PHOTOGENIC HIGH COUNTRY
THE MOUNTAINS OF NEW ZEALAND, by Rodney Hewitt and Mavis Davidson; A. H. and A. W. Reed, 18/6, F:UROPEAN and Himalayan ranges have been well treated with books illustrated with many photographs. There is need in New Zealand for more books on mountain scenery. While few of our alpine photographers can approach the skill of Andre Roch or Frank Smythe, a glance at contemporary mountain club
publications will show that our best men are good, among them the authors of this book. The scope includes both islands, and the work of many photographers. All regions have been fairly treated, with the exception of Southern Westland. The most successful blocks are those that fill a single page. The standard of reproduction is high, and the use of art paper enables the text to link closely with the illustrations... The captions are clear and factual, but in many cases incomplete; a work that aims to give description and information could well identify the peaks shown in photographs. This has not always been done, and the reader has to be satisfied with generalities such as*"Upper Tasman peaks from the Haast Ridge," instead of "The Minarets, Elie de Beaumont, Hochstetter Dome and Mount Darwin from the Haast Ridge." The text is interesting and informative. Its impersonal tone makes one wish that the authors had allowed their more vigorous qualities to appear. Those familiar with the crisp wit of Mr. Hewitt and the generous exuberance of Mrs. Davidson will regret that these graces have been omitted. Nevertheless, readers of considerable mountain experience or none will be glad to have this book, whether for entertainment or reference. Both authors are widely travelled and skilful mountaineers, and their recent guidebook on the Central Southern Alps has been widely read and well received.
The photographs they have chosen will revive many happy memories for New Zealand trampers and climbers and wil! suyely attract novices to widen their experience. Useful small scale maps add to the value of the text, but the lack of index is one that every reference librarian will
deplore..
John
Pascoe
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 32, Issue 815, 11 March 1955, Page 12
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349PHOTOGENIC HIGH COUNTRY New Zealand Listener, Volume 32, Issue 815, 11 March 1955, Page 12
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