NEWS BY MAIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1921, Page 1

NEWS BY MAIL.

SNEERS AT MRS EDDY

NEW YORK, April 20. A literary sensation involving seieial distinguished personages and a prominent firm of publishers has been caused by the announcement of the withdrawal from sale by Messrs Putnam’s of the fourth volume of the “Cambridge History of American Taterature,” an important work placed on the market a month ago. The cause of the suppression the hook is certain references to Mrs Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science Church, in an article entitled “A Popular Rible,” contributed by Hr Moodbridge Riley, Professor of Philosophy at Vassar College .the Girton of the United States. Tn the course of an article, which treats of the Mormon and Christian Science cults. Professor Rilev refers to Mrs Eddy as “a thrice-married female Trismegist'is.” (Hermes Trismegistus, as the ancient Greeks called the Egyptian god Troth, was regarded as tho originator of Egypt inn art, science, magic, alchemy, and religion.) This description of the founder of the church is warmly resented in Christian Science circles. Mr Irvine Putnam states this mornin «r that neither lie nor the advisory board of the firm saw Professor Riley s article, which was commissioned by Professor W. P. Trent, of Columbia University, the editor of the history, until their attention had lieen called to it in Christian Science publications. “Havino- rend it,” he adds, “it is no exaggeration to say that T am absolutely shocked. M T e have written Professor Trent tollim- him that the article must he expunged. Another must be written hv an author who will treat with decent respect the religions opinions of a considerable section of the community.” To the publishers’ Strictures Professor Rilev replies that he refuses to allow his reputation as an author to ie inipunged l.y Messrs Putnam’s, and challenges them to submit the article to an independent tribiuial.