Books Reviewed

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 357, 18 May 1928, Page 14

Books Reviewed

SEA MAGIC. WHAT IS the secret of Arthur Mason’s success as a writer? Years ago he read a sea-story that displeased him, because the writer of it seemed to have got his sea experience “out of a tree as he watched his ships sail by.” So Mr Mason, who had gathered a rich store of material by sea and land, since the day when, a son of an Irish farmer, he shipped before the mast on a “Bluenose” barque, sat down to make a book out of some of his own experiences. In realising his ambition to command a ship himself, and afterwards, he had gone through

strange, and often startling adventures. The book that he wrote, “The Flying Bo’sun,” went out of print before long, and it was not republished until last year. Having been told by many people that “every man has one book in him,” Mr Mason took that literally, until he met a very enterprising publisher, Mr Jonathan Cape. One result of that meeting w r as that we have had an entrancing book of personal reminiscences, “Wide Seas and Many Lands,” from Mr Mason. A second result is a book that lies before us now, “Salt Horse.” People who like to classify their books precisely may be puzzled by this one. Is it a “story”? Or is it a sort of romantic autobiography? Many of the experiences which Mr Mason recounted in “Wide Seas and Many Lands” are told afresh here, but generally with new threads woven into the texture. Let us say that it is a story founded on fact, with episodes from the author’s own life shaped and trimmed to make parts of an organic whole occupying a shorter space of time. So far, then, Mr Mason is a man of one book—but it is a very big book, the book of a venturesome sea* farer’s life. Still, the similarities in his writings bring us back to the point: What is the secret of his success as a writer? The Hon. Maurice Baring, himself famous as poet, novelist and critic, finds the answer in the fact that Mr Mason is a born writer, who has found that it is as easy to tell his story as it was to li v e it. But there is more than that in it; more than the faqt that an adventurous and diversified life has lent colour and absorbing interest to what this born writer has to tell. Mr Mason has captured a crockful of the magic of the sea that he has known so well, and he bathes our eyes with it even when he is telling us again something he has told us before. So we are well content to sign on with him again. “Salt Horse.** Arthur Mason. Jonathan Cape, Ltd., London. Our copy from the publishers. Provocative. An American and an Englishman have written a book that, for all its unpretentious size, has in it a great deal that is provocative of thought for serious readers. It certainly wTll not please the average American. Discussing, in plain language, the problem of war debts and the relationship of the United States of America with the European Powers, it drives at the conclusion that in her demand for repayment of war debts the United States is forfeiting honour for dollars. There is a series of pointed questions. The subject is approached by the writers from two standpoints—the American’s that of a man who feels shamed by his country, and the Englishman's that of a man who, though holding that injustice is done, has the natural English aloofness to quarrel. In a brilliant introduction Professor T. G. Tucker, of Melbourne University, sketches the position in the early

part of the Great War. when supplies were urgently needed by the Allies. It will he interesting to see how the book is answered. “Honour or Dollars.” Frederick W. Peabody and Frederick E. Coe. Angus and Robertson. Ltd., Sydney. Our copy from the publishers. Short Story Gems. Giovanni Verga, a Sicilian, is recognised as the greatest of the Italian writers of fiction, -with the exception of Manzoni, and he is a worthy representative of the fine crop of late writers of the later nineteenth century, both in England and abroad. It came as pleasant news to hear that his works were being translated by D. H. Lawrence, and in the reading that pleasure is increased. Jonathan Cape has just published Verga’s greatest series of short stories, “Cavalleria Rusticana” giving the title to the book. After trying the fashionable novel, Verga, a man of simple and straightforward race, was disgusted with the world of fashion, and turned for heartsease to the country of his birth. Sicily, with its simple people, its flaming passions, and its magnificent scenery, gave him plenty of scope, and the result was that his later work was his finest and entitled him to a place among the great ones of literature. “Cavalleria Rusticana,” the sto.ry of the opera, was the first of these sketches, and it marked a turning-point in Verga’s life. In his writing, Verga makes no pretence to being “literary.” His words are the words cf the people, and the result is a story that grips. The language of the translation loses nothing of the bold beauty and force of the original, and Mr Lawrence must have enjoyed the work. From the flowing periods of “Continental” writing, Verga goes to the extreme of condensation in the short stories of “Cavalleria.” The transitions from one stage to another in the stories are so sudden that they give the reader a distinct shock at times. This characeristic mars some of Verga’s work. Story after story treats of human passion, o' slow thinking, and then quick revolt with crude killing. Not at any-time,-however, is one disgusted. The author has too much art. Perhaps the finest of the stories are “La Lupa” and “Jeii.” These are magnificent studies, and masterly short stories. Opinions may vary, though, about the merits of each story, each one producing its own effect upon the reader. Those people who love the short story should read the book. Those who are interested in literature would oe repaid for their trouble. The introduction by Mr Lawrence is an admirable piece of writing, and a brilliant summing-up of the author’s life and work. •*Cavalleria Rusticana.” Giovanni Verga. Translated and prefaced by D. H. Lawrence. Jonathan Cape, Ltd. Our copy from the publishers FOR HOME-MAKERS With electricity saving time and labour in so many houses, the “Modern Home Cookery and Electrical Guide,” published by Whitcombe and Tombs, should find a place in every up-to-date kitchen. The book is illustrated with descriptive photographs and diagrams and includes a useful selection of household hints and recipes. “Modern Home Cookery and Electrical Guide.” Our copy comes from Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd., Auckland. 41 The Green Hat” is Cheaper. When Michael Arlen’s “ The Green Hat ” was first published it commanded a ready sale in an expensive edition. It remained among the best sellers for a long time. To-day it appears in a cheap edition from the Collins publishing house. In a neat and attractive format, and issued at a “ popular price,” this remarkable book will find favour with an even wider circle of Arlenites. Mr. Arlen’s other works also are to be issued in this edition, as well as the writings of other popular writers. Marked Men “The Road to Widgewong” is peopled by “swaggies,” bush creatures and blackfellows with big, silent laughs, but Joe and Bob, two “marked men,” who set out from Sydney in search of Utopia, tread it bravely until the “price” is removed from their youthful heads. Leslie Lee has given his young army of readers an adventurous tale to ponder, flavoured with the salt of boyish wisdom and droll touches of simple humour. “The Road to Widgewong,” by Leslie Lee. Our copy comes from Angus and Robertson, Sydney.