Confessions of a Barbarian

In response to an unfavorable review for "Confessions of a Barbarian," George Sylvester Viereck writes to the Editor of The Independent: Sir: It is not my habit to reply to reviewers. In the twenty-five years of my young life so many vials of ink have been poured upon my innocent head that I am somewhat impervious to either praise or blame. But 1 frankly admit that I am sorry that your magazine should have been the one to print so stupidly inadequate and imbecile a notice of my "Confessions of a Barbarian," as it did in its issue of July 28. I have now published four books in two languages in three countries. I have a certain standing as a writer, as an editor and as a playwright; and it seems to me that I am entitled to criticism, not to the badinage of a schoolboy. I would not object to an unfavorable review; but I think that you as the editor, should have protected me from drivel so inane, futile and hackneyed, written presumably by some preposterous nobody. Good God! Literature in this country must be chiefly its own reward.... This book of mine happens to be the bestselling non-fiction book in New York City. It happens to have been published in two languages. This fall John Lane will bring out an edition in England. The Ambassador of the United States, Dr. David Jayne Hill, has presented a copy of the book to the Kaiser. I have touched on many serious problems. I admit that I have written brilliantly; and it has always been characteristic of dull minds to suspect brilliancy of shallowness. Most people, especially amateur critics, seem to find it impossible to understand that a man may clever without being insincere. I have been in Germany, where I have spoken to some of the most important men in the Empire. Ministers of State and Ambassadors: and I have come in touch with the genius of the land. Between the lines of my book you will find hints of diplomatic secrets and traces of intimate knowledge of things German-American.... Gertrude Atherton, who knows Germany as well as this Country, calls it "really a memorable work." And finally James Huneker, perhaps our greatest living critic. has expressed himself as follows: "The spectacle of young Viereck spanking two nations in his 'Confessions' is enough to arouse the marble bust of his once famous grandmother, Edna Viereck. at the Royal Theater. Berlin; or to stir the envy of the first and only Shavian, G. B. S... George Sylvester Viereck is the head of a long line of American Super-Boys His book is flown with the frank insolence and effervescing wine of brilliant youth... He knows, like most poets, absolutely nothing of men and women, of art or of life, and that is his chief charm.... The fires of inexperience are more creative than the slag and cinders of wisdom.... Truth has been known to pop forth from the mouths of babes." Mr. Huneker, you will notice, is also a trifle facetious; but he recognizes the serious literary quality of my book. In fact, most reviewers have treated my "Confessions of a Barbarian" extremely well. I have had much of real illuminating criticism. The Call printed what would vulgarly have been called a "roast" of this book; and its author, Courtenay Lemon was very much surprised when in return I wrote him a flattering letter and asked him to lunch with me. But I was pleased with his review because he went into the essence of my work. While I cannot agree with him, at least he developed a point of view. Your reviewer touches not even the fringes of the book. He merely nicks out one little mannerism for his dubious witticism and then has the impudence to call his abortion an honest review! .... I wish that in justice to yourself and in justice to me you would print this letter. -GEORGE SYLVESTER VIERECK, New York City.