Gift Of The Sea

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30278, 2 November 1963, Page 3

Gift Of The Sea

New Zealand Gift of the Sea. By Brian Brake and Maurice Shadbolt. Whiteombe and Tombs. Letterpress and 40 pages of pictures in full colour and 64 in monochrome gravure.

This book is clearly a labour of love by two gifted New Zealanders who set out to present a true portrait of their country. Mr Shadbolt’s literary skill is here devoted to a subject near to his heart; his prose is sincere and simple, sometimes lyrical, but never ornate. Mr Brake’s eye has ranged perceptively over New Zealand and its people: his artistic instincts have often inspired him to present familiar objects in guise that will be new to viewers of his pictures. The picture of Mitre Peak that is reproduced on this page is an example in point.

In seeking to define New Zealand and its people, Mr Shadbolt ranges over the whole history of these "remnant peaks of a lost continent." His story, from beginning to end, is magnificently interpreted by Mr Brake jn pictures which, paradoxically, can make his viewers believe they see this land as it was before human eyes set on it Later, both bring out the characteristics of New Zealanders—even to the man unconcernedly eating a pie while viewing the “tote” at the races.

The book is beautifully produced, but it is a little depressing to think that to Japanese printers is owed the excellent production of letterpress and pictures in this essentially New Zealand book. It must be presumed that the price of the volume would have been prohibitive had it been made here.