THE NEWEST BOOKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 64

THE NEWEST BOOKS.

“ALL AGAINST ALL.” “Hitler.” By Wyndham Lewis. (Cloth; . illustrated; (is net.) London: Chatto and Wind us, Ltd. w The “Class-war” . “. applications are far wider than are generally supposed, for there is scarcely anything in the world that you cannot make into a Class. And wherever you have a Class, there you can have a War. As the N.S.D.A.P. Programin describes it: The picture of a fight of all against all, Government against people, party against party, thereby resulting in the ~~ strangest and most impossible alliances, parliament against government, employee against employer, consumer against producer, trader against producer and consumer, landlord against householder, workman against 'peasant, official against public, ' workingclass’ against “Bourgeoisie,” Churph against State, . ... '

This is not an ordinary book. Mr Wyndham Lewis is not an ordinary writer, and -Adolf Hitler is not an ordinary leader of men. In it we learn much about Hitler and not a little about

Mr Lewis. We have here Lhe aims and aspirations of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter Partei, but we also have the opinions of Mr Lewis. Together they all provide a very entertaining book though one has the feeling that it is more a statement of how the Hitlerites see themselves than an interpretation of their present influence on German politics. It is informative?, but not so much as it might have been expected. But then possibly we could not have had that and at the same time Mr Lewis’s brilliant illumination of his own ideas. The book is engrossing and clever—it is never commonplace. It would be quite possible to write two notices of it—one confined to Hitler and his movement; the other to Mr Lewis and his expositions. In a word, the two personalities make the book an outstanding achievement. “ In setting out to expound the doctrine of Hitlerism,” says Lewis, “ it rapidly becomes apparent that it is rather a person than a doctrine with

which we are dealing. . . . Hitlerism is Hitler.” This man “is an austrian [the dropping of the initial capital letter in such cases and the capitising in others is one of Mr Lewis’s literary tricks] house-painter, just over forty years old. He served in a bavarian regiment during the War with distinction: now he is the leader of a party of 107 deputies in the Reichstag, but is himself disqualified from'sitting in the german parliament, because he is not a german citizen.” The reader, win gather from our opening quotation that the class war is not the rallying point of the new movement. “ All that is not race in this world is dross ” is a Hitlerism, and the National Socialist movement is built on the conception of race. .... the fact that a.man is a sorter at the Post Office, or a metal-worker, is not of such importance as that he is English, German, or French—or Chinese. Take a Chinese metal-worker and a german metal-worker, for instance. The fact that both were metalworkers would not be so important as that the essential nature of one came out of all the past of China, and the essential nature of the other out of all the past of the White Northern Races Private property is to be protected, but some reforms of the system of bond-hold-ing are contemplated. This conception of the importance of race is somewhat extraordinarly expressed in the Nationalsocialist doctrine of the Bluts gefuhl. Here is the Hitlerite exposition:

Nationa’socialism teaches the Age of Blood. Out of the blood-feeling a new will to Nationalism and to Socialism shall be born. Out of the conscious blood-feeling. The Middle-ages also lived upon the basis of a blood-connec-tion between the individual members of the race. Only then the blood-con-

nection was not conscious. The Ethic of the Middle-ages was Christian. The Blood-metaphysic was suppressed because of the monkish asceticism, which always operated in a Blood-denying sense, since theirs was a world established only upon mind. The body was felt to be "a hindrance, and denied—attention to Blood-peculiarity stamped out as a sin of the flesh. In spite of all these measures against the Bloodinstinct, it is still alive to-day. Nationalsocialism builds upon this Blood-feeling. Mr Lewis explains it in these terms: — It desires a closer and closer drawing together of the people of one race and culture, by means of bodily attraction. It must be a true bodily solidarity. Identical rhythms in the arteries and muscles, and in the effective neural instrument—that should provide us with a passionate exclusiveness, with a homogenous social framework, within the brotherlj 7 bounds of which we could live secure from alien interference, and so proceed with our work and with our

pleasures, .whatever they may be. In the section" confined to “Hitlerist Economics ” there is much about war debts in general and American in particular. “What more than anything else has directed the attention of the rest of the world to the Hitler movement in Germany, is the Hitlerist attitude to War Debts.” The success of Hitlerism in Germany is based on its stand for debt repudiation. “ In every country,” remarks Alt Lewis, “except the United States of America, this .Debt-nightmare is a very actual thing. The American has been the most unpopular figure in the post-War world, because he was regarded as the prime cause of all the misery that ensued upon the Peace of Versailles—as the callous arch-creditor, the supreme Shylock. And even to-day Amerikaner is a word that brings hos-

tility and disgust into the face of the’ German man-in-the-street.” This picture of the American Mr Lewis regards asfalse, but he realises the grounds onwhich it rests. It is perhaps in this section that Mr Lewis enjoys himself best. He narrates his narrow escape from being a “ Credit-crank,” having just closed a dangerous book on Credit-crankery with “ a great bang ” at the right moment, “ I was thoroughly startled. For I knew that in another moment I should become’ myself a ‘ Credit-crank.’ And I swore I would never open that book again, and from that day to this it has remained covered in a veil of dust, upon my most inaccessible shelf.” What are the chances of Hitler and his party gaining control of the Reichstag? “It does not, on the face of it, seem likely. But the interests in question have. a. way of making use of everything, whether for or against them, anti Hitler may yet be the Master of Germany: one would have to be far better acquainted than I am with world affairs to answer such a question.” Again, this is a hook alive. Mr Lewis closes it with these words:—

Take Adolf Hitler as a symptom, as a point-of-departure, as a significant personal gesture across the face of Europe, as a political hero, as a pufipet . thrown up in response to an intolerable internal situation, as a Boulangist phantom, or anything you like. I myself am content to regard him as the ex- J a. pression of ‘current German manhood — resolved, with that admirable tenacity, hardihood, and intellectual acumen of the Teuton, not to take their politics at second-hand, not also to drift, but to seize the big bull of Finance by the horns, and to take a chance for the sake of freedom. ADVENTURE AND LOVE. “ The Road to Marrakesh.” By George Goodchild. (Cloth; 3s 6d net?) London: Hodder and Stoughton, Limited. Patricia stood . . . gazing into the moonlit desert. The stars seemed closer than she had ever seen them before, and their light did not mingle with that of the great green nioon. There appeared to be two different kinds of illumination—two sets of shadows. It was all very mysterious. Patricia, Brandison is the heroine of this piece, and her uncle, John Brandison, the villain. The girl is introduced to us on the eve of her majority, and we learn early in the hook that the uncle and the co-trustee of her estate have been squandering her patrimony. Jennings in this case is the lawyer, but in contrast with Brandison he is the weaker vessel. Brandison decides to take a last big throw in his long gajnble with Fate, and Jennings, Patricia, Richard Terne (a wealthy young English idler very much in love with Patricia), and Brandison are involved in the gamble. The plan includes a trip to the African desert, and the party In due time arrive at Yema. Brandison plans a further journey which includes the abduction of his niece by an’ Arab merchant Yussuf, who is in his pay. The plot miscarries and Patricia falls into the hands of Tazil, whom she has met at several points in her African journey. He carries her away to a lonely and beautiful place in the hills of Ben Zora. She regards Tazil as the villain and the circumstances, as she sees them, certainly lend colour to-the belief. In the midst of Brandison’s scheming the rebel Bahram sacks Yema, and several of the party have narrow escapes. Jennings loses his life, and the plot becomes complicated. Teene is rescued from the rebels and is brought to Ben Zora, where of course, he meets Patricia. They plan escape and manage to get away. On the trek to Yema they find Tazil shot in the back, and Patricia decides to obey her humanitarian instincts, and endeavours to save his life. This is one of the finest parts of the book. Tazil had left Ben Zora at an urgent summons from Jennings who desired to confess his betrayal of Patricia’s interests. He leaves with a signed confession, but Brandison sends his Arab henchman Yussuf over the desert, and he succeeds in shooting Tazil. So he is found stricken by Patricia and Teene, and the latter sent to Yema for food and medical aid. After the miracle of saving Tazil’s life, and. incidentally, a love pact, is accomplished Patricia and Tazil leave for Yema. Bahrain, routed by the French Legion, is fleeing for his life and he captures Tazil. Patricia is heartbroken, and in time finds her way back to London with Teene, believing that Tazil is dead. The climax of the story is Unexpected and is well done. Indeed “ The Road to Marrakesh ” is worthy of Mr Goodchild’s prolific pen. The characters of the principals are faithful pictures, and the atmosphere of the story is entrancing. The pen pictures of the wooing of Tazil and Patricia, and the' barrier of race are excellent.

FOR THE PRESENT DISCONTENTS. “Budget Control: An Introduction to the Financial Svstcm of New South Wales.” By F. A. Bland, M.A., LL.B., (Cloth; 3s fid net.) Sydney: .Angus, and Robertson, Ltd. While I have described . our . z system in non-teelinical and popular language, I hope I Lave ' not sacrificed accuracy for the; : sake of simplicity. • . ' , . There arc many larger and more com-, prehensive hooks on the subject of public finance, but there are none more- suited to the need of the moment. The time has come when it is necessary for ordinary

citizens to do some independent and careful thinking as a prelude to some very definite political action. Mr Bland’s book is as complete as is necessary for the present situation, and if it is widely read (as it deserves to be) nothing but public benefit can result. He explains what the financial system of the State is, dissects “ The Estimates,” tells “ What Parliament Does and How It Does It,” enlightens us as to “ How the Government Collects, Keeps, and Spends Our Money,” elucidates “ Funds and Finance*” telling us in a final chap ter “ How We borrow and Manage Our Debt.” This is all done in a manner and in language which calls for no special qualification beyond ordinary intelligence. The average reader ■•■ will enjoy th e excursion with the author through the various legislative and administrative processes, especially if he remembers that some of his money is involved at every step. He will receive more than one surprise when he realises how “the •'emergence of a rigid party system, with the development of Cabinet dictatorship,” upsets his preconceived ideas of the democratic control of finance. We have no hesitation in commending this book to the notice of serious-minded readers. At the same time, it would be beneficial for the community if members of Parliament gav e it more than passing notice, and if political aspirants would read it with care. “The Delusion of Protection: A Plea for Tariff Reform.” By George H. Winder and Cluny MacPherson, B.A. Introduction by Senator the Hon. Sir Hal Colebatch. (Cloth; 4s _6d net.) Sydney: Angus and Robertson. Ltd. Although the mischief for the present is beyond' repair, the privations of a disastrous year may provide a fruitful soil for the moral this volume is intended to draw.

This book will have the definite effect of compelling attention to the effect of the Commonwealth Customs tariff, for they claim that if it remains ‘unaltered it will cause the permanent collapse of Australian standards of living. The writers are conversant with their subject, dealing with protection from every angle Mr Winder was the founder of the New Zealand Tariff Association. The book -is frankly free trade, but even for the most convinced protectionist there is food foi thought. Recent events in Australia have attracted attention to the tariff. The sudden cessation of borrowing abroad, combined with a fall of £32,000;000 on the wool and wheat prices for the season 1928-29, caused a slump, and the writers contend that the increase in the tariff has intensified it. “If responsible administrators had grasped the fact that a bad deal occasionally falls to the lot of the luckiest trader, and left the situation aone, all would have been well. Time and freedom to secure better exchange in th e future were the only possible cures for the situation. Such disasters, occur through the laws of supply and demand, and are as much beyond legislative interference as losses due to floods. The action-taken was to increase the tariff, with a view to pre venting further imports. From a grasp of the principle that imports and exports are different aspects of the same process of barter, it is obvious that such a course could only aggravate the evil it was designed to remedy.” To appreciate the effects of high tariffs and the viewpoint of the authors, however, it is necessary to read the book.

" The Australian Economy: Simple Econ omic Studies.” By D. B. Copland M.A., D.Sc. (Cloth; 2s Cd net.) Sydney: Angus and Robertson, Ltd. The country which accepts the policy of budget deficits is treading the slippery path which leads to general ruin; to escape from that path no sacrifice is too great.

This quotation is the resolution of the International Financial Conference at Brussels, and is included in Dr Copland’s preface. In a recent issue we referred to his valuable work for Australia in this depression and his- part with Professor Shaun, in “ The Crisis in Australian Finance, 1929-31.” The book under notice is illuminating and interesting. For the most part it con sists of articles published in the Melbourne Argus and the Sydney MorningHerald under the title “ Papers for the Times.” It is published in the beliet that it will provide students of the Australian problem (and they should embrace the whole population at the present time) with the main facts and the elementary arguments for an understanding of the causes of the present depression. The belief rests on an absolutely solid foundation, and this book will assuredly wield a big influence as an aid* to clearer understanding. The chapter on “The Position of the Farmer: The Burden of Price Dis parities ” is a fitting closing word in a notable contribution to the financial difficulties of the hour. * * v

A. general word is appropriate with reference to these books. Though they are primarily designed to meet Australian conditions they are valuable as aids to an understanding of our ;New Zealand problems. Then they-are written by men who know their subjects for men who should no more about public ques tions and in a popular style. The pub lishers have done their part in a mosi commendable manner, the books being

well printed, the price being reasonable and each having a good index.

ART IN AUSTRALIA.

Very unusual is the June number of Art in Australia, for from first to last it deals with the work of George Finey, one of the Commonwealth’s most brilliant caricaturists. Finey originally belonged to that school of New Zealand journalists that invaded the Sydney press world in the years immediately after the war. But the Dominion did not appreciate him, so he gave his talent to Smith’s Weekly, the editor of which was quick to seize upon it. It was through Smith’s Weekly that the fame of George Finey grew. Now he holds an undisputed place among the best caricature artists of the world.

As the 48 examples of his art in the magazine show, and as the two .articles and the editorial point out, Finey’s skill lies in a remodelling of his victim’s face. “He seizes on the human face as a happy hunting ground for his larking.” “ His is physical exaggeration which emerges as a result of facial diagnosis, dissection, and remodelling: in fact, graphic plastic surgery.” “ Under his hand the human countenance becomes elastic. Withoift truce or mercy he shapes it anew, yet preserves a curious memoryp’of the original. He is content with externals.” As a result, his work calls forth laughter and delight, except perhaps in the case of some of his victims. The fact that his nightmare images are yet life-like is nothing compared with the fact that they are also like individual people. Here, is the highest point of caricature which “ aims at expression by over-statement and excision, and in the hands of a 'great artist strikes like the thunderbolt to a chorus of Olympian laughter or tears.” The magazine is a valuable one, not only on account of its lavish display of beautifully produced drawings, but also for its two special articles—“ Finey, the Caricaturist,” by J. S. Macdonald, and “ The Art of Caricature,” by Lionel Lindsay