Books Reviewed

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 873, 17 January 1930, Page 14

Books Reviewed

THE NEW EVERYMAN’S. LITTLE by little, the goal set by the late J. M. Dent for his famous Everyman's Library is growing closer. Dent hoped for the time when he would be able to boast that his publishing house had put out a library of 1000 classical reprints. He did not live to see that laudable ambition fulfilled, but the good work is being carried on. and the latest batch brings the number to 836. even now perhaps the greatest performance ill English publishing. If a young man, and he would have to invest a relatively small sum, possessed himself of all the Everyman books, be would need purchase no others; for t.ha world’s greatest poetry, philosophy, science, essays and fiction would be awaiting him. Eight new volumes have just been issued, and in every way they are worthy of their illustrious predecessors. Leigh Hunt has had little justice for his essays merely because he happened to live in the same period as Lamb and Hazlitt, two of the greatest English essayists. But Hunt had all the qualities that make for success in essay writing. He had a well-stored mind, an infinite power for apt allusion; humour, and an easy, entertaining style. In the volume introduced by J. B. Priestly, a wide selection is given. Anthony Trollope, after a period of obscurity, caused largely by his frank confession of his mode of composition, is now emerging once more from the shadows, and "Phineas Finn,” one of the greatest political novels is here reprinted in two volumes, with a sympathetic introduction by Hugh Walpole. In "The State of the Prisons,” John Howard, the pioneer of prison reform, tells with direct simplicity the story of his investigation in the gaols of 18th century England and Europe. The reprinting of this painstaking chronicle Is a tribute to a great humanitarian. Moliere’s comedies are given to the readers of to-day in the translation that was made by H. Barker and J. Miller in 1739. The original prefaces to each play have been retained in this new two-volume edition. “Manon Lescaut” by Abbe Prevost, and "Carmen,” by Prosper Merimee, appear in a single volume with an appropriate introduction by Philip Henderson. Last of all comes what is really an “omnibus” Carroll. In one volume are “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” "Through the Looking Glass.” “The Hunting of the Snark,” "Phantasmagoria,” and then the lest known "A Tangled Tale.” What an excellent literary bag these eight volumes make! Everyman's Library, volumes 829-836. Dent. Our copies from the publishers. On Human Nature As a welcome change from the usual book which either purports to be able to help a soul in distress or wishful to attain “life abounding,” or claims to be a true exposition for the general reader of our human nature, comes Miss Underhill’s latest book. A mystic, a psychologist both erudite and practical, and a clear, virile writer on the most intangible of topics—the workings of the mind and spirit—she attempts to present the whole nature of man with the fewest possible theological or psychological terms. While her mystical, semi-allegoric line of approach will not appeal to many, it cannot but make her subject intelligible and helpful in a practical way to readers who have never even heard of Jung or Freud. Those who wish, without deep reading, to find just what view scientific psychologists have been led, through their study, to take of human life, its nature and its possibilities, would do well to seek it here. "The House of the Soul." by Eveline Underhill. Methuen and Co., Ltd. Our copy from the publishers. Churchman and Colonist The publication in Dunedin of “A Great Colonist,” a history of the career of the Rev. Thomas Burns, a nephew of Scotland’s poet, Robert Burns, and the pioneer Presbyterian leader of Otago, is a valuable addition to the records of colonising and early church work of New Zealand. “This is a plain, unvarnished tale of one of the great unknown men of the British Empire,” remarks the author, the Rev. E. N. Merrington, M.A., Ph. D.. in his foreword, and, on learning of the faith of Mr. Burns in developing a Presbyterian colony in New Zealand, one is inclined to the opinion that there should be wider recognition of this sturdy man’s unflagging endeavours. Besides unfolding the story of the minister’s work, “A Great Coloniser” gives information on family histories in Scotland—those bearing on the establishment of the colony of Otago—and on the efforts to stimulate migration to New Zealand. Dr. Merrington has gathered an enormous amount, of data. As a child, Mr. Burns wanted to

live in New Zealand so that he could “look over the edge of the world.” There followed experiences in the stern student iife of Edinburgh and his work in the ministry. In 1537, the New Zealand Company, with Edward Gibbon Wakefield as its organiser, was formed: in 1539, migrants were being recruited in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. It was in the infancy of Dunedin, then New Edinburgh. that Mr. Burns was appointed first Presbyterian minister of the colony. The work to found First Church, Dunedin, the election of Mr. Burns as the first Moderator of the Presbytery of Otago, his activities in education, his understanding of the Maoris and his vision of future prosperity, as he saw the sweep of Taieri Plains, are told interestingly by the author. Thomas Burns died in 1871, at the age of 75. There is satisfaction in knowing that there is now a complete record of the work of a New Zealand coloniser. "A Great Coloniser," by E. N. Merrington. Otago Daily Times ancl Witness Company, Limited, Dunedin. Our copy from the publishers. A Last Exciting Yarn Who killed Charmain Karslake, the famous and beautiful American actress, while she was an honoured guest at a house-party in England? Personally, we don’t propose to tell you except, eonfidentally, that it is excellent reading. The price of the novel is 7s (id. It can be purchased at any booksellers in Auckland. If readers are not satisfied with these 312 pages of exciting fiction, then they have no appreciation of the art of suspense. Miss Annie Haynes, the author, is an expert at handling baffling situations and unravelling the most mysterious crimes. She does it easily and convincingly. First we accused all the men of the house pa,rty, then the French maid, then a talkative American woman, then a mysterious stranger, then . . . But no. Miss Haynes put us so completely off the scent that not one guess came true. This is the last novel she wrote. It was published posthumously. "Who Killed Charmain Karslake?” Our copy comes direct from the publishers, John Lane, the Bodley Head, Ltd., London. Two Women Clash A thoughtful novel, carefully constructed, is “Poacher’s Moon,” Almey St. John Adcock’s contribution to the Hodder and Stoughton winter list. With her we journey to the woods and gorse-covered commons of Buckinghamshire, there to study and analyse the mental reactions of two women who have taken for granted the oftenfallacious theory that the friendships of youth are the friendships of after life. Rowena Ivory, as a girl, had adored Carlotta Herson. When, after many years, a chance came to renew their companionship, she sped to greet her idol. Later came the realisation that • their personalities had changed; that tkey clashed on every common meeting ground until the one, Rowena, was forced to cry: "She wants everything . . , you can see it in her hands —powerful, grasping hands.” From the contretemps thus evolved Miss St. John Adcock builds to a compelling climax a romance of uncommon interest. Her clear narrative style and fascinating portraiture blend admirably with her facility in describing places and scenes without hindrance to the smooth current of her theme. Moreover she possesses the rare virtue of restrained humour that supplies the final shading of contrast to her attractive work. “Poacher's Moon” by Almey St. John Adcock. Hodder and Stoughton, Limited,' London. Our copy from Mr. W. S. Smart. Sydney. Jimmie Rezaire Again Some writers of mystery stories convince their readers—others do not. Some gain their effect by an unusual twist in the story, by imagining an unusual crime. Others again take their charactex-s through seemingly endless and startling adventures. Authony Armstrong (A.A. of “Punch”) does all the good things one expects such an accomplished writer of exciting stories to do. “The Trail of the Lotto” is another of his Jimmie Itezaire stories. This time Jimmie, ex-crook and exspy hunter, has turned private detective. His first commission is to trace a famous Lotto picture which has been stolen from a nefarious “fence.” Time and again Jimmie is in danger of losing his life. He is half-strangled by wily Japanese, he leaps on to a train from an hotel window in Paris, he nearly loses his sight. . . Does he get the picture? He does—but not before the reader’s heart almost stands still from sheer excitement. “The Trail of the Lotto.” Our copy comes direct from the publishers, Methuen and Co., Ltd., London. Captivating Anne Mrs. G. H. Bell (John Travers) has a pi-etty sense of humour. Her deft touch and effervescent sense of the ridiculous make “Hot Water,” her latest novel, most delightful reading. When we learned, in the opening chapters, that Lord Brierly was to lead a commission of inquiry into India on the subjects of health, hygiene and the welfare of the natives, we felt that there was some serious reading ahead. However, Anne Knightly, Lord BrierIy’s secretary, saved the situation.

Throughout the whole trip the serious and high-minded commission danced attendance on her. One by one they fell in love with her. Anne’s wishes ■were the first to be considered at any stopping place and if Lord Brierly failed to be appointed to the GovernorGeneralship of New Zealand when the commission ended it was entirely due to the fault of sparkling, sophisticated, charming Anne Knightly. Everybody got into “hot water” except Anne, everybody adored her and if she brought tears of rage to the eyes of some perfectly good wives it was entirely due to Mrs. Bell’s artful and delightful writing. “Hot Water.” Hodder and Stoughton, Limited, London. Our copy comes from the Sydney agent, W. S. Smart. The Year’s Short Stories At the end of each of the past few years, Edward J. O’Brien, a discriminating editor and a connoisseur of the short story, has performed admirable service for those who have a taste for the short story, by producing a collection of those works which he considers to be the best specimens of that form of literature published during the year. The English and American volumes for 1929 have now been issued, and they provide good reading for all tastes. Mr O’Brien does not, of course, claim that all of his stories are great, for, as he himself has said, it is only in exceptional years that one great story is produced. What has been done, however. is to select those stories which have vital quality, and are constructed in the most satisfying form. How well the task has been done can only be properly appreciated through a reading of the two volumes: one of which is devoted to English. Irish and colonial woi'k. and the other to the short stories of America. The technique of the writers, English and otherwise, does not vary greatly, and pretty well all of them come within what is regarded as the true compass of the short story. In the English volume there are sample* of the work of Martin Armstrong, David Garnett, L. A. G. Strong, and H. E. Bates. Each one of these has now an established reputation, and the work is !>f a xmiformly high standaid. Ireland is xepresented satisfactorily by Daniel Corkery, Brinsley McNamara, and others. Among the colonial writers Pauline Smith stands out as South Africa’s representative; but. there is nothing from Australia or New Zealand. The American volume has stories by Sherwood Anderson, Willa Gather, William Carlos Williams, and Konrad Bercovici. “First Oboe,” by James Webber Glover, although there is really no need to particularise when there is a constant standard of excellence, is a delightful study. “The Best Short Stories”: No. 1, English, Trish and Colonial: No. 2, American. Edited by Edward J. O’Brien. Jonathan Cape. Our copies from the publishers. Capturing a Millionaire Few millionaires are captured by women in the way that Caroline Ormesby captured Peter Grey. She, daring woman, used force and the help of three pretty companions. They conveyed their captive to a quiet country cottage and there made him promise to pay them £40,000. It was Caroline’s idea, because she found that her uncle had dissipated her fortune (for which he was trustee) in transactions on the Stock Exchange. So far, so good. Peter Grey made a willing captive. He was intrigued by a charming voice and that part of Caroline’s face which was not hidden by a mask. More than that, he pointed out how silly they were in demanding a cheque and offered to help them without any foi'ce or fuss. Still, so ■ far, so good. Grey was given his freedom, but not the identity of his charming bandit. His only clue was a lace handkerchief on which was embroidered the letter “C.” And find her he did —so successfully that Caroline became the willing captive. A little spice is added by the plot and counterplot of an adventuring bi-other and sister who are anxious to share in Grey’s money. A pretty story, saved fi-orn the usual mediocrity of such love tales by an original idea. "Caroline Ormesby’s Crime.” Methuen and Co., London. Our copy conies direct from the publishers. Border Love Stories of the Mexican border are usually associated with bandits, sharpshooting and the thunder of flying hoofs, but in Jackson Gregory’s latest novel, “Rapidan,” a murder story, is unfolded without the aid of sensationalism. Although the book hinges on the murder and the tracking of the criminal, it is as much the story of the man Rapidan and his love for beautiful Vega Alai-con, a SpanishMexican maid. The secrets of the story, well guai'ded right to the end of the novel, have rather surprising solutions, and though thei-e is necessarily a shei'iff and his posse scouring the canon and desert plains, the story totally lacks the extravagance of the usual boi-der novel. “Rapidan.” Hodder and Stoughton, Limited, London and Sydney. Out* copy from W. S. Smart, the publishers’ Sydney representative. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED “Aussie.” —Railway Number. Porter: I say, there’s five trunks out there to stick these on an’ there’s only four labels. Stationmaster: Dammitall, then throw away one of the trunks! BOOKS IN DEMAND AT THE AUCKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY FICTION "ONE HEARS A DRUM," by Allan Baddeley. "MISS WELBY AT STEEN," by Archibald Marshall. “THE AXE," by Sigrlcl Undset. "THE NEAR AND THE FAR," by D. H. Myers. “THE MAN WHO LOST HIMSELF" by O. Sitwell. "JALNA .” by M. de la Roche. "THE INDISCRETIONS OF LIN MANG ,” by R. Gilbert. "CORA," by Ruth Suchorc. "WINDLESTRAWS," by Phyllis Bottome. "3IRS. DOLLOWAY," by Virginia Woolf. NON-FICTION “THE WORLD. THE AIR, AND THE FUTURE," by Dennis Burney. "WE AND THE BABY," by Hector MacQuarrie. "JAMES RAMSAY MACDONALD ,” by H. H. Tiltman. "THE WEEK-END BOOK." "ADS. AND SALES," by H. Casson.. "THE FIRST MRS. FRASERby St. John Ervine. "JULY, J911f." by E. Ludwig. "HENRY VIII." by F. Hackett. "CHEERFUL YESTERDAYS," by O. T. J. Alpcrs. "ON WANDERING WHEELS ,” by Cora artel Jan Gordon.