BOOKS AND AUTHORS.

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 181, 26 April 1924, Page 17

BOOKS AND AUTHORS.

BY

LIBER.

Give a man a pipe- he can smolcc. Give a man a book he can read: And his home is bright with a calm delight Though the room be poor indeed. —JAMBS THOMSOM,

BOOKS OF THB DAY.

I 'Tha Peaks of Shala.” Mrs. Wilder Lane’s book, ‘‘The Peaks of Shala; a Record of Certain Wanderings Among the Hill-tribes of Albania” (Chapman and Dodd, per Australasian Publishing Co., Sydney), affords a most interesting description of a land which has not enjoyed the best of reputations as a so-called civilised State. It is of Albania, the youngest and smallest member of the League of Nations, that Mrs. Lane (presumably an American) writes. The Albanians have been painted as “the scum of the Balkans,” descendants of bandits driven out of the other Balkan States, a bad lot, morally and physically. Quite another description or them is given by a friend of the author, who, referring to a recent book on Balkan politics, in which the Albanians are described an “impervious to civilisation,” waxes indignant over what she deems a slander upon the mountaineers who have played so prominent a part in the history of the Balkans "Impervious to civilisation I l ' 'Thny've been impervious to two thousand years of armed invasion. Do you know that! the Albanians are the oldest Aryan people in Europe? Do you know they’ve held these mountains against the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, tfiie Mongols. Serbs, and Turks, and kept their own language and their own customs aud laws since before the beginnings of history? Do you know that the Greeks got the names of their gods, their oracles, and lots of their mythology from the Albanians? Do you know that the mother of Alexander the Great was an Albanian woman; that Albanians have been Pashas of Turkey, rulers of Egypt, statesmen of Italy? ... It is of this little known land and its people that Mrs. Lane writes so vivaciously and with such unfailing interest for her readers. Her account of her wanderings amongst the Albanian so simple, peacefill and virtuous m their every day life, the life of a purely pastoral people, of their ancient legends and j traditions, their curious family customs, and yet more curious superstitions, makes excellent reading. Some fine panoramic photographic views and other illustrations add greatly to the interest of the text, and a useful feature is an excellent map. (N.Z. price. 165.) The New Hawaii.

If Mrs. Jack London’s book “The New Hawaii” (Mills and Boon) does not secure the unqualified approval of the Hawaiian Progress Association or whatever body may charge itself with the agreeable task of “boosting” the attractions of the Sandwich Isles, Hawaiian “progressives” and “publicity” organisers must be a very ungrateful lot. For Mrs. London hero paints Hawaiian scenery and the delights of Hawaiian life in such glowing colours as to malke her readers fairlv long to take the first steamer which shall land them in these happy isles. To some of. those who can remember thb Hawaii of even twenty years ago the group may seem to have been over “Americanised, but what little may have been lost in the picturesque native life is compensated for—frbm the. tourists if not the ethnologist’s noint of view by the greatly increased accessibility to the principal beauty spots, which has been brought about bv the wide extension of inter-island steamer traffic, by the making of good roads, and, of course, by the now omnipresent influence of the motor-car. Airs. London has much to say about Hawaii of the good old days, but for the mam part her book is a glowingly enthusiastic appreciation of the delights offered by a sojourn in the islands as they are to-day. Here and there shs is inclined to be a trifle gusbful but as a whole her book is a pleasantly written and instructive work, which is well worth reading. Included in the volume are three articles by the late J ack London entitled “My Hawaiian Aloha, and here published for the first time in book form. Some excellent illustrations reproduced from photographs add greatly to the interest of the text. (N.Z: price, Ils.) "Psychology and Morals.”

“Psychology and Morals: An Analysis of Character,” by J. A. Hadfield, M A., M. 8., lecturer on psychology. King’s College, London (Methuen and Co.), has its origin in the Dale lectures delivered at Mansfield College, Oxford, in 1920. The author’s object, so he explains in his preface, is to set out facts and principles revealed by modern psychology, especially in its application to nervous disease, some knowledge of which is of vital importance to all who, like parents, teachers, clergy, and general practitioners, are callS upon to give practical direction and advice to Individuals in regard to the actual problems of life and conduct. Professor Hadfield’s book will afford the genera] reader much valuable information upon the nature and treatment of moral disorders. (N.Z. price Bs.) “Northern Neighbours.” “Grenfell of Labrador,” otherwise Dr. Wilfred Thomason, Grenfell, was once described by a writer in the “Times” as “A Labrador St. Luke. He has happily combined a deeply religious spirit with great practical service to humanity; he has been called “one of the great servants of the human race an<T one of its inspirers-” In his latest book, “Northern Neighbours (Hodder and Stoughton), Dr. Grenfell gives us a long series of most picturesque and interesting studies of life la the wild and semi-Arctic region where he has spent so many years of his life in ministering to the spiritual and physical welfare of a scattered population of hunters, fur-trappers, and traders, Indians and wandering white adventurers. In some of these Sketches the interest is dramatic, in others the curious and humorous sides of Labrador life are sot forth; in others, again, the religious element is introduced in a manly, essentially non-sec-tarian and very wholesome way. The volume contains several well-produced illustrations. (N.Z. price 10s.) “Folded Hands.” Under the title “Folded Hands: Philosophical Studies of Everyday People” (Hodder and Stoughton), that popular writer, Mr. Richard King, of “The Tatler,” collects a number of interesting essays which should please all those who enjoyed his earlier books, “With Silent Friends” and “Over the Fireside,” etc. There are both wit and wisdom in these agreeably written and often thought-compelling studies of everyday life and its problems. The tone is always cheerful, the humour unforced, an<l the dominant vein one of sympathy and helpfulness. (N.Z. price 7s. 6d.)

| SOME RELIGIOUS BOOKS In liis introduction to h’s book, “St. Luke and His Gospel” (London, the Epworth Press), the Rov. Dr. James T. Pinfold describes the Gospel of St. Luke as one of our greatest treasures. It is, says the author, a desirable aocerslon to the equipment of the Church: and it> Is a praiseworthy exercise to familiarise ourselves with its | contents. The whole booh Is full of vivtxdty and Interest. One of its greatest , sttrsawioM bl the oMxwrwhwwtve eiMf-

acter of its literary forms. It IS a mere collection of details splendidly I worked together into a beautiful piece I of mosaic, but a carefully . compost*! 1 volume marked by artistic unity. It is worthy of our best and most self-denying efforts to understand; for it is a repository in which wisdom and errace ° iee J • together, where truth and reality blend in a harmony that thrills th© human soul witti happiness. Dr. Pinfold gives us an erudite, but never pedantic, disquisition, upon the 1 leading , features, the doctrinal value and the literary charm of St. Luke s Gospel. One of the most interesting of its chapters is that entitled yThe Supernatural in the Gospel,” in which the author specially considers and examines Christ’s miracles which he describes as u a self-revelation of the Saviour.” Dr. Pinfold’s book must be regarded as a singularly able arid deeply interesting contribution to Biblical exposition and criticism. (N.Z. price, In a volume entitled “From Luther to Steiner” (Methuen and Co.) will be found a translation by Ayies “ ” of a work by a German writer, Ernst Boldt. It is described as a study or the growth and development of the Soul in matters appertaining to the Spirit from those first stirrings which prefigured the Reformation down through the Philosophers .to the present day, when spiritual life is again being quickened among the growing band who are following the banner of Dr. Rudolf Steiner, “Philosopher and Founder of Anthroposophv.. Steiner's theological and philosophical works have created widespread discussion in Germany. Herr Boldt’s exposition of his theories and teachings, as now presented in Miss Blake’s translation, is at once both interesting and valuable. (N.Z. price, 10s.) , Under the title “From a Friar’s Cell (Oxford; Basil Blackwell), Fr. Vincent McNab, 0.P., presents a senes of deeply interesting studies of vanous theoi logical subjects and latter-day religious problems. His point of view reflects that Liberal Catholicism, of which so many able and enthusiastic exponents are to be found in the. Roman Catholic and Anglican communions. Of special interest are the chapters entitled 1 Lambeth Conference and A Roman Catholic View, and Canterbury and Rome.” (N.Z. price, Bs.)

AT THE SIGN OF THE LYRE "In Babylon.” Miss Winifred Shaw, a clever young Australian writer, has evidently been influenced by Rossetti's “daptations eff the old English ballad meure. Her teng poem, “Babylon ( Art in Aus traliT.” office) ia a most meritorious attempt, 0 tlfe simplicity and directness of the style adding greatly to the interest and dramatic strength of the versified narrative. Miss Shaw s Roem is in the main a study of pa™el s rise to greatness at the - Babylonian court, but the Scriptural story is departed from not a little.. Daniel s affectionate yearning for his native land induces him to ignore the debt of gratitude he owes to Belshazzar and betray the city to Cyrus. As exemplifyinff the combined ease and force of Miss Shaw’s excursion into th© pleasant fields of balladry, I may quote the first three verses of Canto Al, “The Betrayal.” Belshazzar gave a neat feast In tho city of Babylon. For that all wars were done and uasv. And the scarce-hoped peace was oomo at And for the foe forever gone. The younc Kln<r of Babylon Sat drinking of the wine With his women and hi» rreat lords. His captains with tneir sheafihed swords, And a thousand lamps ashlne. The youmr nneeu watched the Kinx’s face With bright, painted eyes: , His women lay round the hinc s throne. And Daniel stood by the door, alone. And looked at the firelit skies. Mr Hugh McCrae furnishes a number of wood-cut illustrations which are in admirably artistic keeping with the text. The book is beautifully printed, but it is worthy of a more permanent outward garb than paper covers. (N.Z. price 10s.). “Victorian Poetry."

Himself a poet and the writer of much striking and often very beautiful verse, Mr. John Drinkwater proves

himself, in a neat little volume entitled • Victorian Poetry” (Hodder and Stoughton’s People’s Library), a flhrewdly discriminating judge and critic of English verse of the Victorian period. Mr. Drinkwater deals chiefly with the work of Tennyson, Browning, Arnold, Rossetti, Swinburne, and William Morris, although many other poets whom the author holds “of equal eminence,’’ Buch as Coventry ?atmore, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Christina Rossetti are not unduly neglected. Landor and Emily Bronte are not treated as Victorians, not that they did not work into the early part of the period dealt with, “but that they belonged by nature no more to the Victorian age than Wordsworth.” The section devoted to Matthew Arnold is, to my mind, one of the best things in the book, winch is hereby specially commended to all students of English poetry as an exceptionally well planned and useful little manual. (N.Z. price Bs. 6d.)

Chinese Poetry. Mr. Arthur Waley’s name is well known to lovers of Oriental verse. Previous selections from his translations of Chinese poems have been mainly composed of delicately wrought brief lyrics, “Gems in jade?’ as they have been called. In “The Temple and Other Poems” (George Allen and Upwin), Mr. Waloy gives us a collection of English versions of what the Chinese call “Fu”—longer poems of a descriptive character, some m a simple ballad form, others in a more stately metre. Many of these poems are of great antiquity, some dating as far back as the ninth century. Among other subjects hero versically treated are palace decorations, an Imperial hunting scene a temple, and a pilgrimage. while in others the motif is taken from the. song of birds, the chirping of the cicada, eto. The Oriental imagery occasionally verges upon the mystical, but in others there is a realism quite in touch with that so much favoured by English and American vers libre poets of the present day. (N.Z. price, Bs.)

LIBER’S NOTE BOOK Mr. Werner Laurie has been moved by the success of Mr. John Lane’s excellent JEnglish edition of Anatole France to arrange for a complete English translation of Guy de Maupassant’s novels and contes. The first volume is the famous (or notorious) “Bel Ami,” which is to be followed very shortly by that terribly pathetic story, “Une Vie ’’ My own favourites among Mr. H. G. Wells’s two score or so of books have always been those earlier stories of his, “Love and Mr. Lewisham” ant? that deliciously humorous yarn, “Kipps.” Both have long been out of print, save in most unsatisfying cheap editions. The two stories, together with the later and almost equally delightful “Mr. Polly,” have now, I am glad to see, been added to Collins’s half-crown library (N.Z. price, Bs. 6d.). v From the publishers of “Art in Australia” (Svdney) comes a copy of the last the March issue of “Home, an Australian Quarterly.” A special feature is a series of illustrations of Australian homes, both exteriors and interiors. Domestic architecture both in Sydney and Melbourne is evidently acquiring a pleasantly artistic character. Lady readers will find “The Home” a most beautifully produced magazine equal to the best American publications of this kind. American papers to hand by the last ’Frisco mail warmly commend Fannie Hurst’s last novel, “Lummox,” as usual, a story of theatrical and Bohemian life in New York, and containing, also as usual, some exceptionally clever character sketches of Now York’s Jewry. Yesterday, Friday, April 19, was the centenary of Byron’s death at Missolbnghi. Quite a small pile of Byron literature, new editions of his poems and volumes of Byroniana, was announced for publication when the last English mail left. Byron is, I am afraid, but little rend nowadays. No doubt much of bis verso was flashy and artificial but. how many really fine things came from his pen, “The Vision of Judgment,” “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” and some of his delightful lyrics. And, after all, however much tastes in poetry may have changed since Byron’s day, English literature would be sadly the poorer did it not include that quite inimitable masterpiece in its own par-

ticular genre, “Don Juan, . And Bvron’s “Letters”—how sprightly, how keenly satirical, how readable they are still. , I have received from the publishers, Paris a recent issue of a new magazine; ’ “The Transatlantic Review, which is the production of a little uroup of English and American _ writers resident in Paris. The editor is Mr. Ford Madox Ford, formerly known as Ford Madox Hueffer, under which name he collaborated with Joseph Conrad—in “Romance” and “The Inheritors. This old literary partnership has evidently been revived, for in the new magazine is a novelette, “The Nature of a Crime,” by these two writers. A Mr. John L. Adams, an American, I think, contributes some rather remarkable vers libre to the “Review, and a novelty in periodical literature is the issue of a musical supplement. Messrs. Duckworth and Co. publish the “Transatlantic Review” in England. Price. 2s.

SOME RECENT FICTION “The Spell of siris." In “The Spell of Siris” (John Lane, per Dymock and Co., Sydney), Miss Muriel’ Hine introduces us a second time to Clodagh. the charming heroine of “The Flight.’’ The story, however, is quite independent of its predecessor. The scene is, for the most part a small island off the Italian coast, with excursions to Rome and rural England. A most delightful love interest is provided by Clodagh, a young widow, and her admirer, Weir, a composer, who for a time suffers f r ° m a facial disfigurement and lives a life of seclusion on Siris. _ Clodagh has to face misrepresentation and scandal both on the island and in Rome, having a malicious tongued rival over whom, however, she finally triumphs. The island scenes are full of a most picturesque local colour, the superstitious and yet, in their own way, lovable peasants being admirably drawn. This is a highly sentimental but very charming story.

“Never the Twain Shall Meet.” A new Peter Kyne book is quite an event for all who remember, the delightful series of stories in which figured the inimitable “Cappy Ricks. Mr. Kyne’s new' story. “Never the min Shall Meet” (Hodder and Stoughton) is a romance of Polynesian life, the heroine being the half-caste daughter of a gigantic French skipper Gaston Varricu, an all-round man indeed, for he is a skilled linguist, a lover of good literature —specially the classics and English poetry —a clever card-player, an accomplished musician and a daring seaman. It is a pity that Mr. Kyne kills him off so early in the storv, for alas Varrieu finds himself leprosy stricken and drowns himself in ’Frisco harbour, thorough-going to the end, for he fills his pockets with iron bare. The story of his daughter Tames , who reigns as Queen of Riva, a beautiful Polynesian island, of her love for her guardian, a fine young trader, Dan Pritchard, and of the rivalry she has to encounter from a very charming young American girl. MaiSie Morrion, is told by Mr Kyne m a straightforward, vigorous and fascinating way. The truth of the old saying that “East is East, West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” is once again exemplified. The story has several interesting minor characters, notably a most devoted old Chinese servant, Sodey Wan. Shorter Notices.

It may be that the principal scenes in the sensationally entitled story “Damned” (Stanley Paul and Co.) are specially suited for “movie presentation. ‘but we confess to finding the chief figure, no other, than Satan himself, a somewhat disappointing and not a little ridiculous figure. Satan careering about his dominions in an aeroplane is, as Mr. Samuel Weller would have expressed it, “Rayther too Mss Carolyn Wells’s latest crminal mystery story. “The Vanishing of Bettv Varian” (William Collins, Sons, and Co., per Wliiteombe and Tombs), deals with the sudden and apparently inexplicable disappearance of a young American lady immediately after her father is found murdered in. his seaside residence. Miss Wells is almost too liberal with her thrills, for two tragedies rapidly follow the murder of Mr. Varian anil the disappearance of the daughter. An ingeniously planned mystery is only solved in the very last chapter of £. most exciting story.