
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 25, 1995                   TAG: 9506270022
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SOME SUGGESTED READINGS BY MARY JOHNSTON

``To Have and To Hold,'' 1900. Historical romance novel set in Colonial Virginia. The Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote in Mary Johnston's obituary: ``Where is the mature American who can forget the thrill that was his when he first read [the book], which is now, and is certain to remain, one of the most perfect examples of the art of story-telling to be found in American literature?''

``Cease Firing,'' 1911, and ``The Long Roll,'' 1912. Two novels set in the Civil War. After rereading the latter work, Margaret Mitchell said she ``found that I couldn't possibly write anything on my own book. I felt so childish and presumptuous for even trying. ... ''

Known for her meticulous eye for detail and historical accuracy, Johnston literally traveled Stonewall Jackson's battle route, re-creating the setting.

``Hagar,'' 1913. ``... a strong critique of traditional attitudes toward woman's role, particularly in the South, and a ringing endorsement of the feminist movement,'' wrote scholar Marjorie Spruell Wheeler in the introduction to the version reprinted by the University Press of Virginia last year. Johnston's only book set in contemporary times, ``Hagar'' is believed by some to be autobiographical.

``The Great Valley,'' 1926. Set in the Shenandoah Valley in the 1700s and believed to be based on the stories told to Johnston by her great-uncle Charles Johnston, who was captured by the Indians in 1790.

``Silver Cross,'' 1922. One of her later novels rooted in mysticism; a tale of the England of Henry VII, and of rivalry between two religious establishments. ``The waves of transcendentalism closed over Miss Johnston's head as they closed over Herman Melville's,'' a reviewer at the time wrote sadly.

by CNB