SHORTER NOTICES

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 166, 9 April 1932, Page 17

SHORTER NOTICES

“Hume's Philosophy of Human Nature.” by John Laird, M.A. (London: Methuen). The author of this substantial work, who is Regius Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Aberdeen, says in his preface: “1 have tried in this book to give an exposition of Hume’s philosophy of human nature, accompanied by certain running comments, and by an indication of the principal theories which were probably in iiis thoughts Perhaps I may suggest that no British philosopher is more studied to-day than Hume; and that although he had few professed followers, there were fewer still who even thought they could afford to neglect him.” The present account of the great Scottish philosopher and historian by another learned Scotsman, is of tlie utmost importance and value. Professor Laird examines closely Hume’s science of man, a first condition of al! other sciences, which itself had to be laid on experience aud observation. “Shades of Eton,” by Percy Lubbock (London: Jonathan Cape). Life and Letters Series, No. 30. Percy Lubbock’s.line account of Eton nt the lime of iiis schooldays, first published in 1929, is available now in Gape's popular series. “Short Turns,” by Barry Benefield (London: Allen and Unwin). These fine short stories by one of America's best writers are now available at a cheaper price. The excellent critical introduction by Mr. Edward O'Brien is retained in this new edition.

PUBLIC LIBRARY This Week’s Selection (By Victor S. Lloyd.) “Dynamite,” by Louis Adamic, is tlie story of class violence in America. The author is European by birth and migrated to America in 1913, where he tried a variety of jobs. He served in the American Army during the war, and in 1920 was back again as a labourer in the West. While thus employed lie began to write, and had the good fortune to be discovered and encouraged by 11. L. Mencken. He possesses a direct knowledge. of working conditions, and lias devoted himself to tlie study and exposition of industrialism in its social results. The facts he gives in iiis book are sensational and bring new light to bear upon the organised violence in America which has recently attracted tlie attention of the world. Mr. Adamic is probably the first writer Io make an historical study of violence in the relations between Capital and Labour, and to explain it ns an element inherent in the class conflict in America. While it is plainly obvious that Mr. Adamic’s sympathies lie with Labour, his book is singularly unbiased and remarkably evenly balanced. In iiis concluding chapters, tlie author discusses the alarming spread of gang rule and racketeering. He makes it quite plain that crime and violence are resorted Io by both Capital and Labour, both employ gangsters, and the state of affairs is accepted in America as a matter of course. Crime is proved to be a great national industry and entertainment. The picture he presents is that of a general and affrighting conspiracy to destroy the great institutions of a great nation. And. according to Mr. Adamic, there is little hope of an improvement. An amazing book. Other books in popular demand at the Public Library include the following:— “Paul and Perdita.” by C. 1. Dodd; "Swiss Family Manhattan,” by C. Morley; "Irish Short Stories.” by, G. A. Birmingham; “The Arneliffe Puzzle,” by Louis Tracy; “Bad Man,” by William M. Raiue.