Fun In Commentary

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 208, 3 September 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Fun In Commentary

rERE are few English writers who surpass Mr. A. A. Thomson in versatility. Of this his latest book is a reminder. It is a moderate-sized volume containing selections from the articles he has written for a radio journal during the past four years and is published under the title "Strolling Commentaries" (Herbert Jenkins). With two exceptions the "commentaries" are all humorous —the two exceptions being in more serious mood, on Armistice Day and Christmas, and admirable both in matter and tone. Mr. Thomson is a Scot, and more than once draws attention to the fact. His humour, however, is of the English variety, gay and amusing, and making fun of listeners and their different modes of contact with wireless programmes. He , includes among them a. horse and a red setter puppy, and, to one class, mostly women, he applies the novel term "knistening." Rugby and cricket, and Rugby and cricket enthusiasts come in for a good deal of banter, and on crooners he wastes no compliments. Underneath all the fun is sound common sense, and readers, who appreciate common sense, subtly suggested by a skilful use of the ludicrous, will read Mr. Thomson's "commentaries" with relish.