Luttrell.' How many recall that first book! 'Andy Luttrell' was a
great success, the press saying that 'the series of which this is
the initiatory volume, marks a new era in Sunday School
literature.' Large editions were called for, and it is popular
still. In beginning any new business there are many difficulties to
face, old established houses to compete with, and new ones to
contest every inch of success. But tides turn, and patience and
pluck won the day, until from being steady, sure and reliable, Mr.
Lothrop's publishing business was increasing with such rapidity as
to soon make it one of the solid houses of Boston. Mr. Lothrop had
a remarkable instinct as regarded the discovering of new talent,
and many now famous writers owe their popularity with the public to
his kindness and courage in standing by them. He had great
enthusiasm and success in introducing this new element, encouraging
young writers, and creating a fresh atmosphere very stimulating and
enjoyable to their audience. To all who applied for work or brought
manuscript for examination, he had a hopeful word, and in rapid,
clear expression smoothed the difficulty out of their path if
possible, or pointed to future success as the result of patient
toil. He always brought out the best that was in a person, having
the rare quality of the union of perfect honesty with kind
consideration. This new blood in the old veins of literary life,
soon wrought a marvelous change in this class of literature. Mr.
Lothrop had been wise enough to see that such would be the case,
and he kept constantly on the lookout for all means that might
foster ambition and bring to the surface latent talent. For this
purpose he offered prizes of $1,000 and $500 for the best
manuscripts on certain subjects. Such a thing had scarcely been
heard of before and manuscripts flowed in, showing this to have
been a happy thought. It is interesting to look back and find many