BOOKS OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 74, 20 December 1919, Page 13

BOOKS OF THE DAY

The New Zealanders at Gallipoli. Tho first volume of an important work, printed and published, urder the authority of the New Zealand Government by Messrs. Whitcombo and Tombs, Ltd., under tho general title of "The Official History of New Zealand's Effort in' the , Great War," is to hand from the publishers. The title of this, the first instalment of a work which must appeal very strongly to all' Now Zealanders, is "The New Zealanders at Gallipoli." The author is Major Fred. Waite, D.S.O. N.Z.E. The book is a substantial volume of 330 pages, and contains a largo nurn/Ijer of exceedingly interesting illustrations, also many 1 useful plans and diagrams. and an excellent map of the Gallipoli' Peninsula. A detailed review ■ of Major Waito's important and valuable contribution to the history of tho Dominion',3 share in the Dardanelles campaign will appear next Saturday. Some Christmas Gift Books. "Christmas comes but once a year, but when it ■ comes. ill brings good clieor," doo-l cheer, both literary and pictorial, is to be found in plenty, in the current annual volumo of that old-established favourite "Chums" (Cassell and Co'., per S. and W. Mackay). A Christmas without a now volumo of "Chums" as an. insurance against that ennui from which •• ever, tho most resourceful young folk are not immune when tho , clerk of the •weather is unkind, or when time hangs heavy in the evenings, would be, for many a young New Zealander, a. positive penance. This year's volumo is as full of "ood things as a Christmas pudding • itself. Thero are war stories, stories of treasure-hunting, stories in which historical fact is cunningly refurbished in the guise of readable fiction, stories of Bciiool life, stories of every possible phase of life. Also there are articles descriptive of travol and adventure, rind, as usual, tho various hobbies and indoor oinnsemonts with which youth diverts its leisure receive due attention, as well ns the outdoor snorts and recreations generally in whjch British boys, whether of tho Motherland or the overseas, traditionally take delight. The illustrations aro unusually numerous and include 6omo excellent examples of effective draughtsmanship and good colour punting. • "Chums" is as good as ever, and that is saying not a little,' as many an oldster will cheorfully testify. Another handsomo tome, this time making special'appeal to the youthful readers of the fair sex, is "The Australasian Girls' Annual l'or 1920" (Cassell and Co., per S. ami W. Mackay). Compiled by the editor of that popular magazine, "I"eung. Folks," tho annual contains stories and articles by such well-known writers for girls as Angela Brazil, Dorothea Moore, Dorothy Marsh Garrard, Bessie Marchant, Ethel Talbot,' Violet. Mctbley, and others. Miss Methley's eerii.l, an historical romance based upon the unhappy experiences of the Duke of Monmouth, will' interest not a few adult readers. In" addition to a I'.miiber of interesting stories, _ tho volume contains articles on various pastimes and hobbies, 1 and thero are many admirable- illustrations , both in .colour and black and white. An attractively produced book, specially suitable as a gift book for girl readers" in their early 'teens, is Miss Ethel Talbot's "The School on tho Moor" (Cassell and Co., ppr S. and W. Mackay), '■'ho schoolgirls of Ayscombe Lodge, to whom we are introduced by Miss Talbot, include scVeral well-drawn and interesting figure.?, and tho introduction of. a "mystery" interest '.'ingeniously- : Worked', out to a happy solution ailds. a wclr.omo piquancy to a pleasantly-told and very story. Mr. Noel Hirrokl contributes several well-drawn illustrations, some of which are in colour. Tho highly dramatic scenes depictcd aliko on the cloth cover and looso "jacket" of Mr. Eric Wood's ".Boys' Rook of Uedslcins" (Cassell and Co., per S. and W. Mackay), give a; foretaste of the ricn and satisfying menu to be found within the covers of a volume the youthful possessor of whicli will be well fcrtified against tho possible bcredom of a wet day or a long evening with "nothing to dol" Mr. Wood has made clever use of many exciting historical episodes in which the now fast disapnearing Sioux. C-hey-ennes, and other Indian tribes have played notable parts, and although, no doubt, his primary object has been to give his youthful readers >. feast of sensation, many of his well-told yarns' afford an interesting insight into Indian ethnology. Bomc five plates add considerably to tho interest of the text. ' Mrs. Lillian Pyke's new story, "A Prince at School'-' (Ward, lock, and Co.), is a well-told tale, which should be greatly appreciated by youthful reader'', of tho experiences at an Australian boarding, school of a young Polynesian. Prince Audi, of Vilatonga.. At f.rst thero :is a tendency on tho part of the Whitefi»ld boys to "guy," ns the American says, the yoiing stranger, who is accompanied to Melbourne by tho son nnd daughter of a British merchant at Vilntonca. But the lad's sterling finalities effectually wear down nrejndico, and he turns out a very fine fellow. A war-time interest is introduced, the villain of the piece, a young. German narsed Bernstein, meeting with a tragic end in the final chapter. The descriptions of school life are asTceably diversified by a pretty lovo story. A second story from Mrs. Pykn's clever ■pen is "The Cctip Kiddies" (Melbourne, The Specialty Press). Mrs, Pyke takes her readers to a Tailway construction camp in tho Oueensland'hunkblocks, and pictures the lifo of some jol'y little Australians who go north with their parents, and meet with varied exneriences, some humorous, some very exciting, in their new and strange surroundings.- Ths ■wonders of modern railway construction are skilfully utilised .by tho author, whoso story is not only a very pleasant description of juvenile life amidst a novel and interesting environment, but is. in its own way, pleasantly infornintive and instructive. An attractive feature of a volume which would make an ej-cellont rrift book is a series of excellent illustrations from specially taken photographs. Books for New Zealand Children by New Zealand Writers, In somo introductory verses to a very charming fairv tale, ''The Adventures of Toby and Tho Sphinx in Flow Hand" (Whitcombe and Tombs), Alister Clunie, a Now Zealand writer v.hoso name is jiew to me, tells how his literary effort was the result ,of a request from "two lit tin lads with u fairy-tale book" that daddy—"there's nobody tells such stories as vou"—should write them a storv. Tho author has certainly lived un to his domestic reputation in this delightful little ptory. in which (lowers ard insects, birds nnd beasts of various kinds, known or merelv imaginary, all rlay a. part in .mystifying or delighting the two little adventurers. A shorter story in tho samo hook, "Percy in Moonlnnd," is very humorous, but open to tho rbjection that the humour is just a triflo too recondite for nurely juvenilo amusement. (Price, S» Gd.) A. jscoml book from Mr. Olunie'B clever pen is "The Enchanted Packman" (Whitcombs and Tomb"). ITcre wo are introduced to a travelling pedlar, or packman, whose stout legs carry him nnd h's pack of wares into many strange lands. Everywhere he resales those who give him temporary lodging with a rich feast of wonder-laden tales. How he shakes off the smell cast unon him bv the mysterious Wizard of tho Mountains, whose ival name—a namo ho lives up to 'in his oharnrtor— is lilackheart, how in the long run Blackheart becomes Goodheart, giving up his evil magical practices end wedding a beauteous lady—Queen Gohleji Love—all this and much more is set forth in a story whose excellent moral i.s nono tho loss ndmirnblo in that it is not unduly obtrusive. Both this book find its companion volume nro illue-

trated by Mi® Alios Poison, whoso drawings, including several full-pago colour plates, bear testimony to the artist's gifts of imagination aJid clever draughtsmanship. There is really ao need to import children's books from England or America so long as such excellent littlo books a 9 these can bo produced by New Zealand writers, artists, and printers. Alister Clunie is, I understand, the pseudonym of a Wellington writer. Ho is to be congratulated upon 'ho fine promise of his work, (Prise 2s (id) From Messrs. Whitcomo and Tombs, Ltd., also comes this year quite a respectably largo batch of well-printed, wel -illustrated, and tastefully-produced oooklets, the literary contents of which, specially intended for juvenile entertainment at this season, are of ntrictlv f\ow Zealand authorship. Miss Isabel Maud Pencocke, an Auckland lady, wlioso two stories, "My Friend Phil" and "Kobin of the Round House" have been so popular, is responsible for three of theso booklets. One, entitled "Piccaninnies." describes the quaint customs find pastimes of a b/uul of littlo foirios who live in the bush. Tho various stories take their titles from New Zealand trees and shrv.bs and (lowers; Mr. Trevor Lloyd's_illustration?, in colour mid black, are wlrmsically humorous. One picture m particular, showing a, group of bush kewpies (thore is just a. figgestion of the gollyw'og about them), is quito irresistibly funny. (Price, 2s. (Id.) Miss Peaeocke also contributes two prettily got-up booklets entitled "The Bonnv Books of Humorous Verse." The verses are largely of the nonsense type first ■ made popular by Lewis Carroll. Tho lament of a young, lady of very tender veal's over her eating up of a- gingerbread doll, is nn exceptionally clever bit of fun-making. In "The Discontcnted f Tadpole" thero is a humorouslypointed moral for young peoplo who are unwisely anxious to bo "grown tins" before their,due time. Tn both booklets Mr. _ Trevor Lloyd's illustration* display a rich vein of pleasantly hnmnrous fancy. The publishers are spe:inlly V be congratulated upon the excellence f r . the .colour printing in these lvioklets. It is nuite un to the best English and American stano'cirds. That old and true friend of New Zealand children, Miss Edith Howes, is reTOSgatcd bv a littlo booklet, entitled Miss Make Believe." 111 which n vr> charming fnirv tnle is tnirl with nil t'al; icitth of insight into child life-a"'! PTiice.o; diction we always associate with the of this dwrredlv wuln'.' T>7ew Zealana' author. The illuotrnHons.' some in enlmir, and otliernin Week and white, liy M'ss Alice Pn'soh, are in keeninnl will' tlif and (WirWlly swirl. The booklets. '»hioW are iriodevntclv nrieod at eicrh!cnnr*i*nAt each. s ho>il(! be in great rter'ond n* r'ir>stmnctide presents for the "quite little onos." "Mv Son, Said tho Philownhcr." There is much shrewd, homely philosophy, sound wisdom, and agreeable wit in "My Son,' Said the Philosopher." being the meditations of tho lato Epaphroditus M'Tavish (Whitcombe and Tombs). Certain of tho maxims and "meditations" set forth are reminiscent of the effusions of more than ono bygone philosopher. [That were inevitable, for similar thoughts are bound to occur to those who observe human nature and express their opinions on life as they find and. study it in suececdinir ages. But, speaking srenernl'.y, although hero and there the "meditations" mav suggest memories of T/> Houchcfoucnld— or the American gentleman who wrote the "Maxims of Metluisnleh"—the standpoint from which the author rews and comments, upon life is refreshingly original. 'Ho ' lias " a dry, ' ironic, humour of -his o;vn, which is rarelv tinaturod by any- unpleasant acidity, and there is 110 gainsaying the soundness of much of his shrewdly-worded counsel as to the proper conduct of life. ,Uo evidently dislikes the Puritan type of humanity, yet he is 110 mora easygoing pagan. His meditations cover a wide field. On one page we find him expressing a distrust of widows i\« k.-en as that of 'the elder Mr. Wcller: Wo are told in the Scriptures to • visit widows and keen ourselves unspotted from the world. But it is a hard job to do both. On another a graver note is struck: A man may livo many years in tho sunshine, yet the lichtnini;; ot sorrow and tragedy will surely strike him in the end. I.et him remember thin, though with courage and cheerfulness, and he will live with better grace in the meautimo Occasionally the philosopher* descends to a pun—and not a bad ono either. As thus: The Devil sees to it that the bread of iiiinnno" is v.-t. r"-1 -1 0 of the white flour of a blameless life. •r. \!"|V .s so cially libsrol with his observations on the joysr-and occasional woes—of married life, yidjcd, the "eternal feminine" is evidently much in our philosopher's thoughts. It takes more material to make a good man than a good woman. That is whs there arc fewer ol them. Many a woman has gone unmarried because she considered the kind of husband 1 she would like, instead of tho kind the ; was entitled to. t When a mail loves a woman, 110 usually invites her to become liin domestic servant. Do not presume upon a woman'B love for you by abandoning the reticences and tho courtesies which you practised when you wero merely an attractive stranger to her. The proper attitude of an erring and mortal ■ man towards himself is lilie that of many a woman towards her husbandone of disillusioned and regretful affection. .Remember that if you take a woman along with you on tho rough road of life s journoy, she will often have vory eoro feet, and Bay nothing to you about it. _ Hero are throe soundly truo maxims on life (the first reminiscent of Omar Khayyam): Men are the players at the gambling tables of the gods. Like ail gamblers, we should accept with scronity our fortune, whethor good or evil, and get on with the g:\inc as long as tho money lasts Keep your head hard and yoiu' 1-nrt soft. Hardening of the heart is a'disea«9 no less serious than softening ot tho brain. Wo hurry on life's journey witli our eyes upon the ground, not looking at tho scenery, because we think it will bo better later on. And the darkness overtakes us unawares. My only grumble against this very entertaining publication is as to its format lis oblong ehapo is against its being paced, wliero it well deserves to b'e placed, amongst one's "dipping books'' 011 the bedside shelf. But ."My Son, Said tho Philosopher is none the less a verv good shillingsworth. "Maoriland Sketchings," Prom Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd comes a pretty booklet, entitled "Maoriland Skotchiligs: Impressions of New Zev land in Pictures, Prose, and Verse," com. niled bv M nun re Hurst. The contents inclndu somo well-selected extracts from tho proso and poetry of writers so widely auart in choice of subject ano in literair stylo as J. A. I'Voude, W. P. Beeves, Samuel Butler, Elsdon Best, J. Bell, David M'Kea Wright, James Cowan, and others. Tho illustrations comprisa reproductions of pictures and drawinra by Niurent Welch, L. H. Booth', Harry E own tree. the Into E. G. Hood, Miss B. 0. Dobie. and others, tho Jlan-i heads and other sketchos by Mr. ,T. M 'JJonald, of the Dominion .Museum stall', being a finscinllv attractive feature. Also, there are a number of well-chosen half-tone illustrations of New Zealnnd scenic beauties. Tho booklet is eminently suitable for sending to friends in the Old Country nnd'Australia. (Price Is.) "Mia Mia Mites." An Australian publication intended for the entertainment of quite tho tiniest folk- is "Mia Mia Mites," drawn and told to LvUlcc, Pattypan, and Doddio by Muriel Pornett. (Melbourne: Melville and Mullen Proprietary, Ltd.). The mia inia mites, of whose daily lifo the artist-

author gives 6uck a humorous description. are two littlo "blackfellows," Fu/.z Head and Woolly Top Miss Pornctt shows them at play, indulging in fishing, after tlio aborigine's style, making firo in tlio blaokfollow way, bulking a mia mia, or l-oucrh and miniature wliare, whenco in tlio final picture wo sco them peoping out and bidding their friend the sun good-night. The pictures, which aro in colour, are boldly drawn, and are full of humour. Perhaps tho two tiny figures have a trifle too much suggestion of tho gollywogg about thorn, hut the drawings axe, none the less, irrosistibly funny. "Boronia BabiM" "Horonift Babies" (Angus ana' Robertson. nor Whitcombo and Tombs) is a prettily got-up booklet containing a number of Quaintly humorous drawings liv Miss Mav Gibbs, whose previous productions in the same genre have been 60 DODular. Miss Gibbs pictures the boronia flowers, brown, rose, and pale pink, as being tenanted by tiny but delightfully plump little babiea. Hor drawings of tho tiny boronia dwellers aro very graceful in design and instinct with charming fancy mid delightful humour. ■"Boronia Babies" should oe in great demand' at the bookshopn this Christmas. "The Road to Muritai." Some very pleasant verso is collected in a prettily-produced booklet entitled "The Ifoad to Muritai," by 0. N. Gillespie (Auckland: Wright and Jaqiies). Mr. Gillespie tells us that most of his verses (some of wJiich have appoared in the Sydney "Bulletin"), were "made on a side seat on the ferry steamer that takes tho writer every night from work-a-day Wellington to Muritei—that eeasfco fairyland whoso fortunate people must inovitably become pocls in ono way or another." Mr. Gillespie's muse is whimsically various in his suggestion oi' subjects. Iu ono poem there is a delightful little sketch, half humorous, half pathetic, of a kittiwaks's brief career. Hora is the opening verse, with its refrain: Tho harbour was a dreaminc lake Of quiet -water brimming, Whore, all alone, a kittiwakc Was delicately swimming. Her quick Toot made a double fret Dark thrcads/iipon a coverlet, NVlioso ■ level blub was overset ( With points of silver trimming, The blue eyes of tho sleepy sea Smiled lazily. In quiiro a different genre arc tlio vor6CS; in which the poet sings the praises of j'uomestie work, and the princ of parentage. In "Evensong," Mr. Gillespio takes for hi 3 motif—as does the American Christopher Morley, in his "Songs of a Little Hon-.!;"—a household occupation commonly regarded as the v<>ry apothesis of tho prosaic, namely, "washing up," and invests it.with quite a new and attractive significance: Sing a .song of washing-up—ahinins clean plates Chattering together like a crowd of old mates i Buxom cups and saucers, and littlo -white bowls Purely and demurely bright like littlo girl-Bouis. Hear tho hymn to cosiness, Tho tinkling dishes chime, Hinging in the dozinoea Of evening-time. In 'Tho Flower of War" and "Blue Ballad" there is a stronger, sterner note, but personally my .preferences aro for thoso of Mr. Gillespie's verses winch ara in lighter vein.. Devotees of "My Lady Nicotine" will specially enjoy the lines entitled "Smoke." The poet's iiribute, in tic triolet form, to the whose "naked all-arms" won Byron's well-knowm eulogy, has a gay and happy lilt all its own: Life's _ a cigar, Love is the taper, Lifo's a cigar, Life's a cigar, Lit at love's star, Life's a cigar, Life's a cigar, Love is the taper, Puff! And -we arc Ashes and vapour, Lifo's a cigar, Tho booklet is illustrated with photographs of harbour scenes—there is a full page of Muritai views—and somo clever sketches bv an artist whose name is not, but mixht well have been, given. •