Books and Men

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 37, 22 March 1935, Page 22

Books and Men

Three Women Flaunt Danger In Central Asia

JroR those who are interested in the experiences and vicissitudes of missionary life we can recommend no better recent book than "A Desert Journal." It is an unusually human and, unaffected series of letters written. during their travels in Central Asia by, three women, Evangeline and Francesca French and Mildred Cable. ‘Their ietters home were pusted in the hope that they would eventually reach their destination, but without the certain knowledge, for theiv journey was made in.some of the most troublous times through which China and Mongolia have passed. The misery and mortal fear in which many of the natives lived has not been (iescribed so fully. however, as to cause any distress to the reader, fox there ig always a bright ray of optimism in the writings of these women which makes one feel that there is hope for these people some day both spiritually and socially. ‘he reception accorded out adventurers was generally a favourable one, but they had their moments of apprehension as they penetrated further inland from the possible protection of the consulate or the name of England. What difficult passages they experienced are retold vividly, evidently without a view to the dramatic, for their language is Gunseunessenesenstinn eam,

simple and their faith is an inspiration, There is no need to dw ell upon the conditions of militarism and banditry with which the cvuntry was yoked when they undertock their travels, for what canont be unagined has to be read to be believed. In fact, were if not for the fearless front with which their faith provided them it seems Coubtful whether tue; would all have finished their experiences, with whole skins, The propagation of the gospel >= 4

of love in that wild area between Tibet and Siberia is no easy task, yet these letters indicate that the power of Christianity has been implanted here in no mean manner, The descriptions of the varied country through which they travelled are a valuable record, surpassing in clarity and vividness the style of the best of guide books, and it is invested, moreover, with the colour of the personal feelings about their journey, Quaint customs of many peoples, their mode of life-affected so strongly by their age-old religious beliefs and practices-make absorbing reading. alatial pagodas aud bamboo or mud huts alike have their place in this faithful record of adventures in the name of their faith. There is a map provided with the volume which shows the route taken by the three women. This is not merely a propagandist story of the gospel in desert country. Itisa thrilling tale of travel and adventure which showld become valuable in libraries all oyer the world.

New and Coming Books T WERNER LAURLE'S chief Aus- * tralian uovel. "Lhe Cautious Amorist.’ by Norman Lindsay. Was banned last year by the Comimoenwealth Customs, but word has been just received from Canberra that’ Lindsay’s new book, "Pan in the Parlour,’ iy not prohibited from importation. LUA K. MAILLART’S travel book, "Turkestan Solo." is having an uuusual’ sales record. Published last \oyember, it bad a fair success during: the. Christmas season. In the quiet weeks of the New Year general s:les tend to diminish, but ‘‘furkestan Solo" is now selling better than ever. Myidently the public is specially — interested in. the problems of the Chinese frontier, RICHARD BERMANN’S "The Mahci of Allah" is one of the best recent books on General rordon’s — fast. months in Khartoum. a half. century ago, Mur. Winston Churehill, whoa was4 himself present at the Battle of Om-: durman, contributed an introduction to the book, BOOKLET entitled "Educational Broadcasts to Schools" has heen issued by stations 2YA and 4+¥A for the first term of this year. The jotrual, which deals with poetry, Hrterature, history, geography. nature study aud Maori art, is very well illustrated and should be of immense educational value. The talks will be broadcast at "p.m. on Thursday of each week and are suitable for children from standard 3 to post-primary classes. Mr. W. J. Mountjoy, junior, of the Lyall Bay School, wiil be in charge of the poetry section, which deals mainly witb voice production and sound and rhythm. Mr. M. F. Turner, of the correspondence school attached to the Education Department, arranges the literature talks, and, on March 28 he will deal. with Tlomei’s "Odyssey." History will be controlled by Mr. J, H. M. Finlayson, , head teacher of the Kelburn School. Mr, Finlayson will give an interesting talk on March 21 on "Mutiny on the High Seas." Mr. BE, 8, Andrews will be responsible for the New Zealand history and Miss D. I, McLeod for geography. She will spenk mainly on modern travel, Dr. W. R. B, Oliver, director of the Dominion Museum, arranges the talks on nature study and Mr. W. J. Phillipps, of the Dominion Museum, vill speak on the Maori and Maori art. It ig to be seen that the talks will cover the more important subjects, and with such an amount of talent behind it the scheme could scarcely fail to be successful,

ss | A Second Book Accepted Author of "Children of the Poor" Finds Fame HE author of "Children of the Poor,’ the much-dis-cussed anonymous. story of Dunedin’s slums, may come out of hiding. He has received word that his second book has been accepted in London-and it is possible that the author's name will appear on the cover. It may not be letting the cat out of the bag to say that he is a well-known member of Parliament, and a man who is neither lacking in ideas nor the ability to put them forward.