BOOKS and AUTHORS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 60, 4 December 1926, Page 29

BOOKS and AUTHORS

(By

"CHERSWUD.”)

Give a man a pipe he can smoke, Give a man a book he can reads And, his home is bright with a calm delight Though the room be poor indeed. —IKHSSS THOMSO3C

BOOKS OF THB DAY.

A Poet’s Memorial. “The Adam Lindsay Gordon Memorial Volume,’’ edited by Edward A. Vidler (The Lothian Publishing Company Proprietary, Ltd., Melbourne and Sydney). This superb edition de luxe or the poems of .Adam Lindsay Gordon is a wonderful achievement of Australian printers’ art and artists’ genius The frontispiece is an excellent portrait of the poet painted by Leslie Wilkie from descriptions given by George Gordon McCrae, the poet’s most intimate friend during his last years in Melbourne, and has been approved by him as a most striking likeness. The book besides containing Gordon’s collected poems, is prefaced by a series of most appropriate prose articles There is an excellent and comprehensive biographical sketch of the poet bv the editor; an account of “Gordon’s 'English Sweetheart,’’ by J. Howlett Ross; “At Gordon’s Grave,” by Charles R. Long, M.A , and “The Poets’ Tribute To Gordon,” collected by Charles R- Long. The book contains eighteen illustrations in colour by the following Australian artists: Leslie Wilkie, Hans Heysen, Will Ashton, Victor Cobb, Gustave A. Barnes, A’. Colquhoun, Geo. H Dancey, Robert Carmen, Penleigh Boyd, Frank Latimer, Christian Yandell, F. G. Revnolds, W. S. Wcmyss, J. S. Watkins, M. N. Waller, Florence Redway. There are also some fine photographs by C J Frazer Such a list, besides giving readers an idea of the artistic wealth of illustration which it contains; also makes it clear that all the artistic talent of Aus tralia had been placed at the service of the committee responsible for the publication of this unique memorial volume There is no need of me, at this time of day, commenting at large on the verse of Adam Lindsay Gordon, but it may be remarked, in passing, that whatever the opinion of the critics as to its literary value, there is no question as to its intimate personal interest. The publication of this volume marks the fiftieth anniversary of Gordon’s death, and in itself is certainly’ a memorial worthy of the poet it commemorates, and is sure to be prized as a valuable poetic <ind artistic treasure in many Australian, and, I would hope, New Zealand, homes, and also in both countries university and public libraries Much of the artistic work was done for the book gratis, and as a labour of love, Mr; Hans Heysen travelled several hundred miles at his own expense to and from Mount Gambier for the purpose of painting the picture here reproduced of the Bine Lake. MrWill Ashton painted "Dingley Dell on the spot, and Mr. Leslie Wil-ie, Mr Victor Cobb, .and others gave of their best, not only ungrudgingly but gladlv. These pictures, all of which were drawn and painted expressly for this wonderful volume, not only give a worthy display of the varied talents of Australasia’s, artists and provide tangible evidence of the kindly Spirit with which tliev enthusiastically associated themselves with the memory of Australia’s first Poet Laureate, but they form a collection of valuable original works of art such as never before have been brought together in any single literary volume produced in Australia, or possiblv, in any other country, and which is bound to grow in value as the years pass. Up to December 31, the price of the book is £3 3s From January 1, 1927, the price will be not less than £4 4s Any. profit accruing from the sale of this memorial volume will be applied to the fund which the Memorial Committee is administering for the purpose of erecting an. equestrian statue in memory of the Laureate of the Centaurs. ■Jessie McKay’s Poems.

Miss Jessie McKay’s poetry is already widely and creditably known throughout New Zealand. She has published several volumes, all of winch met with a ready sale, and have long been out of print. This new volume, “The Bride of the Rivers and Other Poems” (Simpson and Williams, Christchurch), will send her old admirers back to the former volumes and cause her new readers to ask for more. Indeed, considering Jessie McKav’s standing as a New Zealand poet, it is a . wonder that some local publisher does not give New Zealanders a collected edition of her verses. A Soldier Poet

“Then and Now,” by Tati Hamilton (Methuen, London, per Whitcombe and Tombs) This is not lan Hamilton’s initial appearance as a poet, and though some of the verse here printed is dated 1883-85, that dated 1923 has the same youthful freshness and that ring of sincerity that verse generally has before its author becomes contaminated with the sophistications of society. lan Hamilton is a humorist, he can be neatIv epigrammatic, he can have great aspiration and great tenderness of expression—he is. in fact, a poet I like best his sonnets some of which must find their wav into the sonnet anthologies of the future. Rut the best thing in the book, without doubt, is “The Ballad of Hadgi and the Bear” (Price 10s.) A Great Novelist’s Female Characters. “Some Dickens Women,” bv Edwin Charles (Werner Laurie, London, per Ferguson and Osborn) There are scarcely anv even among Dickens’ de votees who would assert that the mas ter’s female characters are as agreeabh and spontaneously convincing as the maioritv of Thnckerav’s women; never theless Dickens’ women somehow have characteristics and necvh’ar'ties that have made their names as familiar as—nav, thev are—household words! Hundreds know Sarah Gunin for even-one who knows a single heroine of Thnckerav’s And is there anyone who confesse« ignorance of Little Nell. Little Dorritt, Retsv Trotwood, etc. ? Mr Charles Grigsbv’s book is a very welcome addition to Dickensian literature (Price, 18s.) Canada’s Blackest Page. "The War Trail of the Big Bear,” by W. B. Cameron (Duckworth, London, per Whitcombe and Tombs). It is now forty years since Big Bear and his band of Cree Indians attacked the trading settlement of Frog Lake, and massacred nearly all the male inhabitants. The author of this book was one of the few survivors, and now recounts in vivid language the events leading up to the attack, the massacre, and his two months’ imprisonment in the Indian camp Mr. Cameron was intimate with the leaders on both sides, and this account of his personal experiences during that awful time makes his book a particularly unique record of an appalling disaster, which forms the. blackest page of Canada’s history. (Price 10s.) A Picture Gallery’s Proxy. “Hours in the Tait Gallery,” by J. B Manson (Duckworth London, per Ferguson and Osborn) Mr. J. B Manson, who is responsible for the letterpress of this volume, is himself an ac-

cotnplishcd landscape painter as welllas assistant keeper of the gallery. ■ treasures he so able describes. 1 fact that he is an official does not seen in ar.v wav to hamper Mr. Manson in the expression of his opinion as to tmmerits and demerits of the pictures under his care The volume is brightly and freshlv written and instructs while it interests

latest fiction The approach of the festive season is well indicated by the plethora o books of romance, mystery, love, and adventure pouring from the presses of the fiction printers and publishers to mention even the name of each volume sent for review would take up more space than can be spared for this department. Notices, therefore, of those selected for mention, are necessarily as condensed and concentrated as possible From Messrs. Cassell and Co.. London.

Another parcel of seven new comes from this well known firm. The Rossetti,” E. T Thurston, is a collection of short stories. “The Rosetti is the name applied to a publican’s daughter, a beauty of the type favoured bv those poets and artists whom Robert Buchanan dubbed “the fleshly school. A married artist makes love to her and leaves her. As an old man he returns on a holiday to the same inn with ” 1S daughter, and is horrified to find the one-time beautiful “Rossetti” an untidy, drink-sodden, old slattern. the other stories are. good, but I liked best of all “When the Blackbird Calls. “Rendezvous,” by E. F. Thomas. No precis of this storv could do it anything like justice Effie’Carrington, a married woman who has lost her husband’s love, is a noble conception, even to read of whom lifts one into a purer atmosphere. The writing is occasionally diffuse, and little things are introduced to little purpose. A careful revise would have improved what. even , with these faults, is a most excellent, most affecting, and most effective storv “ITtiotietienable Fire,” by Joan Sutherland. The story of a kinemn actor addicted -to strong drugs, strong language, and strong passions. “A Ten-Round Contest.” bv R. Campbell.- “Professor” Biff Barlow runs a boxing academv, and in between bouts regales his ptinils with stories of the great fights in which he played notable parts. “Fans” of the "square ring” will find “The Ten-Round Contest” has a punch in everv nage “Whelp of the Winds,” by Rufus King. Something unusual—an unusual Wild West storv. The introduction of "Waif’ —a dog—is a stroke of genius. The story is lifted well out of the ruck "Monsieur," by G Challis "Monsieur” is a forceful personality, an unloved autocrat to his family .He and his son Jean are in love with the same woman, and things are anvhow for a time. "The Mrwin" House of Foscnldo.” bv C Chadwick. An old kev accidentally found unlocks a great nivstery of the French Revolution. "GabaS,” with Roval blood in his veins, is branded, bv the police as "the most dangerous criminal in Paris.” Round his personality this exciting romance of mystery, crime, and love is woven From Messrs. Mills and Boon. Lon« don. "Told at Monte Carlo,” by A. M. Williamson. Those who have read this author’s other stories of Monte Carlo will add this volume to their bookshelves “Rustv Gold,” by Chart Pitt. A well-knit Canadian tale of adventure. The telling is well done, and the interest is never allow-

ed to sag. "The Other Door,” by “A Gentleman With a Duster.” Much polemical stuff worked into this even-tenored tale Social and religious problems are discussed with an earnestness scarcely likely to commend the bool; to the ordinary novel reader Were the storv more distinctive it might be different “At Government House,” by Ardern Beaman. Thrilling chapters in the military, social, and political life of Mudhipur, in the Punjab; but, then, the hero, the Hon. Rollo Dennistoun, was a V.C. and M.C., and ready for any adventure; Also from the same publishers, “Ofl the Beaten Track,” by Jack I revena, and “A Colombo Night,” by Austin Phillips.

From’ .Messrs. Stanley Paul, London. “Patrick Undergradute,” by A. Armstrong. All who have enjoyed the humour of “A.A.” in "Punch,” will read, and laugh over, "Patrick.” An impressionable young man, Patrick “falls” to every pretty face he sees, and the latest is always “the right girl at last”—so each disappointment is got over in the joy of another flight of the moth round the flame; but he gets caught at last. “Crook Janes,” by Netlev Lucas, who seems to know everything about crime and criminals, and, whether we take his narrative as “gospel” or merely as fiction, there is no doubt about the absorbing interest such books have for a certain type of reader. From the same publishers comes a batch of reprints, ranging in price from 4s. to 2s. fid . “The Persistent Lovers,” by A. H Gibbs, was favourably reviewed in these columns some few months ago. It is a “persistent” seller. “The Ink-slinger by “Rita.” This is the fifth edition called for of Mrs. Desmond Humphrevs’ verv clever book “At School With Troddles,” by R. Andom. Of course you remember “We Three and Troddles”? This is the third edition called for of Troddles “At School. “The Valley, of Desire” by Edith Nepean, second and cheaper edition Mrs. Nepean has attained to a front rank position as a novelist, as one writing with such lucidity, force and charm was bound to do. “The City _of Enticement," by Dorothea Gerard This is the sixth edition of Madame L. de Longgarde’s entrancing novel One Wav Street,” bv Beale Davis (second edition), “The Fifth Finger,” by . W Le Oueux (sixth edition). ‘ A Marriage In Burmah,” bv Mrs. M. Chan-Toon (fourth edition), and “The Princess Galva,” by David Whitelaw (sixth edition) - . •

From Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton, London.

“Yesterday's Harvest,” by . M. Pedler. Maitland, in love with a vain girl, goes to prison to save her from being exposed as a thief. What followed his loyal action embittered him and made him a woman-hater. Later he meets a real woman, Ins hatred gives place to love, which is reciprocated, and everything shapes for aJiaPPy ending, when the girl’s fatner forbids the banns” on discovering his wouldbe son-in-law is prison-tainted. Maitland refuses to give an explanation that would incriminate another, ana darkness hovers. Ultimately the clouds roll bv and Maitland wins. Not too emotional and the lay-out excellent. “The Prodigals of Monte Carlo,” by E. P- OppOppenheim. An interesting story woven round a verv slim plot. “The Strange Familv,” bv’E H. L. Watson. Here is a storv that “gets” you, yet is full of “argnfving” on religion, philosophy, science, and spiritualism, and gives glorious descriptions of cricket, boating and of university life. The writer’spen seems to have glided along easily and gracefully, and so his storv makes easy and pleasant reading. “The Understanding Heart,” by Peter B. Kyne. Miss Monica Dale, of the Forestry• Service, has charge of the Mount Bogus lookout She is in love with Forest Ranger Garland, and he with her She hides an escaped convict, and so Garland is torn between duty and love.

Duty, under the circumstances, is relegated to the rear—but what would you ? Here we have Peter Kyne at his best, and his best is some best. “Sea Whispers,” by W W Jacobs. If one is desirous of having a time of unrestrained humour, of laughter loud and long, get this book Jacobs’ humour is so spontaneous, so hilarious, so human. It is like—Jacobs’, and none other. Beit Thomas’s sketches are speakingly illustrative of the text Also received: The Land of Last Chance,” by G. W. Ogden, that matchless writer of Wild West fiction, and “All Things New,” bv Gerald Powell.

From Messrs. Hutchinson, London. “The Levite," by E M. Mortimer. The heroine loses all interest in life through the death of her lover, and wanders away seeking for health and peace. She is advised to go to the hills, and becomes nurse to a farmer who is ill. Here she recovers her balance, but there is a family feud between the farmer and his neighbour over property, and the heroine’s efforts to secure peace lead to misunderstanding. ' “White Indian,” by E. L. Sabin. A stimulating Wild West story of encounters between Indians and trappers in the Beaver West. "Gaming Gods,” by M. Forest. A man goes out to shoot himself in the Australian bush. A runaway horse hitched to a vehicle dashes, past him, and a woman in the conveyance throws him a bundle, which proves to be a baby. Such is the foundation of an inspiring Australian novel. “Butterflies in the Rain,” by A. Souter. Able, interesting, serio-comic. “The Unborn,” by M Carnson, is about an Irish girl who marries a Chinaman. Also, received: “Rooftops,” by M. Baillie-Saunders; “Possessions,” by J. B. MacCarthy; "The Ladder of Cards,” by John Chancellor; and "The Furnace of Adversity,” by Austin Philips. From Messrs. Methuen, London "Discovery,” by V. T, Coats Victoria Coats here set herself a much harder task than that which engaged her pen in “The Clock Tower.” To get readers interested in a novel deal- . ing with religious experiences and theological questions, a book must needs be by-ordinar’, and “Discovery” is not that, though certainly more worth reading than many that may sell better. "In a Far Corner,” by C C. Thomson, tells how a young girl goes to North Borneo, to act as her brother’s housekeeper, he being the Official Resident there. The mistakes she makes, the cure administered and the happy result, all worked out on a savage background, make good reading. "Masquerade,” by Richard Hawke. A man marries to secure an heir, love not entering into the bargain on either side. The woman grows hungry for the love that comes not. Another male comes along and pending disaster awakens the husband to the fact that he does love his wife, loves her too well to want to lose her "Splendid Jov,” bv M. Williams. Tender and sweet. Calamity hovers, but is mercifully, stayed. Miscellaneous.

“How to Live Long” (Hutchinson, London; per Ferguson and Osborn). A series of essays written by more or less eminent people from Harry Lauder to the Lord Mayor of London. It contains much practical advice, is interesting and instructive, is also, as might be expected, sometimes contradictory. (Price 3s. 6d.) “An Actor Soldier” (Hutchinson, London;, per Ferguson and Osborn). One of tile unsung heroes of the Great War. These cheery, manly, often amusing, letters, his record of those years of blood and strife, show an example of British manhood that I am glad to believe is still being bred true to type. He was an actor and actormanager before the war, rallying to the colours nt the first call for recruits, and served right up to its close, dying, as the result of his war service, in 1922 (Ptice 55.)