A Liberal Looks Back

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 183, 3 August 1940, Page 4 (Supplement)

A Liberal Looks Back

MR. J. A. SPENDER has spent Half a century in public affairs, and during that time has accumulated a store of wisdom, political and otherwise. He was born i'n the age of the great Victorians, when his prophet, Gladstone, waged verbal duels with Disraeli, and when John Morley's "Fortnightly Review" was the intelligent man's companion and guide. In 'New Lamps and Ancient Lights" (Cassell), Mr. Spender has collected together essays new and old, which give the reader an insight into hie creed and hie enthusiasms. He criticises some modern isms and ologies, including Freudism and Marxism. He finds the obscurity of much modern poetry is often%a screen for lack of matter. These essays are derived from personal experience. The views expressed are not the outpourings of intransigent unthinking youth, but have been farmed by years of experience in public affaire. There are some amusing personal reminiscences, notably a reference to the fact that in 1886 the managing editor of the "Daily Telegraph" decided that Spender was not up to that paper's standard, and showed no eign that he ever would be. And this was said to a man who was to become a famous leader-writer for more than one important English newspaper. V .

The book is divided into three sections; one deals with "iems" and ologies,' one contains biographical studies of his great Liberal heroes, and the third "ivory towers," contain* lighter articles on holiday, travel, hobbiee, etc. This ie a book" to be warmlv recommended as a solace and refreshment in these troublous times. ♦ ♦