Novel 250: Ulick Ralph Burke, Beating the Air (1879)
A young aristocrat is unexpectedly forced to make his own way in life.
Ulick Ralph Burke (1845-1895), barrister and historian of Spain and Mexico, wrote two novels, of which this was the first. His somewhat rambling plot gives him plenty of scope for satiric representation of English and Anglo-Indian society.
“The plot is interesting and well constructed, and there is a pleasant variety in the dramatis personae. . . . The style, too, is crisp and occasionally epigrammatic. . . . The characters . . . have . . . a distinct individuality.” Athenaeum, November 15, 1879
“We are indebted to Mr. Burke for a good novel, and a wholesome hero.” Spectator, December 6, 1879
A (somewhat) contrasting view:
“Beating the Air is not a strong book, but it is well meant, and, in its mild way, is far from being unpleasant.” Academy, November 22, 1879
Download this week’s novel:
v.1 https://archive.org/details/beatingair01burk/