Books Reviewed

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 707, 5 July 1929, Page 14

Books Reviewed

BIRMINGHAM’S LATEST If anyone in Ireland had known Erse, the official language, sufficiently well to say that Geoghegan did not spell Murphy, a great deal of trouble might have been saved the characters in G. A. Birmingham’s new book, “The Major’s Candlesticks.” Here again we meet “J.J.” and Major Kent, our old friends of "Spanish Gold,” but in a new Erin, independent of British rule. In this delightful commentary on things Irish (with special reference to Erse), the countryman is painted as a mixture of caution and ingenousness which demands that the simplest of questions be answered in an evasive of misleading manner. The central characters are mistaken for ardent Republicans busy hatching another of those farcical revolutions so dear to the heart of Birmingham’s Irishman. When into a hotbed of political intrigue are introduced a German contractor and rebellious workmen yearning to blow up something, situations are sure to arise such as the writer’s versatile pen delights in.

The characters are well drawn, the superiority complex of “J.J.” and the professional jealousy of Red Con Murphy, recognised leader of the .'estless element, being especially satisfying.

“The Major’s Candlesticks.” G. A. Birmingham. Methuen and Company, London. Our copy from the publishers! What’s For Dinner?

Under the title of “Practical Home Cookery Chats and Recipes,” “Katrine” has produced a most useful book on the interesting art of cooking. All the old favourites are included, together with new recipes. A section is also given to good tried recipes contributed by New Zealand housewives. Should your purse call for economy, here are to be found excellent money-saving recipes. Should you, on the ot'-er hand, require some piece de resi: nee you will find it, also. The book contains much information on food values and how to treat meats and vegetables; also helpful suggestions in ringing the changes, and on the arrangements of children’s meals. For the average woman’s need the volume would he valuable, and for the beginner in cooking it would be hard to equal. “Practical Home Cookery Chats and Recipes,” by “Katrine” (Cookery Editress, ' late “Weekly Press”). Our copy direct from the publishers, Simpson and Williams, 23S High Street, Christchurch. For the Bird Lover Bird lovers will be delighted with an attractive hook by Marcus Woodward, “How to Enjoy Birds.” Although the author deals exclusively with English birds most of them are known and to be found in New Zealand. Mr. Woodward writes of his subject most charmingly and with that intimate knowledge which is the joy of every aviculturist. He takes us on engaging little expeditions through the garden, the meadow, along hedges, through the park and beside the river, telling us of the birds to be found there and all that we wish to know about them. The book is delightfully illustrated with coloured plates. “How to Enjoy Birds.” Our copy comes direct from the publishers, Hodder and Stoughton, Limited, London. Amateur Beggars in Spain. Good books of travel in Spain are rare. So many writers who have travelled in Spain have been content to fill their pages with conventionalities, and- so few have managed to present the native character in a true light. Count and Countess Mai- j miganti have written one of the exceptional books. They do not seek <o vie with George Borrow and Rich- j ard Ford, but -Within their self-imposed | limits they have given us a very trua 5 and interesting presentation of cei* am aspects ot life in modern Spain Roth are adventurous; the Countess is known already for her travels in he inner deserts of Arabia. On a wager, they made their way along the coasts of Spain, disguised as Arab beggars, starting without money and with only a basket of food. They begged their food, and danced and sang for money or cigarettes, and usually they slept in the open. The story of their travels is not only very entertaining, but has many excellent vignettes of Spanish folk and their characteristics. “. . As Beggars., Tramp Through Spain.” Count and Countess Malm! garni lonathan Cape, London. Our copy direct *he publisher.