BOOKS of the WEEK

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 88, 7 January 1933, Page 6

BOOKS of the WEEK

Reviews and Passing Notes

IBERIA IN THE AFTERNOON

Mr. Hemingway’s Book on a Topic Close to His Heart “Death in the Afternoon,” by Ernest Hemingway (London: Jonathan Cape). Those who are interested in bull-fight-ing, and want to know something of the technique of matadors, picadors and ban derill eros, or, never having seen a bull-fight, want to be able to picture the spectacle as a whole, will naturally reach Mr. Hemingway’s book, wliidb is about as complete a treatise as any could be which does not seek to teach the aspirant matador his Complete art. But there are others who Should road it too, even if to them the bull-fight is horrid, cruel, tinilecessUfy, and indefensible, and they pro those who would know something more of Mr, Hemingway. For Mr. Hemingway, especially when on a subject So near his heart as bulls and toreros, cannot write many lines without telling something of himself. Indeed, in this book be makes uo attempt not to do so. Toward the eild of neatly every chapter he leaves the bulls, on the ranges or in the ring, wherever they may be fit the moment, and turns to other things— hi little Comic relief perhaps, some Condemnation of the writings of pseudo-mystics, or a talk on El Greco. He even has room for two Short stories, Which have nothing to do with bull-fighting but find their-way quite naturally into the text. One of them,' “A Natural History of the Dead,” When disentangled from the asides, proves to bo strong Stuff, and very good. Mr. Hemingway makes frequent asides in this book, to amuse, to explain;- to follow an afterthought. But he-becomes a little too. self-conscious when he halts his.mifratlve for one like this: : But, you -say, there is ’.very-little con-1 versallon In this . book. Why -.Isn't there more dialogue? W’hat we want in a- book by this citizen: is people talking; that is all he knows how to do, and now he doesn’t do it; Tlie fello-w Is-ii-d philosopher, no savant, an incompetent zoologist, he drinks 100 touch, and Cautiot punctuate readily, and now he has stopped writing dialogue. Someone ought to put a stop to him. He is bull crazy. Citizen, perhaps you arc right. Let us have a little dialogue. • He can defend his methods when be wants to, though. Mr. Aldous Huxley in an essay in his book, “Music at Night,” tells of “intelligent and cultured people (he means Mb. Heiningway in particular) doing their best io feign-stupidity and to conceal the fact that they have received an education."’ Mr. Hemingway does nbt let that pass without comment. He believes that, writing is more than a question of tho simulation of avoidance of the appearance of culture, iilld he finishes Up an exposition <sf his creed aS follows If a writer df prose knows enough about what ho Is Writing about he may omit things that he knows, and the reader, If the writer is writing truly enough,, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had Stated them. The dignity Of movement of an iceberg is due to only one-eighth of It being above tho water. A writer Who oniits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing. .A writer whb appreciates the seriousness o<C writing so little that he is anxious to make people see lie Is formally educated, cultured, or well-bred, is merely a popinjay. And this,' too, remember: a serious writer is tlot to be confounded with a solemn writer, A serious writer may be it hawk or a buzzard, or even a popinjay, but a solemn writer is always a bloody owl. Little has been said here about bullfighting, which bulks largest in the book, and nothing about the excellent series of photographs which illustrates the fight in all its phases. It is the diversions, a small part of the whole, that readers, not especially interested in the main subject, will best temdmber and appreciate, and the book is well worth having for them alone. BOOKS ON ECONOMICS (By Professor B. E. Murphy.) “The New Zealand Budgetary Problem,” by L. W. Holt (Melbourne University Press). This is a paper read at the economics section o£ the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science, held in Sydney in August. In it Mr. Holt reviews the financial position of the Dominion as disclosed by the Budgets of the last half-dozen years, with necessary explanations to reconcile differences in the presentation of the accounts in various years. The position aS disclosed is not very reassuring, and the weight of railway deficits is clearly brought out. The author adopts a very objective attitude, without visible trace of propaganda, letting the figures tell tbeir own story as far as possible. One feels, however, that a fuller exposition would have conduced to clearness in the final result. FICTION. IN BRIEF “Desert Sand,” by Margaret Pedler (London: Hodder and Stoughton). Another romance for . Miss Pedler’s army of admirers. “Sheets in the Wind,” by Jlidgwell Cullum (London: Chapman and Flail). Au exhilarating story of the sea and a foretaste of the smuggling methods that may develop now that England is under tariffs. “Forever Morning,” by F. D. Davison (Australia: Angus and Robertson). Third edition of a popular and very good novel of Australian life. “Prairie’s End,” by Robert J. Horton (London : Collins). A quick-actioned tab* of the Golden West. “Rifle Rule,” by Hugh Pendexter (London : Collins). Exciting adventures in Kansas in covered-wagon days. “Delicate Fuss.” by Flora Klickninnn (London: Putnam). A good, swiftmoving novel full of humour, fine sentiment and well-presented characters. “Whispering Gate,” by Anne Jerrymore, presented to the world at large by Carex MuephUil (London : Cassell). An unusual talc of an old woman who, in her writings, Jives over her life again. “Tito Little Northerners.” by Inger Jolmnnc (London: Methuen). A charming children’s story of the day-to-day adventures of a Norwegian family. "The Opening Gale,” by Anne AllardiCo (London: Cassell)'. The splendid description of a young girl's life and her spiritual development before and during the war.

“Bindle Omnibus," by Herbert Jenkins (London: Jenkins). A.II the Bindle stories in one veJume of some 900 pages —really wonderful value. Introduction by P. G. Wodehouse.

"Stephen Sherrin,” by Katherine Dunning (London: Hodder and Stoughton'). A first novel telling of the lack of understanding between it country doctor and his sophisticated daughters. "One Dagger For Two.” by Philip Lindsay (London: Cassell). Another romantic story of Elizabethan adventtire by the author of “Paiitumi is Burning.’' "Royal Exchange,” by H. M. Raleigh (London: Methuen). An hilarious tale of a queen who changes places with an ardent social reformer.

"House of Dreams.” by Margaret Behrens (London: Jenkins). A light romance by tlic author of ".Miss Mackay.’’ "The Many-Coloured Thread.” by Luke Allan (Lacey Amy) (London: Jenkins). Two young people are "suddenly released from bondage by n substantial legacy.

MR. SQUIRE’S NEW POEMS ‘•A I'ace hi the Candlelight,” and oilier poems;, by J. (J, Squire; “A Talo Of Troy,” by John Masefield (Loudon: Heiuemuun), la Air. Squire's now poems the feellug is often intense, but it is uji intensity which never gets the better of wisdom, Not that he deals ever with measured passions. His freedom and directness invigorate every flue. But he stands out eminently as a poet of wisdom and maturity. It Would not be so clearly manifest if the new poems did not include within a comparatively narrow compass such a diversity of experience and so many differing moods. Most of them, evidently, were completed during tWo or three months at the end of 1930. This, he says, was “one of those periods of rapid production which often come to those who by Virtue of their temperaments, or their circumstances, or both, are precluded from the lives of sustained poetic excitement. The period, at ail events, has had rich enough results. From the swift brilliant fantasy of the title poem, to the philosophic Bonnet on farewells, and from the “cruel nymph’s” 17th century complaint to the final “satirical, and even flippant, verses,” the collection is one of considerable variety and delight. Behind it all stands a wise and balanced personality, a poet of Uncommonly good sense.' ' It Would be a long exercise to point systematically to the tn .‘my virtues of the poems, but it may be Said that Mr. Squire has certain preoccupations. Obe is the return Of the Muse, which conies after its absence —an absence Which brings a dull heaviness of spirit well expressed in the first poem:— Love’s Twin, the Child of Indolence, lias now for long forsaken me; Duty, routine and common Sense, Have beaten me and taken ole. With its ending— The Clarions of a final dawn May challenge me and waken me, When all that hate, or love, or friwn, il’otgettiiig,' have forsaken me. But an inward resurrection took place— Old dekd, discarded fragments of my dreams Rose up, miraculously whole. Each many-huOd and With an aUreole, And walked with linked hands On the green strands Of bright Crystalline streams, And flew into the light on rainbow wings, Where a loud harping rings And a Soufld. as of-a celestial choir that sings. And in the next poem he is “of those trees, coiling and dark,*’ not blooming with eVCry passing summer, but— Burning in darkness, every seventh year. No few quotations, however, could do justice to the brilliant changes of mood that occur from poetfl to poem. Several of them are reflections from different points of a deep sense of infinity, eternity, mid everlasting change, which together force him from the past and future to the present. And this, indeed, is Where the .child and the wise man live, as Professor Arnold Wall has said. However, if there is ho opportunity to deal fully with these poems, a stanza may at least be ,quoted tb show what perfect expression Mr. Squire very often achieves— The year has pined and died, my sweet, ’ That brought Us two together, Fled ate the autumn's golden feet, And now is winter weather; The mists hang heavy on the hills, The frozen earth is dumb, In meadows of my heart a spring Long overdue has come. He has Written a short preface to the book, justifying the inclusion of the excellent comic and satiric verses with the more serious pieces. He feels himself out of fashion a trifle, but at any rate “it is time that somebody began to say something about the Artistic Hothouse.” The Laureate’s “Tale of Troy” is more easily dealt with. It is the recasting of an old story, that of the Trojan war, and its origins, and from Mr. Masefield it takes an singularly striking form. Its power and beauty Will be widely appreciated. MYSTERY AND THRILLS "The Haunted Fann,” by Lois AusteuLeigh (London: Jenkins). Another mystery on the scene of the author’s former, novel, “The Incredible Crime.” “Dead Man’s Corner” and “The Craclcswouian,” both by Boland Daniel (London: Wright and Brown). Two new' additions to an already long list Of thrillers by this author. “The Marriage for the Defence,” by Roy Vickerb (London: Jenkins). Sensational story vigorously told. . “The Mystery Halid,” by Ben Bolt (London: Ward, Lock). A thrilling series of adventures follows a murder in a train. . “When Rogues Fall Out,” by R. Austin Freeman (London: Hodder and Stoughton). Dr. Thorndyke at work again. This is really a sequel to an earlier book, “The Red Thumb Mark.” , "Desperado,” by John Hunter' (Imndon: Cassell). A story of the underworld of London, with a strongly. emotional strain. “The Mystery of Tumbling Reef,” by Beatrice Grimshaw (London: Cassell). A strange talo of a treasure bunt with a romantic love interest. "Death of ft Star,” by D. 11. and M. Cole (London: Collins). Mr. and Mrs. Cole’s latest mystery is a particularly firnpiece of work. This is the Crime Club selection for December. “The Body Behind the Bar,” by Cecil Freeman Gregg (London: Methuen). A popular detective-inspector finds , himself the object of a ruthless man’s vengeance. "Tales of East, and West.” by Sax Rohmer (Loudon: Cassell). Exciting short stories in Mr. Rohmer's best manner. “The Westwood Mystery,” by A. Fielding; ‘Ben Sees It Through,” by J. Jefferson Furjeon; "The Long Shadow,’’ by Anthony Gilbert (London: Collins). Throe Crime Club books, the third , the November selection, and each one by an author with mliii.v successes in this class of fiction. “The Red Castle,” by JI, C. Bailey (London: Ward Lock). Superintendent Bell solves the mysterious theft of ti famous heirloom. “Shade of the Yard.” by Richard Essex (London: Jenkins). A really thrilling account of a detective's lone fight against gangsters. "Inch of the C.1.D..” by Jesse Templeton (London: Ward Lock). Another find tale of the doings of that interesting character, Inspector Inch. “He Didn't Mind Hanging.” by Nancy Barr Alavlty (London: Collins). A baffling story in which a Chinese servant with a I'lt.D. degree is accused of murder, and is quite unconcerned about the eon- | sequences. Sociology lwrites Mr. J. A. Hobsoti in the “New Statesman”) has had a hard struggle in this country to establish itself. History, biology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, have regarded it with some suspicion as a trespasser upon (heir respective fields, or as arrogating an intellectual position to which its. actual achievements did not entitle it.

SCIENCE AND LIFE

Rationalism Pervades a Biologist’s Essays “Tho Inequality of Mau,” by J. B. S. Haldane, I'.R.S. (London: Chatto and Windus). One Whose admiration of physics and biology is only a little greater than his suspicion of the “scientific attitude” fts a uniquely important way of viewing the world and universe is hardly the-right reader for Professor Haldane. For ..one thing he Will often have to identify himself as. much as he can with Professor Haldane In order to appreciate fully the argument of certain of these most interesting essays. And this, Which Is no doubt admirable as an Intellectual exercise, Will be for ihatiy an uncomfortable limitation of the spirit. For Professor Haldane’s attitude rests on two fundamentals—a superb belief in the validity of human reason and a high regard, amounting almost to adoration, of experimental results. If it stopped at that, no one might complain. But he turns his basic beliefs into fighting creeds; and more than one of his readers, probably, will refuse to regard them either as the exclusive repositories of truth or aS the views Which are at the same tifiib justifiable and the most enriching.

Nevertheless there is a good deal of value in the mere appearance from time to tithe of a Collection Uf ablywritten essays from Professor Haldane’s point of view. Thought often seems to run naturally toward more incoherent schemes of symbolism, from which the kind of essay iu the present book tends to bring it back. But Professor Hffldane takes the offensive too much, and the foundations of his attitude, particularly the validity of reason, are by no means secure enough to save his would-be ruthlessness at times from being an odd spectacle.

Ills outlook on Christianity is more elusive than one at first suspects, but it seems quite clear that he occasionally wastes some energy in expressing it. It is conduct which is characteristic of his type, and amounts really to beating the air. It was von Huge! Who mentioned in . a letter the enterprise of making the church “Intellectually inhabitable.” Ho himself found it possible and so probably for themselves do many Christians. Almost certainly Professor Haldane would deny them “intellectual honesty,” a phrase Which writers of his-type invariably use. He himself uses it mbre than once in this book. Why? Because what he understands by intellectual honesty can lead only to h inind similar to his oWh. And he implies again .and ■ again, almost exasperatingly, that those who think as he does enjoy the best communion with truth. Thirty years ago or more one upset people by a suggestion that their beliefs were immoral. To-day things have changed, and an allegation of immorality disturbs very few. But the contemporary Englishman is still sensitive about his honesty, particularly his intellectual honesty. In this way Professor Haldane runs in some of these essays his proud course; But in others, Where he deals more particularly with his own subject, he is profoundly interesting, aud his originality and clarity of expression are a delight. The uproarious essay on “God-makers” and the concluding Short story are things no one should miss. And if Professor Haldane would throw fewer stones in future he would be even more profitable to read. Cromwell, it is said, once movingly beseeclied Parliament to consider the mere possibility of its being in the wrong. It is* the kind of entreaty-which in certain respects one feels like addressing to the author of this book.

MISCELLANY At the Festival Theatre, Cambridge, Mr. Terence Gray recently presented what he called “The Comical Historic of tho Merchant of Venice, using the text of William Shakespeare, the production directed by Quetzalcoatl.-” The “Man- ; Chester Guardian’s” Cambridge corre-1 spondent writes of it: “An earnest Shakespearean student . . . would have been appalled. . . . Sbylock’s passionate speech ‘Hath not a Jew eyes?’ was completely ruined as a consequence of the produce's discovery that the speech opens with the words ’To bait fish withal.’ and so he liad both Shylock and Tubal sitting fishing in the tonal which ran round the stage. . , , Long lief ore the arrival of Portia the Court bad wearied Of the case. When she did put in fin appearance she took her plaec on a swing, and, standing on it. delivered ‘the quality of mcrey’ speech. With a bored expression the Duke was playing ’Yo-Yo,' Sbylock and Tuba! were eating fish and chips, while Antonio. Bassanio, and Lorenzo were busy with a game of dice and regretted such interruptions as compelled one ot the other occasionally to say something.”

Modern art of any kind is extremely difficult to parody because it incessantly parodies Itself (says a "Maucbester Guardian” reviewer). Even Mr. Max Beerbohm years ago. in the immortal “Savonarola Brown.” sailed so near the real thing at times that as a parody it ceases to be funny. . ...

There stems to be an exodus of English authors to the United States . (writes “Audax” in "John o' London's Weekly.”) Major Francis Yeats-Brown, author Of "Bengal Lancer,” is already there, lacluring through the West; Mr. John

Driukwater lias left for Columbia University to deliver four lectures on “Life and Literature”; and Miss Clcmence Dane is expected at Hollywood in January to write scenarios for a film company.

Memoirs will be written in the future in films.—The Duke of Sutherland.

Miss Rose Macaulay, Mr. Gerald Gould, and Mr. A. P. Herbert, recently consented to aet as judges in a competition, arranged by Messrs. Methuen, to discover new talent in fiction. It is now announe?d that no MS submitted is of sufficient merit to deserve the prize.

Mr. E. V. Knox (“Evoe”), the new editor of “Punch,” told hn English interviewer recently that he believed that some of the bld jokes were still the best. He had no fears of English huniour being killed by the Americanisation of the talkies, and of certain American hutnoroub papers which enjoy a wide circulation, in England. “The best American, humour,” he said, “Such as that of Stephen Leacock, Don Marquis, and, in the old days, Bret Harte, is after all very much like our own. The Other typo is of such a mechanical nature that it will only appeal (after the novelty has worn off) to a race of people completely dominated by machines.”

Orthodoxy is the grave of intelligence, no matter what, orthodoxy.it may be. And in this respect the orthodoxy of thft radical is no better than that Of the reactionary.—Earl Russell. - -

Shga-prose (like Dada verse) is so difficult to Write because it is bo easy. You deal with plain, simple, primitivo emotions: anger, greed, fear, boastfulness and lust. You describe plain, simple, primitive acts: A. hits B. very hard, B. kills C., D. gets drunk, E. laughs, F. begets children. And you say it all in plain,, simple, primitive sentences. Anybody could do it—and. jnst because anybody could do it, it takes somebody who is somebody to make it tolerable. —Mr. Gerald Gould in the “Observer.”

There is no safety with BrontcS (writes Sir. Basil de Selincourt). Thoie attraction is that they are electrical; they have been charged with an ihtensivS charge, and at the negative pole. But hiy inetapbor has already broken down; what I mean is that When, as a humbls admirer, you approach and cling to them, you. quickly find that they ard clinging to you.

In a recent case at Westminster County Court, reported by the London “Times.” one of the principal witnesses Was Mr. J. C. Squire, editor of the “London Mercury,” against which the action was brought. Mr. Squire gave evidence that he had been editor of the “Mercury” for thirteen years. He said he had no salary siniply because the company Could not afford to pay it. He first had £I2OO. then £750, then £SOO a yeaf salary. and bow nothing. lie had about 5000 shares in the company, hut they were Worth nothing., It had not paid A dividend and iidvet Would. Mr. SpuifA said also that there had been three Standard rates ot payment—£/10/-, £l. and recently 15/- a thousand words. Mr. PriceJones, Mr. Hilaire Belloc, Mr. G. K, Chesterton. Mr. Knox. Mr. A. P. Herbert. and Mr. P. Guedalla had written articles for the magazine at its standard rates. . . A single-pagc letter-Written by Robert Herrick When he was at Oxford to RiS unele. Sir William Herrick, fetched £235 at a recent sale in London. NEW PUBLICATIONS •Teaks, Passes, and Glaciers,” third series, by members of the Alpine Cltib, edited by A. E. Field and Sydney Spencer, With a preface by Lord Conway of AlHngton (London: Methuen). This book consists of a collection of outstanding articles contained in the first fire Volumes of the “Alpine Journal.” They are of unparalleled, interest to the present generation of climbers. “The Art of Carving," cieerpted front, a Work entitled "The Honours of the Table” (1788), by the Rev. Dr. John Trusler, with a- biographical note by S.M., and rtn appreciatibh by : S.C.R. (Cambridge: at the University Press). A delightful reprint (With illustrations) of some directions on carving at table, nobljr and economically expressed. “Flesh of the Wild Ox,” a Riflian Chronicle of High Valleys Slid Long Rifles, by Carleton Stevens Coon, with a foreword by Ernest- Albert Hooton, Professor. of Anthropology., at /Harvard University, aiid illustrated by Ruth Reeves (London: Jonathan Cape). A strong, rather brutal story Of the intimate tribulations of North African family life, told from the inside. The incidents were described to the author/ and the characters portrayed are true ones. • “Scotland in Quist of Her Youth” a scrutiny edited aud w’ith du introduction by David Cleghorn Thomson (Edinburgh.: Oliver and- Boyd). . Compton Mackenzie Eric Linklater, NeiF G.ufii), George Blake and Robert Hurd are, among, the contributors to this volume;

“Half & Century Of Commercial Education afid Publishing;” by Alfred Pitman, (pfitited for private circulation). This interesting and attractively produced book has been Written by the governing director of Sir Isaac Pitman atid. SOnif, Ltd. Sir Francis GoOdenotigh, C.8.E.. writes ait appreciative , and Congratulatory foreword. "

“Frank Lascelles: ’Our .Modern Orpheus',” edited by the'Rt. i-lon. tbc’ Earl of Dafnley (Oxford: af the.' University Press). A striking collection of tributes to a great pagerintei*.... ... . . “Is Sin OUr Fault?" by Stewart A. McDofvall, 8.D.: “Do Dead Men Live Again?” by .Archdeacon Storr (London: Hodder and Stoughton). Two volumes in a notable new series—.“ The Westminster Books,”.;. ■ . ■ .

. "Vampires .of the China Coast.’’ by Bok (London: Joskins). A story based upon, the actual .exploits of the modern pirates of the China Coast. Fictitious characters are introduced to give continuity of narrative. The photographs at ’ times teach the limit in grucsoftieness. . "The Statute of Frauds. Section Four.” in the light of its judicial interpretation, by Janies Williams (Cambridge: at the University Press). A full treatise on the most important section of the Statute of Frauds, by Dr. Williams, a prominent New Zealander. It is the only book in legal literature dealing exclusively with this part of Statute law, and, is a most comprehensive and learned survey. "NMSftn College for Dirts: Fifty Tears, 1883-1933.” compiled by MisS C. B. Mills, edited by thO Jubilee Committee (Nelson: A. (?. Betts and Son). An interesting jubilee volume.

“Concerning Perplexities. Paradoxes, and Perils in the Spirit-Led Path.” by the Rev. A. S. Wilson (Auckland: Scott and Scott. Ltd.l. A stirring call to devout living. “Reveille,” Christmas number. 1932 (Sydney : New South Walcs.braneh of the (Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia). An excellent Christmas number, containing an article by Colonel C. G. Powles, C.M.G.. D. 5.0., on the work of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles at Anzac.

ITO DAY'S REV JEWS I | "Death In- The Afternoon” I i .‘‘The Inequality Of Man” ’ | "A Face In The Candlelight” | | "Sir IFilliain Orpen” ■ |

“Sir'William Orpen:. Artist and Man,” by P. G. Konofly and Sidney Dkrlt (Loudon: Seeley Service). »'Tn the last days of the summer of 1931 Orpen breathed his last, leaving behind him a magnificent record of work, rarely rivalled, both as regards extent and consistent quality; for of him it may truly be said: he never pailited a bad picture.”. Mr. Konbdy so ends IliS section, .- “The Artist,” in the present magnificent book. It is his final' tribute to the work of one of the greatest of modern painters. And the book itself is a rare delight. Nd one Who has been stirfed by Orpeti’B wonderful pictures cuff’ . iif’crd to miss this estimate of him as artist and man, carried out: . ; with signal success by two writers ‘ who were the very men for the i job. The first section, by Mr. ; Dark." is a fascinating account of . Orpen himself. “It lias been.a good thing in one’s life,” says Mt. Dark, “to hare known Orpen, one of the things for which his friends arc profoundly thankful." And can any man have a better epitaph?"’ The work is beautifully pro-, duced, and Contains 65 fine illustrations of some of Orpen "s greatest pictures. It is one of the most attractive books ■of the year.