BOOKS AND AUTHORS.

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 57, 1 December 1923, Page 21

BOOKS AND AUTHORS.

By

LIBER.

Give a man a pipe Tie can smolce. Give a man a book he can read: And his home is bright with a calm delight Though the room be poor indeed. —JAMES THOMSON.

BOOKS OF THE DAY.

SOME GIFT BOOKS Australian Art in London. Last month there was to be opened at the Royal Academy, London, an exhibition of representative Australian art. In connection therewith there has been published a beautifully produced volume. “Australian Art in London. 1U23” (Sydney: Art in Australia, 1,1 d.). Than this pictorial record of the exhibition in quesiton, which was organised by the Society of Artists, Sydney, it is safe to say no more interesting and beautiful volume has been produced in Australia. It includes forty coloured reproductions of, works by leading Australian artists, such as Lambert, Longstaff, Streeton, McInres, Meldrum, Hilder, I’.eysen, Gruner, and others, together with illustrations in black and white of one hundred and sixty pictures and drawings, etchings and woodcuts by Australian painters and engravers. Opinions will differ as to the merits of two or three of the pictures selected for reproduction in colours, but on the whole very little exception can be taken to the choice of the works selected for illustration. Mr. Sydney Ure Smith contributes a carefully informative “Foreword” as to the inception and organisation of the most laudable enterprise of . holding a special Australian Art Exhibition in the historic galleries at Burlington House, and Mr. Lionel Lindsay has written an excellent introductory essay upon the history and latterday development of artistic effort in the Commonwealth. The book has been produced in a manner which reflects the highest credit upon all concerned. It forms not only a most interesting memento of the exhibition but a permanently valuable and very beautifully illustrated record of Australian art. (Price, £3 35.). “Low and 1 in London,” Mr. F. W. Thomas, well known by his humorous essays on a certain London daily, and Mr. Low, a clever young artist who, hailing originally from Christchurch, is now a very popular cartoonist in London, have collaborated in the production of a very amusing book, “Low and 1 in London” (Methuen and Co.). The exNew Zealander is a master of black and white, and his strong line draughtsmanship, permeated as it always is by the artist's keen sense of humour, here finds admirable exposition. The pair of humourists journey round Cockaigne and are as happy in their skeches, literary and pictorial, of life in the busy East End as in the fashionable West End. They take us on a trip, to the Tower, up the Monument, and for a ramble round the Zoo. We rub shoulders with the porters. at BiUmgsgate and Smithfield, take’ an aperitif or an after dinner liqueurs at the Cafe Royal, watch the children playing in Kensington Gardens, and even venture on a voyage to Southend. Both pictures and letterpress are vastly amusing. (N.Z. price, 10s. 6d.). The Funny Side of Celt. The astonishing fertility of Mr. W. Heath Robinson’s imagination has long been recognised l by those who look through the pages of “The Sketch,” the “Bvstander,” and other well-known weeklies. He is at his best in the delightfully funny drawings collected under the title “The Humours .of Gold” (Methuen and Co.). The weirdiv fantastic positions in which he places certain of his golfing figures and the auite riotously funny' contortions which some of his players assume in these comical drawings should prove a rich source of amusement in every home in which the non-golfing mistress of tho household is given to complain. “Those wretched golf sticks littering'nn the hall.” An excellent gift book this for a golfing enthusiast. (N.Z. price. 10s. 6d.).

“The Great White South.” Mr. Herbert G. Ponting, author of "Tho Great IVliite South” (Duckworth and Co.), will be well remembered in New Zealand bv the illustrated lectures he gave here on his experiences as official photographer with the Scott Antarctic Expedition. Messrs. Duckworth and Company now issue a revised and popular edition of his book, all the really wonderfully beautiful pictures of the original edition being renroduced. But Mr. Ponting’s book is

far more than a splendid picture hook. It deals with the human side of the famous expedition in a most fascinating way. Ladv Scott’s introduction has verv wisely been retained in the new issue. Here is a book which, alike as a reebrd of splendid British courage. and as. a fine pictorial memento of Scott’s never to be forgotten expedition. would form a most desirable Christmas present for any well, educated New Zealand lad. (N.Z. price, 10s. 6d.). Mr. Bellon and the Peers.

From Messrs. Duckworth tind Company comes a little quarto ‘ More Peers.” in which Mr. Hilaire Belloc' pokes auiet fun at certain imaginary members of that, to ordinary British mortals most august body, the House of Peers. Horn we may read in simple, but clever verse, how George Punter, commonly known as Lord Hippo, eldest son and heir of Peter. Sixth Earl of Potamus. came a hopeless cropper:

By putting money on a horse Which,.he believed, if it were pressed, Would run far faster than the rest:, Tor eomeono who was “in the know Had confidently told him so,

but. tapping his venerable parent for the money wherewith to allav the importunities of an infuriated bookie: Punted the lot on Little Nell. And got a telegram at dinner . To. say that he had hacked tho winner. The wav in which Lord Lucky, who From living in a vile hotel A long way east of Camberwell Rose, in less than half an hour, o riches, dignity, and power. is sot forth in amusing rhymes. The drawings bv 8.T.8., which illustrate these and others of Mr. Belloc’s jingles, are as diverting as the verse they accompany. (N.Z. price, 3s. Cd.).

“A History of Art.” Messrs. Duckworth and Company have a well deserved reputation as the publishers of literature upon artistic subjects. Ono of their . recent and most important books in this class is an English translation, by Miss Janet ?Ross, of “A History of Art,” bv Dr. G. Carotti, Professor of Fine Arts in the University of Milan. Volume 111. of this fine work. dealing with Italian art in the Middle Ages, more 'particularly art in Upper and Southern Italy, is now before me. It is a, auite remarkable achievement in condensation, every possible phase ot tho subject being dealt with comprehensively and with a wealth of biographical and other information which must render it of special value to students of Italian art and architecture. The illustrations, of which there are over 300. are necessarily of a much reduced size, but afford a. useful and pleasant pictorial accompaniment to tho text. (N.Z. price. 10s. Gd.).

A Charmins Anthology, A verv charming present for well educated children of. sav. from ten to fourteen, is to be found in u tastefully .produced volume entitled “The School of Poetry/’ an Anthology Chosen for Young Readers,” by Mrs. Alice Mevnell (Wm. Collins, Sons, and C 0... per Whiteombo and Tombs). In liter brief preface the late Mrs. Mcynell says 'that tho ages between ten and fourteen years are long. long, rears of youth eaual to ten of the older, twenty of the aged, and it was not easy to choose the all-appropriate . . something there might always bo for fourteen to tolerate -and yet for ten to hope to achieve.” The anthology exemplifies a truly catholic but always cultured taste. As was to bo expected, the earlier devotional poets, Vaughan and George Herbert, are well represented, although personally I doubt whether mystical poetry can ever appeal to youthful readers. But the selection as a rule is admirable and 1 am glad to see several poets represented 1 whoso names are rarely to bo found in such collections—for instance, Cowlev. Clare '■ (tho peasant poet), George Darlev, Sydney Dobell, Andrew Marvell and others. The moderns are well represented, Stevenson, “Lewis Carroll.” Francis Hastings Dc-vle. E. V, Lucas. Henlev and Belloc. and I rejoice to notice the inclusion of Francis Thompson’s “At Lord’s Cricket Ground.” ' A photogravure poiirait of Mrs. Meynell serves as frontispiece to a volume which is charming alike in contents and outwa'rd garb.

“Odes by John Keats.” A delightful little booklet which comes from Messrs. Duckworth and Company is “Odes by John Keats,” with woodcut decorations bv Vivien

r Gribble. The lucky possessors of that delightfully produced book “The IdilJia of Theocritus.” to which last year Miss Gribble contributed a scries of thirty-four most gracefully designed woodcuts will need no recommendation bv me to secure a copy of these new examples of this artist’s charming work. Some years ago Mr. R. Anniug Bell illustrated a Keats volumo. To mv mind these now decorations aro equally admirable. The circular, cameo-like heading to tho “Ode to a Nightingale,” and the three wo-idcuts illustrating the “Ode to a Grecian Urn.” are specially happy and graceful designs. (N.Z. price 4s. fid.). “My Lady bf the Chimney Corner.” Mr. Alexander Irvine’s story of Ulster peasant life, “My Lady of the Chimney Corner,” is by this time to be accounted a classic, well worthy of a place alongside the Barrio studios of Thrums life. A new and beautifully illustrated edition of this new-famous story has been published by Messrs. William Collins, Sous, and Co-. The coloured illustrations, by an artist whose name should have, but has not, been given on the litle page, and whose signature on the pictures themselves is difficult to decipher, are in excellent keeping with Die text. An admirable gift book this. (N.Z. price, 165.) iT - LIBER’S NOTE BOOK A boon to lovers of books of really outstanding permanent value is the reissue, by Messrs. Duckworth and Co., in two volumes of Charles M. Doughty’s “Wanderings in Arabia,” so long in its original form. “Travels in Arabia Dbserta,” practically unobtainable, and reissued last year in a limited edition at the prohibitive price of nine guineas. An extended notice of the new edition will appear on this page very shortly. One of the most successful French books of late years is Paul Morand’s “Ouvert la Nuit,” six studies in postwar feminine psychology, the scenes being laid in Barcelona,Constantinople, Rome, Budapest, Paris, and Norway. An English translation has now boon published by Chapman and Dodd. The companion series, “Closed All Night,” will, I suppose, also bo published in an English translation. French books are now, with the low rate of exchange, very cheap. Most of the new novels are published at 6 francs 7-5 cents, say, ss. 9d. But with the exchange at 80‘francs to the £1 sterling they como very cheaply, even allowing for the booksellers' charges.

“Jeremy and Hamlot” is the title of Hugh Walpole’s latest book, another study in boy and canine life. It is a Cassell book.

“Mooidius and Co., the late W. J. Locke’s book, is, I hear, selling well, but I question whether it will be so popular as were several of its predecessors. The scoundrelly Moordius is such a sinister, horrible character that he seems out of place in a Locke novel. Tho first volume of a new “Life of Carlyle,” “Carlyle till Marriage.” by Andrew. Dakers, has had some verj’ “good” reviews in the Home Press. Mr. Dakers, I believe, places Carlyle and his “Jeannie” in a very different light from that in which they were exhibited by Fronde. The first volume of a new series, “The People’s Library,” to be published at 3s. Gd. (N.Z. price), by Hodder and Stoughton, will be a' study of St. Francis d’Assissi by G. K. Chesterton. Tiffs ought to lie worth ordering. Next' week ' there will doubtless bo big audiences at the Wellington Opera House to witness the performances of “The Beggar’s Opera.” Lovat Fraser, the clever young artist, who designed the scenery and costumes for the London revival of Gay’s famous musical play, died last year. There is a great demand bv collectors for copies of the many little books of poetry and fairy tales which were illustrated by Fraser, and high prices aro be' ll S brought by some of these productions. Two books dealing with Lovat Fraser and his work as an artist and designer have recently been published, one by Wm. Heinemann at the high, price c-f six guineas. 'J ho other, written by Fraser’s great friend, Haldane Mac Fall, is published by Dents at 255. To those who can afford it, I warmly recommend tho beautifully illustrated edition of Gay’s opera, irublished by Heinemanns (30s. N.Z.). This contains a series of coloured plates (facsimiles of Fraser’s original drawings), and a long series of black and white drawings, head and tail pieces, etc. It is one of tho most artistically-produced books of the last few years. '

SOME RECENT FICTION Some “H. and S.” Novels. “LL and S” stands, of course, for the great publishing house of Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton, from whom, per Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, come copies of several notable new novels from the firm’s autumn list. Mr~ John Buchan is a wonderfully versatile gentleman. Novelist, historian, editor of scries innumerable, he has done yeoman services in tho cause of good literature. In “Midwinter,” (Hodder and Stoughton, per Whitcombe and Tombs), he gives us a vigorouslywritten romance, a story of the days of the Young Pretender and his illfated march southwards, and of the adventures which befall his devoted follower. Captain Alastair Maclean, and a gentleman vagabond, and fiddlei named. Midwinter. The principal scenes are laid on the moorlands of the Eng lish midland and northern counties, and Mr. Buchan, who is, 1 shall til ways_ think, at his best m the. genre of historical fiction, has provided » long succession of thrilling incidents. A decided novelty in the Story is tho introduction as a subsidiary figure in the romance of no less a personage than Doctor Johnson. Johnson, in his youthful and pre-London and nre-Boswell days, then a poor tutor. The story is supposed to be based upon an ok! manuscript found in an ancient mansion in Lincoln’s Inn Field. This is an old Rider Haggardian trick, but Mr. Buchan manages it very cleverly. “Midwinter” should be one of the most pop iila-r of novels during the coming holiday season.

Like Mr. John Buchan Mr. A. E, W. Mason is a born story-teller. In his latest novel, “The Winding Stair,” tho author of “The Four Feathers,” and “The Broken Road” proves himself as accomplished a craftsman as ever. It is the story of a young man, Paul Ravenel, son of an Englishman cashiered for desertion in India and a French mother, who enlists in the French army. He rises to comHjissioned rank and then, beguiled by the Teaux yeux of an English dancing girl, whom he meets at Casablanca, becomes involved in a similar disgrace to that of his father. Ho and his Marguerite live secretly together in Fez, but the Great War breaks out and Paul gets his chanee. He redeems his name by gallantry, his desertion is officially wiped out, and he marries the woman he loves, and wins his right to “tho great place”, of his natural English nationality. A fine, stirring story. Mr. John Oxenham, author of “A Hazard in the Blue,” can always be depended upon for a well told, good, straightforward yarn with plenty of stirring incident. His latest novel, which deals with life in British East Africa, has for its heroine a bonny Scots girl, Ona Grant. She goes to Mombasa to marry a, man she had nursed in a war hospital and on the voyage out meets another man who falls hopelessly in love with her. Hence a crop of awkward complications and some sensational experiences. But all comes right in the end for everybody save the inconvenient third in the triangle, whose fate readers may. consider too hard. In one of the final chapters we have references .to Wellington and Clyde (Wairoa), but the scenes of the novel are nearly all laid in British East Africa.

There is perhaps too much of the cave man in the hero of Miss Margaret Pedler’s new story, “The Barbarian Lover,” more especially in his manner of wooing. Kerry Lorimer is a sort of hero much in vogue just now, and greatly popular, I am told, with feminine readers. But it is a well told story, and the author of “Tho Hermit of Far End,” has scored what no doubt will ‘bo another and pronounced success with her own public. ‘

Mr. B. M. Bower’s Western American stories are always popular with New Zealand readers. His latest yarn, “The f Voice at‘Johnny Water” has for its hero, -a movie actor. But his sweetheart considers the calling undignified, and so he goes out to Johnny Water Ranch. There he finds a mystery which had sent >ts previous occupatant half insane, and becomes involved in a series of experiences as thrilling as the most extravagant stage situations. A story of adventure —plus plenty of pleasant love-making. Under the title, “Some Plain, Some Coloured,” we get eighteen stories by Mr J. J. Bell, whose “Wee MacGregor” was so popular. Dramatic and tragic incidents form the motif of some of the stories; in others there is a touch of the occult; in others yet again the interest is that of light comedy. All make interesting reading, Mr- Bell wisely never overdoing the dialect.