Page 17 Advertisements Column 1

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21761, 18 April 1936, Page 17

A BOOKMAN’S GUIDE The Lure of New Zealand Book Col* lectin?. By Johannes Andersen. ‘ Whltcombe and Tombs. 188 pp. (7/-.)

Zestful and attractive books on the art of book collecting have been written already in England and America by men whose nods in auction room: mean large sums of money. Now New Zealand has come into this narrow literary field with an excellent essay by Mr Johannes Andersen, librarian of the Turnbull Library, Wellington. Mr Andersen is an accomplished literary scholar, a lover of books, and a man learned in the history of his country. This combination of qualities has enabled him to write a delightful volume on New Zealand book collecting. The large and assorted early literature of this country has always had a fascination for collectors, and it can be said definitely that’ there is more than the basely acquisitive whim to lustily this passion. What Mr Andersen has done is to provide the perfect guide-book for future collectors. He communicates his information in a thoroughly entertaining fashion, giving it the spice of anecdote and pleasant personal reflections. It is clear all the time that the author must have enjoyed writing this book. It is interesting to have information about such men as Bob Thatcher, whose topical and highly personal songs of 70 years ago caused commotion as well as pleasure; and John White, prodigious historian of the ancient Maoris, and Frederick Edward Maning, the Pakeha Maori. Mr Andersen has given friendly chats _ about these men and the manner in which they produced their books. He mentions, too, the treasures now housed in the Turnbull Library, and Sir Joseph Kinsey’s library. Collectors of New Zealand books —present and to come —will be specially grateful for the list of the most sought books with their approximate value. There has been need for such a guide as this for a long time. A word or two more should be written in commendation of the production of “The Lure of New Zealand Book Collecting.” The publishers have done their best with a book that truly merited generous treatment.

Ivor Brown’s satirical essay, “I Commit to the Flames,” and A. Bertram’s book, “The House: a Machine to Live In,” are two nonfiction works finding many interested readers, reports the librarian o’ the Canterbury Public Library. Eric Linklater’s “The Lion and the Unicorn,” a discussion of AngloScottish relations, and Owen Rutter’s biographical work, “Rajah Brooke and the Baroness Coutts.” are two other popular titles. Of the‘novels in greatest demand, three are by women authors; Mary Mitchell’s “Maidens Beware,” Ethel Mannin’s “The Pure Flame,” and Pearl Buck’s “The Exile.” Jerravd Tickell’s whimsically named “See How They Run” is a first novel of. considerable promise.