Youth is dominant in five of the six stories comprising this distinguished collection [Phineas and Other Stories]. The title story and "A Turn With the Sun" are set in a boy's boarding school. In both Mr. Knowles gives a nostalgic view of memorable boys and the educational system. "The Peeping Tom" is a painfully personal drama of a young man's meaningless life. While "Martin the Fisherman" is little more than a vignette, "The Reading of the Will" is a suspenseful story of a father's bequest, a sealed envelope, and two brothers who inherit different things. This collection of superior stories by one of America's most appealing writers should be welcomed by adult readers and by young adults.
Robert H. Donahugh, in his review of "Phineas and Other Stories," in Library Journal (reprinted from Library Journal, September 15, 1968; published by R. R. Bowker Co. (a Xerox company); copyright © 1968 by Xerox Corporation), Vol. 93, No. 16, September 15, 1968, p. 3156.
This is a free excerpt of 162 words. There are 167 words (approx.
1 page at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our Knowles, John 1926–: Critical Essay by Robert H. Donahugh Access Pass.
