BOOKS AND WRITERS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20275, 18 August 1937, Page 10

BOOKS AND WRITERS

COMMENTS AND EXTRACTS.

In Victoria’s reign the Empire was a going- concern, now It Is In danger of being a gone concern.”—Dean Inge.

BRITAIN AND GERMANY. NEED OF AN UNDERSTANDING. THE QUESTION OF COLONIES. A. L. Kennedy, the son of a diplomatist, knows Europe well at first , hand, having travelled extensively when he wrote for The Times. In his , book, “ Britain Faces Germany, he £ faces what is undoubtedly the most difficult and most urgent problem or < European diplomacy. “Only bold , remedial measures now have a chance £ of success,” he writes in the course of his undeniably sound argument that the only available means of averting “the rule of tooth and claw, or ( of air bombs and poison gas” is the achievement, in some form or other, of an Anglo-German understanding. Mr Kennedy traces post-war developments from the Versailles origins, not sparing the blame that attaches to French and to British diplomacy for joint unwisdom. Facing the ugly facts as they are, Mr Kennedy, m a realistic spirit, examines possible remedial measures, and comes to the conclusion that only one expedient will now serve—namely, the satisfaction in some degree or other of Germany s colonial claims. “ Some adjustment,” he writes, of colonial territories might in certain circumstances be warranted on political grounds, and as part of a major settlement.” A Partner in Africa. He therefore makes a quite precise | suggestion. Great Britain should make the gesture by inviting Germany to be “a partner in Africa.’ He protests that “on legal grounds Germany could establish no claim to the recovery of her former colonies. She appealed to the sword in 1914, and she lost them by the sword.” Practically, Mr Kennedy suggests that certain territory in West Africa be handed over to Germany for administration as a League Mandate. He writes:— “By transferring Gambia and Sierra Leone, for instance, under a mandate, we should be extending the mandatory system, for which alone there is much to be said. If to their voluntary surrender we added the transfer of the strips we still administer of the former German colonies of Togoland and the Cameroons, we should be giving Germany the opportunity of usefully contributing, on a considerable scale, to the work of administration and civilisation in Africa.” That suggestion constitutes the essential value of Mr Kennedy’s contribution to a difficult subject. No serious person, whether he has a sense of humour or not, can for a moment think that it is politically possible, right, or intelligent to pretend that Germany must never again have colonies, when any other nation, great or small, may. In the Interest of Peace. There is, however, a curious distinction to be drawn between Mr Kennedy’s matter and his manner. He makes a gesture to Germany in the interest of peace. He even argues that Germany is entitled to some measure of satisfaction, and that if such satisfaction be denied the result is bound to be disastrous to everybody concerned. Yet he makes his offer in an obviously reluctant spirit. The very first sentence in the book is this:—“The only true conquest is conversion; and though we conquered Germany in 1918, we have failed to convert her to new ways.” The last paragraph in the book reads thus:—" But we must be ready to face war if Hitler will not accept a just and honourable settlement. If the Nazi system is to be made a scourge to humanity we must oppose it to the end, as we opposed Napoleon until his power to do harm was destroyed.” TfiE SPANISH WAR. SOME SECRETS REVEALED. IN FRANCO'S TERRITORY. Cecil Gerality, one of the London Daily Mail's special correspondents in Spain, took “ The Road to Madrid” (Hutchinson) before the Civil War had lasted a month. His book is valuable and timely. Except for brief visits to Morocco and England, he was in close and continuous contact with General Franco’s troops. He gives most vivid descriptions of conditions in the front line before Mad id, on the eve of the relief of Toledo, and on llie Cuad.nTaina. Even more instructive are his pictures of the life in the territory administered by General Franco. He has talked freely with General Franco, his officers and men, prisoners of war, and men and women of every class. BRITISH PRIME MINISTERS. Til Kilt LITERARY PREi M h '.U PAT lONS PfREICITY Et>R ROOKS. According to a writer in ‘‘The lions of Rritish Prime Ministers in tin I went id li cenhiry Ralfour. \squitli MacDonald and Baldwin especially—have 1 te*'ii worth Ilimisainls of poumb ) in publicity for books. II will lie a s;oi day, lie Hunks, loi v Emrlish literature when Galduots iu * longer discuss llieir Horace, their Marj Webb or llieir detective stories. The iv'nv Prime Minister. Mr Neville Chamberlain, lias md yel revcalc. his literary bent.

FAMOUS AUTHOR. TORTURED BY INSOMNIA. FINDS REST IN LONDON. A man who sought to end his days peacefully on the Isle of Capri and I was driven from his paradise by In- | somnia has found sleep—in London, I says a writer in an English paper. j He is Dr. Axel Munthe, famous Swedish physician, who wrote “ The Story of San Michele,” a book that swept the world. Dr. Munthe, now 78 years old, used to labour night and day in his lucrative practice in Paris so that he could retire to Capri. But instead of finding rest Dr. Munthe was tortured by insomnia. He left his San Michele, went roaming in search of a new refuge, anywhere in which he could sleep. Now he has found it—in London. “ I have discovered on my present visit to London Hint 1 ran snatch an hour or two of sleep,” he told his closest friend in London recently. His Next Boo.k. “People are always asking me: ‘ When will your book be finished, Dr. Munthe?’ “I ask for their patience. You see, it is difficult for me to concentrate on writing when all Hie time I am weary for lack of sleep.” 44 It is true that I have in mind another book in which 1 want to say what I omitted from ‘ San Michele.' 44 You might call it 4 The Missing Chapters.’ 44 My sight is growing weaker, but as long as 1 can see just a little I am content.” More than a million copies of " The Story of San Michele ” have been sold —in 25 languages. THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL.

REVIEW OF THE AUGUST ISSUE. Containing stories of adventure, mystery, humour, and romance, the August iscue of The Australian Journal caters for all types of readers. Those who like their fiction flavoured with a dash of excitement will enjoy “ Southern Lights,” a powerful, long adventure yarn by Captain Ingram Morgan. Serial readers will be intrigued by the commencement of “Dotted Line Honeymoon,” an exciting romantic novel of modern Sydney by Joseph McCord. Also featured are such popular writers as Cam Woodford, Rex Grayson, Cecil H. V. Steere, Ilarriette Gordon, G. Graham-Robertson, Walter Smyth, Joyce Owen Starr, Rann Daly, Frank Walford, and others. The issue contains details of a £SO competition and all the usual popular features. DEATH OF NOVELIST. A DISTINGUISHED CAREER. The novelist,, Edith -Wharton, whose death was announced recently, was born in New York in 1802, and had a distinguished literary career. She was a gold medallist of the National Institute ol* Arts and Letters and of the American Academy, New York, and a member of I lie American Academy. She also held the degree ; of lion. Litt.lJ. at thy University of Yale. Her publications Included “The Greater Inclination,” “ Touchstone.'’ “ The House <X Mirth,” “ Fighting France from Dunkerque to Belfort,” i “ The Age of Innocence,” “ A Rack- ! ward Glance," " The World Over." j

A GRUESOME MURDER. FRANKNESS OF PRISONER. The latest addition to the “ Notable British Trials” series is one of the most gruesome murder cases of recent years. “ The Trial of Buck Ruxton,” edited by R. H. Blundell and G. Haswell Wilson, was remarkable chiefly for the medical testimony and the unusual frankness of the prisoner in the witness-box. This Indian doctor kept back nothing except his guilt. This was never seriously in doubt; the evidence of identification presented by experts was overwhelming. HAMILTON LIBRARY. The following new books have been added to the Hamilton Library:— Fiction.—-‘David or Judah/’ by Richard Blaker; "The Bond Street Murder,” by John G. Brandon: ‘-.Monday's A Long Day,” by Marjorie Booth; “Three Cedars,” by Ursula Bloom; “Sullivan's Bav,” by Roy Bridges; “Hawk of the Wilderness,” bv William N. Chester; “The Ace or Knaves,” by Lesl/e Charterls; “Tod Wiley,” by Robert Darnell; “Not With Me,” by Marjorie Deans; “Robinson of England," by John Drlnkwater; “Men Without Mercy.” bv Alfred Doblln; “Sunset At Noon,” by Ruth Feiner; “The D.A. Calls A Murder,” by E. S. Gardner; “Roaring Tower ami Other Stories,' r by Stella Gibbons; “West of the Pecos,” by Fane Grey; “The Master Spy,” by Arthur Cask; “Ivory Ladies,” by Gavin Holt; “Jordanstown,” by Josephine Johnson; “Olive E.,” by C. 11. B. Kltchln; ‘funny Pieces.” by Stephen Leacock: “Queer Mr Quell,” by William J. Makln; ‘‘Time to Be Going," by H. li. Mott ram; “ Three Comrades,” by K. M. Remarque; “ The Wliile Pig," by Gerald Savi; “Sun lu November,” by Unali silberrad; “Ginger Adams,” by li. I>e Vere Stacpoole; “The Swirt Shadow,” by N. A. 0. Strong; “The Sleeve of Night.” by Peter Trail; ’ “Rest Ghost. Stories,”’ Supernatural Omnibus. General Literature.—“ The Philosophy or Religion,” by Kmil Brunner; “The cross and the Star or David.” by \V. H. Friedemann; “Mainly Murder,” by William Roughead; "Left Wings Over Europe,” by Wyndham Lewis; Exercises for Athletes,” by F. Webster and J. A. Hayes; “Profitable Poultry. Keeping In New Zealand,” by XL W. Stewart; “Bretts Gardening Guide, 19;(T; “Exploring the Avenues,” by n. s. clement Brown; “Ballet-Moo,” by Nicolas Bentley; “Aces and Kings,” by l. w. Sutherland: “Coronation Commentary,” bv Geoffrey Dennis; “English Monks aiid the Suppression of the Monasteries,” by Geoffrey Baskerville; “After Many Days.” by Frank Fletcher; “Pauline Bonaparte,” by Joachin Kuhn; "Mary Queen of Scots,” 1549-1 587; “Tante Rebella’s Saga,” by C. R. Prance: “The Balkans by Bicycle,” bv w. P. liams/her; “The Cactus Eaters,” by Julian A. Weston; “Sunflnders,” by W. M. Jameson; “Savage Civilisation,” by Tom Harrison; “Japanese Lady In Europe,” by Haruko Ichikawa; “Round the World With Tom Clarke.” by Tom Clarke; “Metropolitan Man,” Robert Sinclair; “Underworld of Paris,” Alfred Morgan; “Women Must Choose,” by Hilary Newltt; “Hitler's Conspiracy Against Peace,” by S. Erckner. FRANKTON LIBRARY. Fiction.—“ Dancers in Mourning,” by M. Alllngham; “sagebrush Knights,” by C. E. Barnes; “Alms for Oblivion,” by E>. Bigland; “The Picnic,” by M. Boyd; “Matthew Silverman,” by V. Canning; “Bravo Trail,” by L. Carder; “The Brothers SackYllle,” by Cole; “The Snake River Rustlers," by C. Gulley; “Sackcloth into Silk,’’ by W. Deeping; “Outlawed from Nevada,” by J. A. Dunn; “Plundered Range,” by W. Ermine; “Experiments in Crime,” by G. Frankau; “Gun Cotton,” by R. Grayson; “Gun Cotton Adventurer,” by R. Grayson; “■Gun Cotton Secret Agent,” by R. Grayson; “Gun Cotton Outside the Law,” by R. Grayson; “Escape with Gun Cotton," by R. Grayson; “Jemima Rides," bv A. Hepple; “They Found Him Dead,” by G. Meyer; “The Texas Tiger,” by W. D. Hoffman; -‘Honour Bright,” by E. P. Keyes; “The Ancestor,” by E. Laud!; “Civilian Into Soldier,” by J. A. Lee: ”! would be Private,” by R. Macaulay; “Range Law,” by C. M. Martin; “Lone Star Rider,” by G. P. Milne; “Decline and Fall or a British NT at - ron,” M. Mitchell; “Galena,” by E. Morrison; “Stubbs at Fifty,” G. Pocock; “They Call It Peace,” by 1. Rathbone; “Turn the Hour,” by R. Rees; “crimson Round-up,” by A. R. Rlcemond; “Married People,” by M. R. Rlneliari; "The Flowering Aloe,” b'y S. Stevenson; “Long Vacation,” by K. F. Tegart; “Murder lu the Bookshop,” by c. Wells; “The Act of Knaves,” by 1,. Charterls; “Pat Preferred,” by \V. 11. Lane Cranford; “Adventure Beautiful,” by S. Dare; “Old Heart Goes on a Journey,” by H. Fallada; “Scarlet Livery,” by R. Grayson; “Death Rides In the Forest.” by R. Grayson; “Retreat Front Love,” by M. Greig; “Vintage Murder,” by N. Marsh; , “Nothing Ever Happens,” by M. Marshall; “Busman’s Honeymoon,” by R. Sayers; “Nothing Is Safe,” by E. M. Relalleld; “The Case of flie Curious Bride.” by E. s. Gardner; “Dead Men's Morris,” by G. Mitchell; “No More Remains,” by L. O. Moseley; “The Sheriff of Navajo County,” General.- -“A Daughter of the Samaral," by Sugiinoto; “My Autobiography,” by Mussolini; “I found no Peace,” by W. Miller; “South to Samarkand,” by E. Xian nin; “Round the World with Tom Clarke," by T. Clarke; “The Devil's Diplomats/’ by "Operator 1384:” “Ace of the Rlack Cross." by E. I'det; “New Zealand a Short History,” by J. C. Beaglehole; “Guide to Philosophy," by c. K. M. .load: “Practical play Production." by M. Richards; "You and your Hand.” by “Chefro:" "What the { Siars Foretell for 1 937,” by R. H. Naylor; l “Bali and Angkor.” by G. Gorer; “The 1 Story of I lie Coronation," edited by Sir J. I Ilammerton.