" Cacoethes Scribendi "

Most of us are, at some time or other, seized with the desire to write. The things we want to write about are many and various. .With some . it may be experiences, reminiscences, or views and opinions : with others, fiction.

But how many give effect to that desire?—even when they feel that what they have to say is worth the telling? Comparatively few : surprisingly few, indeed, when we consider the immense demand that exists nowadays for contributions of all sorts from outside sources; consider- ing, too, the useful addition to income which may be made by devoting part of one's leisure to literary work.

For though "'tis pleasant, sure, to see one's name in print" the pleasure is increased when a cheque rewards the effort : even though that may not have been the primary object.

With some, the desire is little more than a passing whim : but with others it is constant, although its translation into action may be deferred. Where that is the case— where there is a persistent, even if vague, wish to find expression in writing—it may be taken for granted that there exists a natural but latent ability which deserves cultivation. It is from among such men and women that newspapers and magazines frequently receive their most welcome recruits.

Under experienced guidance, with a competent but sympathetic teacher and critic to assist and to advise, the untried and inexperienced writer can very quickly gain that knowledge of Press requirements and of Press technique which is so often all that he requires in order to succeed in journalism or in authorship.

The records of The London School of Journalism provide overwhelming evidence of this. There are many now well-known writers, regular and esteemed con- tributors to high-class journals, who owe their success entirely to the individual instruction received by them (by correspondence) from the School. Some of them have, indeed, found literary work so much to their taste and so profitable, that they have ultimately made it their whole vocation. The great majority, however, pursue it as an occupation for their leisure hours, as a hobby which profits them in more ways than one.

These are the facts—facts which are open to any interested reader of THE SPECTATOR to investigate. Investigation should, of course, be the first step, and if it is possible for the letter of enquiry to be accompanied by a short MS. (article or story) by way of example, so much the better, for it will afford Sir Max Pemberton (the Director of Studies) a means of forming an opinion and will enable him to advise the writer accordingly.

In short, in every desirable way, the School affords opportunities for the exploration of literary possibilities and enables the enquirer to follow Dryden's advice to "Learn to write well, or not to write at all."

The Prospectus of the School, which gives full particulars of the various courses, fens, prizes, etc., will be sent post free on application by letter to the Prospectus Department, or the attached coupon may be used for convenience.

The Prospectus Department, The London School of Journalism,

57 Gordon Square, London, W.C. 1.

Dear Sir,

Please send me free and post free the new and enlarged Prospectus of the London School of Journalism, together with particulars of the Prizes open to new students.

NAME "AnDRESS

13/4 (Please write plainly.) NOTE.—If this coupon is sent in an Open envelope only Id. stamp

Is required.