Putting Life Into the Illustrious Dead

Radio Record, Volume IX, Issue 2, 19 July 1935, Page 28

Putting Life Into the Illustrious Dead

Duckworth’s "Great Lives" ({ERALD DUCKWORTH & CO. LID., publishers, -are issuing a series entitled "Great Lives." Already: 50 of these have been published, and the choice shows great discrimination. The series itself is a handy pocket size; its binding is neat.and strong, the printing and quality of paper excellent; in fact, the series possesses all those attributes which are essential to make it eligible to take its place on the sheives of a discriminating book-lover, One of: the: latest is "Captain Cook," by Lieut.-Commander R, T. Gould, R.N. (Retired), and after reading it one is forced to the conclusion that. only a sailor can have the insight necessary: for the perfect retailing of. another snilor’s voyages and _ discoveries. Gould’s version has a sailorly straightforwardness which is most attractive; his style makes for enjoyable reading; his’ account is neither too full nor too sketchy, and throughout be maintains an unbiased attitude which the reader . appreciates, because he is allowed _ to. form his:own judgment for himself. The several diagrams and list of dates are also an attractive feature. The other new issue in this series | is the life of Abraham Lincoln, by D. W. Brogan. To most New Zealanders. an account of Abraham Lincoln may not be thought to hold the same warmth of appeal as the account. of Cook’s discovery of their own and neighbouring islands; nevertheless, Lincoln’s life contains a greatness which surmounts geographical boundaries. Extra to this. it teems with human drama. As each momentous event in Lincoln's. life suecceeds the other, the reader finds him-.

self becoming more and more absorbed and identified with the main character

as was the case with. a novel which, hesides being written, powerfully,

stretches the mind to a consciousness and appreciation of universal truths concerning mankind and their destiny. Not a little of this success can be attributed to Mr. Brogan’s method of treatment of his subject. It is not a dry-as-dust piece of history: it is a living piece of drama, absorbing in its intensity. "Captain Cook," Lieut-Commander R, T. Gould, R.N. "Abraham Lincoln," D. W. Brogan. (Great Lives series.) Gerald. Duckworth and Company, Limited. Our coples from the publishers. ;