BOOK NOTICES

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 27, 12 July 1923, Page 26

Book notices

Discourses and Essays by John Ayscough. Herder, London. Price, 6/-. A book by John Ayscough is always an event. We look to him for good writing, good cheer, and good advice, and we never look in vain. In an age of careless English his pages shine with the polish bestowed on the work by a master; in' an age of dangerous reading he is elevating and edifying. His new volume has all the well-known qualities of delicate humor, of pathos, of keen insight which have made him beloved of thoughtful readers all over the world. He covers a multitude of topics, ranging from "The Church and Vanity Fair" to "Pagan Yule"; from "Youth and Emotion" to "Cranmer and Continuity." Needless to say he touches nothing that he does not adorn. The Gospel of a Country Pastor, by Rev. J. M. Lelen. Herder, London. Price, 4/6. Father Lelen has written a book which will be welcome to all Catholics who realise the importance of regular spiritual reading. His chapters are saturated with deep religious feeling, but they are written in a style that will appeal to young and old. Clearly and emphatically he brings home to the heart and mind the ancient Truths for want of which the world. is going astray at the present time. He deals with practical things and with the routine of daily life, and does it in a manner of great charm and winninghess. A Commentary on Canon Law, by Rev. Charles P ( . Augustine, 0.5.8., Vol VIII. (Penal Code). Herder, London. Price, 12/6. The present volume completes Father Augustine's exhaustive commentary on the New Code of Canon Law. Students and priests who are acquainted with the preceding seven volumes will welcome its appearance and be pleased to add it to their library. The volume deals with the Canons from No. 2190 to 2114, covering the legislation on Crime, on Penalties, on Unlawful Administrations, on Violation of Obligations, and on Abuse of Power. Apart from its technical worth, the study of the Canonical Penal Code contains many salutary lessons which might well be taken to heart by our modern experimenters who pet criminals and regard crime as they would a fit of whooping cough, ignoring the traditional and sound view which bases moral and social responsibility on, free will. With reason, a reviewer describes the work now completed as truly monumental and as the most comprehensive of its kind in any language, adding that "no priest can afford to be without this commentary." The value of the book is enhanced by a useful index covering the subject matter of the entire eight volumes. ' .. ■ f The Bound Table, June, 1923. • The June number of this; important quarterly has' several useful articles on social and political problems of the day. The question of the status of the Dominions on the consent, of,; which depends the stability of the British Commonwealth is discussed. The article dealing with the French and German'problems is informative and enlightening. • Ireland's difficulties are examined by ah Irish writer

who has no illusions about the severe task with which, the Government of the Free State is faced. Due notice is given to events of importance in various parts of 'the Commonwealth.