LITERARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 76, 28 March 1908, Page 12

LITERARY.

Senor Miguel de TJnamuno, a Spanish metaphysician of some distinction, has brought out a book entitled "The Life of Don Quixote and Sancho," in which he advances the rather obvious contention that the actions of Don Quixote, which seem strange and inconsequent from the conventional point of view, all have their ideal meaning and are strictly in the line of reason if looked at through the light of symbolism as the sallies of a simple, generous souk

The comical songs in "Alice in Wonderland" have been set to music by Mme. Liza Lehmann, and have been sung at a London concert. "The Athenaeum" states that she has dealt entertainingly with "You Are Old, Father WUliam," which, planned as a duet for tenor and barytone, exhibits pleading strains for the youth contrasted with firm and dignified utterance on the part of the old man. Very humorous, too, is the setting of 'They Told Mc You Had Been to Her,' interrupted by recitatives, in the style ror old-fashioned Italian opera."

" Dante's Lyrical Poems" is the title !of Mr. Edmund G. Gardner's forthcoming book. It will include, it is said, both a study in mystical and erotic poetry and jan attempt to construct a critical text of the fifteen canzoni, the famous series of odes; and it will contain, moreover, the ballads, sonnets, and other rime, or minor poems. Mr. Gardner, it will be remembered by those interested in books on Italian literature, is the author of " Dante's Ten Heavens " and " Dukes and Poets of Ferrara."

Professor Oman's "History of the Peninsular War"—the first volume of which came out in 1902—promises to be the standard work on that subject. A great quantity of material in the form of the diaries and letters of officers has accumulated since the days in which Napier wrote his narrative, and Professor Oman has had these riches at his disposal. The third volume of the " History " is nearly ready for publication.

As a sequel to his recent publication of an edition of "Romola," Mr. T. Fisher TJnwin has received a letter addressed to "George Eliot, Esq., c.o. Messers. Fisher Unwin, Adelphi-terrace, W.C." it contained a circular from an agency, inviting George Eliot to become a subscriber.

A correspondent of " Notes and Queries" says with truth that any side light on the character of Richard Swiveliler, "the Perpetual Grand Master of the Glorious Apokers," is worthy of record, and he adds this note:

"In my possession is a little songbook called 'The Apollo,' published 1808, Albion Press, printed for James Cundce, Ivy Lane, Paternoster How, London. At the head of every page of this book is a toast or sentiment, not, indeed, worthy of R. S., but very much in his line; thus, "May avarice lose its purse, and benevolence find it,' and to the memory of Nelson,' 'how he beat the French without arms.' When R. S. was not 'passing the rosy,' there is little doubt that he was perusing this book of songs and sentiments, and qualifying for his position as a 'Glorious Apoller.'"

"Life" for March publishes the facts connected with the withdrawal of Mr. Thomas W. Lawson, author of "Frenzied Finance," from the role of champion of popular rights against "The System," and his return to the Stock Exchange, disgusted with public indifference to the methods of the financial rulers of America. The instalment of "Strange Pages in Australasian History," deals with the work of Cook, Hinders, and Bass in making the Australian map. The French-Canadian parachutist, Alphonse Stewart, narrates some exciting experiences in the pursuit of his dangerous calling. The Humours and Sorrows of Wedded Life are described in "The Adventures of the Dixons," by Grace S. Redmond. The editor gives a chatty account of the Life and Achievements of Mr. Edison, the famous electrician. There are the customary notes on current Australasian topics, many interesting illustrated articles, and a full budget of fun.

"The Pall Mall Magazine" for March contains a mystical story by William Waldorf Astor, entitled "The Theft of the Holy Grail," which details the curious circumstances attending the disappearance of a sacred relic from a church at Naples, and the mysterious events preceding its recovery. Salvatore Cortesi contributes an interesting illustrated article on the revision of the Vulgate edition of the Bible, which is being carried out by the Benedictine Order, under directions from Pope Pius X. The revision committee is presided over by Abbot Gasqnet, who has declared his intention to devote the remainder of his life to the task. He has associated with him a number of learned Benedictines. In evidence of the magnitude of the task it is mentioned that the early MSS. to be entirely arranged, collated and divided amount to perhaps twenty thousand. ' These are being collected from all over Europe, where permission to take them to Rome is given, and photographed when the use Of the MSS. cannot be obtained. The text of St. Jerome will be the foundation of the Revision, but an effort will be made to test how far St. Jerome himself was correct. The article is illustrated by a fine recent portrait of the Pope, and photos, of the leading Benedictines connected with the work of revision. Mr. H. G. Wells' serial, "The War in the Air," and Mr. Joseph Conrad's "The Duel: A Military Story," are of stirring interest; and another exciting episode in the life of "A South Sea Buccaneer," worthily ranks among the features of an excellent, number.

Mr. W. T. Stead has announced that if the London Pageant Committee "do him the honour" of asking him to appear in the part of Oliver Cromwell —-whom he regards as "the greatest man in English history will consent.

The" heroism of this resolution lies in ■the fact that, as Oliver Cromwell, he will be compelled to shave off the fine grey beard and moustache, which, in varying shades, have adorned his face, since his youth.

Mi-. Stead protested against an evident intention to exclude the Protector from the pageant, and Mr. Lascelles, the master of the pageant, has definitely decided ■to issue the invitation to Mr. Stead, regardless of the personal sacrifice it must entail.

"If I were asked to play Othello I should do the thing properly, and black myself all over," said Mr. Stead to a newspaper interviewer, but while he spoke he stroked his beard almost affectionately.

"I have never owned or used a razor in my life," he continued, meditatively. "My beard was never trimmed until I was past forty. I am now fifty-eight. But I am willing not only to shave my face, but even my head, if I am honoured with an invitation to play the part of the-grea£est man in English higtory,, 1 -'