BOOK NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 242, 10 September 1940, Page 2

BOOK NOTES

“SAMUEL MARSDEN.” Maintaining its spirit of enterprise in furthering ihe interests of literature peculiar to the Dominion, particularly that of historic significance, the house of Reed has enlarged the scope of its publications by participating in the Memoir Series —a handy selection of volumes “of mighty men and women.” Rearing the 6ub-title “Great | Men of Maoruand,” these little books I of 96 pages are extremely well-written and should particularly appeal to juvenile readers. “Samuel Marsden” is an excellent work, telling the memorable story of “Greatheart” in'such a manner that a wealth of factual history is traversed in easy style. It goes back to the beginning of things in New Zealand with the arrival of the Maoris, and then traces the arrival and work of Marsden in simple language, no opportunity being ignored to bring home a vivid impression of this dauntless man. From the pen of A. H. Reed it is a book that deserves to find a place in Sunday school prize lists especially.—Our copy ia from Messrs A. H. and A. AV. Reed. “GEORGE AUGUSTUS SELWYN.” As a companion volume to the firstnamed book; A. W. Reed has written an equally attractive little volume based on the life of the first and only Anglican Bishop of New Zealand, bringing to life deeds and a personality which played no mean part in winning the co-operation of the Maori race during a difficult period. “George Augustus Sel.wyn” has been written with an eye to creating interest from the outset and it sustains its appeal throughout. Opening with an anecdote illustrating the selfless spirit of the man who was to occupy ho importa.nt a position, it proceeds to depict in happy fashion a life crowded with service. Crammed with intimate glimpses of the great man, in his adventures on canoe voyages, and arduous marches, and in his wise guidance of the Maoris, this little book presents a fine'-cameo of an inspiring figure concerning whose deeds it will undoubtedly spread knowledge.—Our copy is from the same publishers as its companion’s.

“ASHBURTON.” If the Centennial Year has performed no lasting deed other than the stirring to recollection and record of the work of the pioneers its observance has been well worthwhile. That is the impression that is uppermost after perusing “Ashburton,” the Centennial publication of the Ashburton Borough and County Councils, by John Brown, a writer well-known and highly respected in Mid-Canter-bury. More than 750 pages contain the story of the district, compiled from newspaper articles over several years and ~ traversing the pioneers, stud breeders, industries, beauty spots, and local bouy activities. While this excellently-written and extremely well-produced volume is of particular interest to Mid-Canterbury, its rich fund of anecdote and record of rural achievement provide fascinating reading for anyone. The author has a flair for descriptiveness and a lively sympathy with human nature, and the book must rank as among the most readable of the kind produced this year.—Our copy is from Messrs A. H. and A. W. Reed.