-up with Rumbin Galleries in appeal.