Books: 100th

THE MAGNIFICENT HOAX—E. Phillips Oppenheim—Little, Brown ($2). Last week E. Phillips Oppenheim published his 100th novel. This year rounds out a half-century of writing. Next October he will be 70. "E. Phillips Oppenheim" is more than a man's name: it has become a familiar phrase for bejewelled melodrama. In the 50 years Author Oppenheim has been doing business his trademarked product has become as well known and as popular as a successful breakfast food, and for the same reasons : it is a standard brand and it pleases the public palate. To...