BOOKS and AUTHORS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 292, 5 September 1931, Page 18

BOOKS and AUTHORS

A Weekly Survey

By

“Liber”

Give a man a pipe he can woke, 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 The Centenary Edition of Hazlitt Two more volumes have been publishThese are volumes VI and Vlll, complete Works of William Hazlitt, edited by P. P. Howe (J. M. Dent and Sons). These are volumes VI and VIIL comprising the “Lecturee on the English Comic Writers” and on "The Age of Elizabeth”; and the complete “Table Talk,” originally published in two volumes. We have already commented upon the dignified and truly artistic format of thia edition. The size is large, although the Srint is smaller than we should like it to e, the binding is austerely handsome, and the whole get up a monumental tribute to the importance and value of a complete reprint of one of the finest essayists end ell-round litterateurs in the English language. Hazlitt's lectures were delivered, most of them, at the Surrey Institution. On Shakespeare he has written much elsewhere, but of the other writers, notably the Restoration dramatists, Wycherley, Congreve, Vanbrugh, and Farquhar, he gives what is perhaps the very beat appraisal that has ever been published. On the "Periodical Essayists,’’ Steele. Addison, Sterne, Dr. Johnson, Goldsmith and others, he is less diffuse, but always is his judgment sound, his criticism unbiased by political prejudice, his own view good-natured. Coupled with these "Lectures on the Comic Writers” is one on Hogarth, the painter, with some fine common-eense criticism on his “Marriage a la Mode” series. “I would,” he says, and we must remember that Hazlitt’s, first ambition in life was to be a painter; and his criticisms of the Italian masters was heightened and broadened by their favouritism, as a rule, of the spiritually beautiful subjects, “I would rather have never seen the prints of Hogarth than never have seen those of Raphael.” but for all that he gives the superiority, in his delineation of comic and ordinary life scenes, to the English painter. Of his Lectures on "The Age of Queen Elizabeth" w.e need only say that Hazlitt gives a singularly broad and alIwaye sensitive criticism of the great dra'matio writers contemporary with Shakespeare, and provides a detailed discussion on the works of Lord Bacon, comparing his style with that of Sir Thomas Brown and Jeremy Taylor. The other volume (VIII) is devoted to Hazlitt’s "Table Talk,” which still retains much of its original popularity. Here we have Hazlitt the Essayist, and always at his best We never tire, for instance, of re-reading “The Indian Jugglers.” with, towards the close of the essay, that wonderful portrait of Cavanagh, the famous Fives player of his time —was ever a finer picture of the sportsman of the day penned?—and his delightful dissertation, "On Going a Journey.” Of the two volumes (here combined in one) which comprise Hazlitt’s Table Talk, the Hon. Augustine Birrell has said, in his monograph on Hazlitt in' the "English Men of Letters” series, that they "contain enough to establish Hazlitt’s reputation as one of the greatest miscellaneous writers that ever lived."

The Enduring Quest. The author of “The Enduring Quest, a Search for a Philosophy of Life” (Jonathan Cape), is H. A. Overstreet, who is Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy and Psychology, College of the City of New York. "In the Twentieth Century,” says Profeasor Overstreet, “there is ahead of ns a new adventure of thought Three centuries of scientific research gave us the insight and the power to dispose of the crude formulations of older ages. But to-day materialism seems to be invalidated. (14/-.)

India In Crisis. Arthur Duncarfs "India in Crisis” (Putnam) gives a connected statement of faota, bringing the story of India down to the Round Table Conference, which is to meet eo soon in London. Mr. Duncan, who -has spent many years in India in various educational and political capacities, does not disguise his opinion as to the dangerous nature of the Indian National Congress, with which denunciation of Great Britain lias become “a sublime ritual.” “It has,” he says, “been permitted to ! break the law with impudent assurance.” What India wants is, so the author holds, "a really firm and honest government, stable and perpetual,” “not a selfish and temporary rule by a few ‘high-caste’ Hindus ending in a few months in chaos, perhaps calamity.” (6/-.) Apple and Perceval.

In "Apple and Perceval” (Methuen) "A_A.” (Anthony Armstrong) has collected a number of the vastly amusing stories and sketches which have afforded so much amusement to readers of “Punch.” “AA.” has a pleasant wit of his own and can invest even such a serious matter as filling in an income tax paper with humour which is very real. (4/-.) Contract Bridge.

Many devotees of auction bridge find the contract game too difficult for them, their main difficulty being as regards when, and what to call. Those who persevere with contract should find Captain Lindsay Mundy’s handbook, “Contract Calling, or finger-posts to finer play” (Methuen) very helpful. The first chapter takes every possible opening bid in turn and shows clearly and concisely when it should be employed. At the end of the book are the laws of the Portland Club. (6/-.)

Sartorial Philosophy. Of “Clothes” by Eric Gill (Jonathan Cape). “M.F.” writes:—This book is not only delightful as a work of art but is even more “valuable as a medicine for curing the disease of ignorance.” In looking through it, before reading, this line caught my eye—“ Produce I Produce! were it but the pitifullest infinitesimal fraction of a Product —produce it in God's name!” And I wondered how far this modern writer had been inspired by the work of his great congener [forerunner?] in the Victorian age—that stormy yet rational exponent on the same subject. But whatever Mr. Gill owes to the author of “Sartor liesartus” has been so well assimilated that both his art and his philosophy seem to be entirely his own. There is nothing “made over” in his book and though he is often as fresh and stimulating as Carlyle himself there the likeness ceases. Mr. Gill has the gift—an endearing one—of presenting to the reader in admirable phrasing many of the thoughts that are familiar to him, but which he could never have expressed so well. The author has too, the happy knack of turning a saying—trite and limited as it stands —inside out, transforming it into something quite unexpected, and sO lively and appropriate that you almost forget what he is saying in the pleasure given you by his way of saying it. Lucid, whimsical, but never freakish, outspoken, but never gross, he combines imagination and judgment in a remarkable way; The book is packed full of good things and must be read more than once to appreciate it fully; indeed it is almost a text book, but though axiomatic is never didactic. I take this passage in which he distinguishes between Art and Prudence, "taken in their older and more venerable senses” and regarded as the ruling principles in man's life: —“The business of the artist: the consideration of the nature of things, and their making in due proportion. The business of the man of Prudence; the consideration of the end of things and the ordering of things to that end —here is indubitably ground for misunderstanding nnd antagonism.” And again—“ Art, the word, means simply skill; Art, the thing means, the creative power of God pouring through the willing channel of man—Art improves upon nature —that is what it is for . . .” “Prudence 1* not concerned with things,

Prudence is concerned with persons—that they behave well. When we apeak of Prudence we think of safe investments —safety first—and Jaeger underwear. Very ingenious and delightful too is thia: “All dreams of government by experts or even by saints are mere crankiness —the Governor par excellence is the disinterested man. The artist and the expert cannot be governors—“ Without these a city is not built; but they shall not go up and down'there, nor sit in the Assembly.” "Punch’s” OOth Birthday. The issue of “Punch" of July 15 is a special birthday double number that recommends itself on sight The commemorative section is of especial interest, being a survey of the two eventful decades since 1911. This slice of contemporary history is treated in a most entertaining manner, bringing back the crowding memories of the war and post-war years, their topics and trials and, best of all, their humours. SOME RECENT FICTION A New Story by Maud Diver. ( Those who remember Maud Diver s earlier novel, “Captain Desmond, V.C., are sure to be specially interested in the Same author’s “Ships of Youth (Blackwood and Sons), which is a study of marriage in. modern India. Mrs. Diver s novel aims at being a true presentment of life generally on the North-West Border during recent years. ' Jack of Clubs. How Kate Kennedy, professional pianist, “run down” and professionally hard up, principal personage in "Jack of Clubs,’’ by John Ironside (Nelson and Sons), suddenly inherits a country cottage and grounds known as “Jack of Clubs” and leaves the drab town of Birmingham for, she hopes, a peaceful rural residence, and what strange experiences await her there is set forth by Mr. Ironside in a pleasant novel which has, however, a crime in it and sensational consequences. Plagued by the Nightingale. Kay Boyle’s novel “Plagued by the Nightingale" (Jonathan Cape) tells of the experiences of an American girl in France, whither she accompanies her invalid husband, whom she has married in California, to his family living in Brittany, close to St. Malo. She has a hard time of it'with the family, the mother having all the tenacity of the typical French bourgeoise. There is no great plot in the novel, which depends for its interest upon the skilful drawing of chai> acter, but the local colour is excellent. The Shanghaied Honeymoon. Mr. W. G. Elliott’s “The Shanghaied Honeymoon" (Herbert Jenkins) is tremendously audacious, being a frankly humorous description of the misadventures which befall Mr. Silas K. Wontner, an American "Napoleon of finance,” who marries his young and good-looking English 'secretary. A very impossible but undoubtedly very funny story. The Three Brothers. ' The background of Edwin Muir's “Three Brothers” (Wm. Heinemann) is Fifeshire, the period that of Mary Queen of Scots. His novel is not, however, so much an historical one as a story concerned with the intimate dash of characters within a family and with the very different religious and sectarian views of the principal personages. This is a fine and, in its own way, a very pathetic and strenuous story. Richer than Dust. In her "Richer than Dust” (Heinemann) Storm Jamieson rounds off and completes her unforgettable portrait of that sturdy North Countrywoman Mary Hansyke. " .

An Omnibus Coppaxfl. Mr. Jonathan Cape will reap much gratitude from a host of readers by publishing an omnibus volume, “Fares, Please,” by that favourite novelist Mr. A. E. Coppard, whose stories, especially those of a briefer kind, are so popular. A Mistress of the Terror.

“A Mistress of the Terror” (Jonathan Cape) is an English version by Annie Coath Dixey of “Die Amazone,” a German novel by Hans Flesch, an ex JAustrian Reserve officer, the first of whose stories was published in 1914. Ambrose Holt and Family. Everything Susan Glaspell may write will be worth reading. Many of those who read “Brook Evans” will conclude that her latest novel, “Ambrose Holt and Family” (Gollancz), fully redeems the fine promise of the earlier novel. This is a very good American novel. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED “Australian Needlework.” The Initial Issue (July) of this new publication promises well for Its future success. All classes of needlework, Including knitting and crocheting, are dealt with In wellillustrated articles. Sixpence monthly. Mitchell & Casey Pty. Ltd., Melbourne. “Westinghouse International.” A review of electrical development throughout the world. Published quarterly by Westing-, house Electric International Company, East* Pittsburg, Penn.,. U.S.A. "Everyman's Encyclopaedia.” The first volumes of this new 12-volume, popularsized reference library have reached us. In this edition, Dent's have greatly !m-. proved on their first effort, and as a compact, busy man’s set, it.should prove invaluable. Printed in clear type and brought up-to-date, the articles by a group of highly-qualified experts, answer one’s unspoken questions with a minimum of delay. “ ‘Weekly Times’ Book of Patterns in Knitting and Crochet.” This new publication is really a complete guide to the arts of knitting and crochet. Hints for beginners are followed by numerous illustrated articles on making berets, Jackets, costs, frocks, gloves, socks, shawls, and underwear. Published at »d, It should prove popular. “News Notes on Fascist Corporations.” An official summary of Fascist progress in Italy, Issued in English by authority of the Ministry of Corporations, Rome.

NOVELS RECEIVED From Wm. Blackwood and Sons “Shadow Shapes” by R. Blatchford. Mr. Blatchford’s "Sheaf of Human Documents” includes many well written short stories, representative of all kinds and phases of life; some intensely dramatic, others humorous to the verge of farce, but one and all intensely readable. "Governor Hardy,” by Hamish Muir. Another highly original Indian story by the author of 1957. The author has a very full grasp of Indian problems and difficulties and deals with them in a very wise and yet entertaining manner. From Herbert Jenkins, "Murder at Red Grange” by James Corbet. A stirring well-ttold detective story dealing with a rascally Russian who poses as a psychologist, and a more than rascally doctor. From Angus and Robertson, Sydney, “Sheepmates” by William Hatfield. A vigorously told manly story of essentially manly experiences. From Collins Sons and Co., "Property of a Gentleman,” by Lady Troubridge, is the story of a young and beautiful girl who has to fight a losing battle with her elderly husband. From Mills and Boon, “Grey Hills for Dreams,” by Deidre O’Brien. An agreeably sentimental Irish love story, with a pleasant Parisian interlude. PUBLIC LIBRARY This Week’s Selection (By Victor S. Lloyd.) “Impacts” is Douglas Goldring’s new book and a large part, of it is taken up with a description of his trip to America. On comparing it with Beverley Nichols' “Star Spangled Manner,” I find that on one or two points they agree: they agree, for instance, that American hospitality is overpowering, and they agree that most Americans are definitely anti-British in sentiment and that Britain is in imminent danger of becoming conquered by America —if not by war then by peaceful penetration. Mr. Goldring sees England in ten years’ time as being “entirely under the influence of these standardised non-crea-tive amusements (referring to talkies, chain-store tea-shops and cafeterias) produced and forced upon us by American finance, which are just as habit-forming as deleterious drugs”; and he suggests that we might “one day wake up and find ourselves governed by a triumvirate consisting of the equivalents of Henry Ford. Lady Astor and Scarface Capone: Standardisation, Prohibition and Organised Crime —the three inseparables.” Not a very happy prospect, and yet he brings strong arguments to support his contention. I like better the description of his unconventional wanderings in quaint little places neglected by the tourist in the ordinary way, but rich with history, native lore and charm, all of which he manages to transmit most successfully to paper. The chapters of “Impacts” devoted to Mr. Goldring’s “Chance Encounters" are interesting, but they left me wondering if he did not encounter any people who would have been a little more pleasant to read about. I do not think his "Second Thoughts” on Sweden will gain him many new admirers in that country, for he is very brutal in his summing-up of the Swede of the twentieth century. His “Trip to Southend-on-Sea” is a jolly bit of writing and, as nearly as I remember

the place, quite accurate in every detail. Mr. Goldring’s opinions are not everyone's opinions, but he is always well worth reading. Other books in popular demand at the Public Library include the following:— “Simple Peter Cradd,” by E. Phillips Oppenheim. “The Devil Man," by Edgar Wallace. “A Hundred Thousand Guineas,” by Edgar Jepson. “Humour and Fantasy,” by F. Anstey. This omnibus volume Includes “Vice Versa," "The Tinted Venus,” “The Fallen Idol,” "The Brass Bottle," ‘The Talking House,” and “Salted Almonds.” The delight of one generation should be most welcome to another. "In Desperation," by E., W. Savi.