Page:The Story of the House of Cassell (book).djvu/179

 with Cassell's, editing a new edition of "The Popular Educator," and other works. For several years he edited a technical publication for another firm, and was then engaged by Cassell's to start Work. Its success was instantaneous, and has been well maintained. It is the mechanic's and handicraftsman's weekly companion, instructing him in a thousand matters of direct and practical interest. One of its most important features is its "Questions and Answers" pages, in which experts, retained for the purpose, clear up difficulties and give directions to correspondents in need of them. What was probably the first industrial exhibition ever organized by a newspaper was held at the Polytechnic, Regent Street, in December, 1890, under the auspices of this paper. The opening ceremony was performed by Sir John Lubbock (afterwards Lord Avebury), then M.P. for the University of London. In 1893 the editorship of Work was assumed by P. N. Hasluck, who founded the well-known series of "Work Handbooks." The present editor, Bernard E. Jones, succeeded him in 1909, and under his vigorous initiative the paper has prospered exceedingly.

Periodicals and books on gardening have been issued under the editorship of W. P. Wright and H. H. Thomas, and works from their pens have been greatly appreciated by all interested in horticultural enterprise.

Many of the older contributors to Cassell's periodicals have the liveliest and kindliest recollections of their associations with the House. Mr. D. H. Parry, who has been one of the most valued writers for it, sent in thirty years ago the first story he ever wrote. He is writing for Cassell's publications still. "My recollection, extending over two distinct régimes," he says, "is one of unbroken courtesy and kindly consideration. The first Editor-in-Chief with whom I came into contact was the late A. J. Butler, sometime Fellow of Trinity, a scholar and a gentleman. I remember giving him something of a shock in the tiny den where the E.-in-C. was kennelled in those