Joyce of the jasmines,

by Ralph Henry Barbour

Ralph Barbour was best known for his sports themed books for boys, though he also wrote a series of nicely illustrated romances. They were each highly decorated, came in a decorative box and sold for $20. This is one of those romances, though the box is missing. Decorations by Edward Stratton Holloway. Five full page color illustrations on glossy paper. Beautiful black and white page decorations on every page. . Lovely paste on illustration on front cover with cream floral design on burgundy cloth. 205p.

204 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1911

About the author

Ralph Henry Barbour (1870 - 1944) was an American novelist who wrote popular works of sports fiction for boys, creating highly readable and idealistic stories that taught about the importance of sports, teamwork, and school spirit. Over his career, Barbour produced more than 100 novels as well as a number of short stories.

He was the winner, along with George Randolph Osborne, of Life Magazine’s Shortest Story Contest, which culminated with a publication of these works in 1916.

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story begins with a young man recovering from an illness that struck him down while he was traveling. His doctor takes a liking to him and invites him to come and stay at his house.

The doctor has a niece living with him named Joyce. She decides that she will invent an engagement for herself so that the young man doesn't have to be afraid that she's chasing him. This is a highly misplaced bit of consideration that didn't really forward the plot at all, since she didn't even tell him about the "engagement" till he was obviously already in love with her and she with him. So... what was the point? It was only manufactured tension, with which I have little patience.
Other than that, it was fairly cute and easy reading, but that was all.

[Brendon Fehre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun read - clean romance with a good ending.

Barbour keeps the pace going without you getting bored. Having read about half a dozen of his books, this has to be one of my favourites. Good characters, good writing, good story.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philip Weld, a rich young fellow, has been laid low for the first time in his life with an attack of grippe that turns into crippling rheumatism. The Old Doctor, who attends him, at length invites him to his home to finish his recovery, since he has been occupying a hotel room during his stay in South Carolina. But there, in the beautiful old Southern home, is the Doctor's niece, Joyce.

I didn't like a certain lie Joyce told, and it did bring my rating down a bit. But, overall, an enjoyable piece of short vintage romance and a very pleasurable read.

*Content: language used toward black people which would now be considered offensive: "Darkey" etc.