Books Reviewed

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 827, 22 November 1929, Page 14

Books Reviewed

The Last of the Plantagenets If more romance and colour were woven into history, as Miss Marjorie Bowen has woven those elements into “Dickon,” a novel dealing with the life and tragic reign of Richard 111., history outside the covers of history books would be a more fascinating subject for studjx Miss Bowen has not only traced the conflicting phases of a romantic story with rare accuracy and insight, but also has conveyed the spirit of that remarkable period with a skill reflected in effective contemporary idiom. Through the pages loom the shadows of men and movements which profoundly influenced the course of history. The complicated inter-marrying which provoked the Wars of the Roses, the brief triumph of the rightful claimants of York, and then the rout of Richard on the tragic field of Bosworth, are invested with a flavour of romance and high adventure. If some of the manoeuvres of the nobility of the day are reduced to sordid processes of treachery and bargaining, these are offset with the tingling tires of intense loyalty, affection and courage. Here the dry bones of history spring to life. Richard appears as a human monarch, an orphaned boy who grew to be a virile and lovable young man, a figure revered affectionately by his people as “Dickon,” and then, lastly, as a gallant king betrayed by mercenary and unscrupulous nobles. The line creative record of Miss- Marjorie Bowen is more than sustained in this admirable work. “Dickon.” by Marjorie Bowen. Ilodder and Stoughton. Our copy from the pub- : lishers. Staccato There is a curious fascination about the use of triple dots in Sarita Fuller’s novel “Their Own Desire.” They give the language a metallic flavour. But that seems to bo a definite method employed by American writers in their effort to define the present outlook on life (and particularly marriage), in the United States. Sarita Fuller certainly looks on marriage and family life with frank eyes and she shows us the tragedy which must follow matrimonial indiscretions. Sometimes one is irritated by her staccato efforts, of which the following is an example. She looked away . . . hot and cold . . . permission of the blood . . . Oh poor mother! ..Was it that way when Dad luok.-d at von? . . . Xo . . . no . . . not here. Easy good-night kisses . . . light as butterfly wings . . . meaningless as the • lose embrace of the dance . . . never a man kissed me like this before . . . Yes “Their Own Desire” has interesting moments. “Their Own Desire.” Cassell and • ’ompany. London and Sydney. Our copy comes from Champtaloup and i-'dmiston, booksellers, Auckland. Maori Art A magazine devoted to art in the ! Dominion could scarcely fulfill its purpose without taking into consideration. at some stage of its existence, the fascinating art of the Maori. Hence in the December issue of “Art in New Zealand.” we find a series of interesting, illustrated articles on the arts and crafts and material culture j of our native race. Mr. H. Hamilton of the Maori Arts and Crafts School at Rotorua, writes of “The Maori is an Artist.” Mr. Johannes C. Andersen who lias contributed much,! already, to our knowledge of our own country has something to say of Maori musical Instruments, such as they were. Mr. James Cowan writes

of ihe natives’ art craftsmanship: Mrs. Mona Tracey contributes a tale with a Maori interest and Miss Eileen Duggan sings a Maori lullaby that is as soothing as the scent of the kowhai on a summer breeze. Four colour blocks are reproduced from George F. Angas’s illustrations of native life. Mr. H. Linlay Richardson, contributes a study of a Maori girl with laiqha and Mr. Stewart Peterson’s aquatint of a Maori carver and Miss Connie Lloyd's etching “Hinemoa,” are among the other illustrations. Another excellent number of a quarterly that reflects credit on editor and publisher. “Art in New Zealand.” December Number. H. H. Tombs Limited. 22 Wingfield Street. Wellington. Our copy from the publishers. Marryat Complete. “There is an air of fable about his work. Its loss would be irreparable, like the curtailment of a national story, or the loss of an historical document.” wrote Joseph Conrad, referring to Captain Marryat, the mention of whose name will turn many minds back to the earliest days of their reading. Marryat cast his spell over many, and it is pleasant to recall the thrill that came from the reading of “The Phantom Ship,” “Mr Midshipman Easy,” and “Masterman Ready.” Somehow these novels, with their fine savour of the sea, and their ample pictures of the adventurous life that its followers lead, have “dated” more than they should, and they are less accessible than they should be. It needed only the pious hand of a discriminating publisher to place them before the public once more, and those who wish to read them again have cause to thank J. M. Dent and Sons, who are now issuing a 22-volume set of the novels. It is a worthy labour: but there is just a question whether there is enough of the vital spark in several of the works to warrant their republication. Marryat was often hasry in what he did, and when pressed lie often tended to verbosity. His inenuous method of narration was really his greatest charm, for, after all, his skill In plot-making was decidedly limited; but he had a steady narrative now wiiien at its best was very good, and at its worst very tiresome. Often enough there are grotesque incidents and inaccuracies recorded in the books, but somehow the buoyancy and enthusiasm of the writer hustles the reader over them. It is because the narrative never falters. That is something given to us with seeming generosity, and yet it often appears that we have secured the entertaining possession by accident rather than design on the author’s part. The first two volumes of this col lected edition are “Peter Simple” and “Frank- Mildmay.” A useful introduction to the first volume has been written by R. Brimley Johnson, who gives a full biographical account of his author, and a just critical survey of his work. The books themselves are excellently produced, particularly so when it is remembered that they are modestly priced at three-and-sixpenco net. “Peter Simple’* and “Frank Mildmay.’ Captain Marryat. .7. M. Dent and Sons. UiL Qjir wav mmifi nidJ'hhcr-'S. The Latest Walpole. The Hugh Walpole novel is usually regarded as one of the literary events i)f the year, and the latest, “Hans Frost,” although of great interest, will not be considered as a major work. Hans Frost, the hero. Is an author who is not able to find much satisfaction in the show and tributes provided for him on his 70th birthday. He finds that there is much in his mind, but somehow he has lost the art of being able to relate the fragments of his dreams. Wealth no longer means much to him. and fame he finds is little support for a man who has grown old. As for love, he has reached the wretched conclusion that his worthy wife is not the model partner she imagines herself to be. She is no longer attractive to him, and poor Frost feels hat at melancholy last he has reached the end.

But no . . . the change comes with the arrival of his vivacious young niece, Nathalie. The girl feels flat tered at the attention of one so distin guished, and Hans delights in hei youth. Through it the old inspiration comes again, but it is not long before the wife grows resentful, and Nat ha iie is sent on her way only to be foi lowed by Frost. In this .way he re gains his freedom, and we take leaic of him beginning his new work. There is careful character drawing in the book, and it is interesting for the revelation it gives of the working of the literary mind. It is a sound piece of work, but Hugh "Walpole has done better. “Ilans Frost.” Hugh Walpole. Macmillan and Co. G’ur copy from the publishers. A Christopher Anthology When Mr. A. A. Milne announced that he had retired from that popular British industry in which he held a monopoly—the manufacture of tales l'or Christopher Robin, there were many who predicted that, before long, another volume would appear. Another one has. but the soothsayers spake not sooth. Mr. Milne has not broken his Trappist vows so far as Christopher and Pooh are concerned but he has authorised a selection to

be made of verse and prose from "When We Were Very Young." "Now We Are Six." ‘'Winnie the Pooh" and -The House at Pooh Corner." And a very attractive selection it is. not omitting, of course, the famous poem of the king who dearly loved a modicum of butter on his bread and not omitting the famous Shepard illustrations which have helped four volumes to win a vast popularity. "The Christopher Robin story Booh.” Methuen and Co.. Ltd.. London. Our copy from the publishers. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED “Mt. Egmont." - By Mis.- IE E. Bailshan. A pleasant ii-* A book on one of the Dominion’s greatest mountain assets. Very well illustrated 1 anil of pleasing design. 75pp. Whit- . combe and Tombs, Limited, pub- i lishers. "Aussie” Christmas number. Seasonal ' jests ivbout mistletoe, Christmas ; pudding and waits, the whole sea- } soned with “Aussie's” individual i brand of humour. Bright New Zea- ; land section included. “The Month.”—November number. Hilaire Belloc, “On History.” A story by Helena J. Henderson, “The Left-Behind One.” Illustrations include suggested design for a Cathedral at Canberra. BOOKS IN DEMAND AT THE AUCKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY FICTION “FALSE SPRING,” by Beatrice Seym our. “HARRIET HUME.- by Rebecca West. “BITTER BREAD,- by A. Taylor, j “HOW AMUSING .’’’ by Denis Mac-' Kail. "HUNKY/’ by T. Williamson. “WHATEVER GODS MAY BE/’ by i Andre Maurois. “THE HIDDEN CITY,” by Philip j Gibbs. “THE EYE OF ZEITOOX,” by Talbot Mundy, “FIRST AX’D EAST,” by V. Whitechurch. “THE BEST OF O. HEXRY: 100 STORIES.” NON FICTION “JOAX OF ARC,” by Hilaire Belloc. “AT HOME AMOXG THE ATOMS.” by James Kendall. “THROUGH A BIRD ROOM WINDOW,” by Rev. C. D. Farrar. “CRUSADER'S COAST,” by Edward ' Thompson. “FARM FRIENDS AND FOES,” by J. H. Fabre. “BRITISH WOMEN IN THE 20TII I CENTURY,” by Elsie M. Ijany. “LONG LANCE: the autobiography \ of a Blackfoot Indian Chief.” “EMILY HOBHOUSE,” by Ruth Fry. “DIARY OF DOSTOYEVSKY'S WIFE.” “THE TRANSITION FROM ARISTOCRACY, 1532-1807," by O. F. Christie.