BENNETT'S PRAISE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 120, 23 May 1930, Page 4

BENNETT'S PRAISE

"DIRECT AND DEFOE-ISH"

On tlio subject of writing men, I wish to announce that a truly delightful book is "Tho Poet's Progress," by Walter D'Aroy Cresswell, says Arnold Bennett in tho 'J Evening Standard." Mr. Crcsswcll is a young New Zealandcr, a poet, and a ceaseless adventurer before tho Lord. lie has a direct, Dc-foe-ish style, which he manages with tho nicest aplomb. The adventures recounted are mental, spiritual, economic, and physical, and they occurred in various parts of this wide world. Here is a brief specimen of the style and of the adventures: "So I sold all I had, to an old Jew I brought up to ray room from tho Lillie road, who quite charmed me, to sec how well he could cheat, when never a word nor a look betrayed what a windfall he-had. I kept notli-

ing but one suit and the best of my books, for my mind was loaded enough.

Now the flavour of the volume is very delicate. I do not recommend it to every, palate, but I do recommend it to those palates which can distinguish between the taste of a winkle and tha taste of an oyster. One of Mr. Cresswell's poetic adventures —I shall not particularise it, but will leave the reader to discover it—was certainly unique in our age; it must be read to be believed. Mr. Cresswell deliberately invited the experience, and he came through it heroically. Concerning his gifts as a poet I know little and I say /naught. Concerning his gifts ~as writer of an adventure story, 1 have no doubts whatever. Tho proof of my conviction. nn this point is .the- simple fact that I have .read his book twice and liked it even better the second time than, the first! ' ' : '■