REVIEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1916, Page 6

REVIEWS.

"THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE." A little over a year ago a new star appeared in the firmament of Australian 'literature. This was a young man named C. J. Dennis, whose compendium of pwti'.s under the title of "The Sentimental Bloke," created a furore. Many of oi:r readers have become acquainted with "The Sentimental Bloke" in book form, and others have doubtless read several of the poems in the Bulletin, in which journal they first appeared. Collated consecutively and published in book form their success was instant all over the English-speaking world, "The Sentimental Bloke" is now published in pocket edit'on, suitable for carrying about, and would prove a good book for soldiers at the front. It is well got up and beautifully printed, with the original dainty ii!;-<trations. It is interesting to know that "The Sentimental Bloke" constitutes a record for Australia. Indeed, it is chimed that it has had a.record sale for the British Empire. It was first published on October 1(1, 1015, at 3s fid, the price being shortly afterwards raised to 4s owing to increase in cost of paper. Although the book is only.a year old, it ha? already had a sale of over 55,000 copies. Moreover, it continues to sell as well as ever, the market in Australia and New Zealand for clever ind cheerful vcr:-e being apparently inexhaustible.. "THE MOODS OF GINGER MICK." Following on the publication of "The Songs of the Sentimental Bloke," C. J. Dennis has written another series of verses which promises to outrival "The Songs of the Sentimental Bloke" in the phenomenal success that the latter achieved. The volume just published is entitled "The Moods of Ginger Mick," and it tells the story in 15 poems of the experiences of a Melbourne crook who gives up selling rabbits and taking part in shady practices in Spadger's Lane to answer the "call of stoush," riw vorsi-s are written in the vernacular of the Melbourne underworld, which is made by the writer's able pen to touch the very depths of human nature. The book is essentially a war puolication. It js dei:ghtful, full of appreciation of t/ie good in the human heart, and through it runs a strain of wholesome philosophy. The writer reveals the fine feelings of wh.'eh even the worst are capable -when put to the test. The gallantry, loyalty to comrades while under Turkish fire at Sari Bair, and the stoicism of "Mick", when wounded excite the reader to admiration, and give him a true idea of what is in the heart of men whose outward appearances are often repelling. The last poem, "A Gallant Gentleman," in which the tragic truth, "killed in action," is revealed, is full of pathos and comfort to those who have given of their .«:«is, and discloses the unique ability of the author in no small degree. "The Moods of Mick" are a fitting companion to "The Songs of the Sentimental Bloke," and no library should be without both volumes. Orders for these nooks will be taken at the "8.K." "THE AUSTRALIAN.''"the Australian and Other Verses" is a new volume written by Will H. o<;ilvie, and it is now on sale at the "R.K." Admirers of this writer will regard the publication of a new book as an important literary event, for they are aware of the high standard of merit atta'ned in "Fair Girls and Gray Horses," and "Hearts of Gold," and other works wh ; eh have emanated from his facile pen. "The Australian," ..he fine poem from which the new volume takes its tltie. first appeared in London Punch, and is accompanied by others which show that exile has not lessened Ogilvie's af-f'.-i/On for Australia or dimmed his passionate love of tlie bush. The work is thoroughly representative of the different phases of life in Australia, and the verges are full of indefinable charm. There is a fresh and vivid presentment of the experiences of those out hack, and the vigorous lines give pleasure to the ivarier.