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4
INTRODUCTION

the astronomers it can at least be said that the literature of indignation is enriched by it.

To the "university-trained mind" here is wildness almost as wild as Roger Bacon's once appeared to be; though of course even the layest of lay brothers must not assume that all wild science will in time become accepted law, as some of Roger's did. Retort to Mr. Fort must be left to the outraged astronomer. If indeed any astronomer could feel himself so little outraged as to offer a retort. Lay brethren are outside the quarrel and must content themselves with gratitude to a man who writes two such books as "New Lands" and "The Book of the Damned" gratitude for passages and pictures—moving pictures—of such cyclonic activity and dimensions that a whole new area of a reader's imagination stirs in amazement and is brought to life.

Booth Tarkington.