BOOKS AND BOOKMEN

Evening Star, Issue 16987, 8 March 1919, Page 10

BOOKS AND BOOKMEN

' His Second Wife.' By Ernest Poole. Melbourne : Tho Maomillan Co. For the best books contest of the National Arts Club (New York) in 1917 Mr Poole received the largest number of votes. His present story, it is claimed, will strengthen his position. His theme may be described as tho struggle between two wives, one of them living and the other dead, but still making hor presence felt. In the character of Ethel, the second wife, idealistic, frank, lovable, and Joe, hor husba'nd, an architect whose higher strivings have been somewhat dulled by the materialism of his first wife. Mr Poole lias two figures of interest. Tiro story progresses through a scries of striking incidents to its climax. 'Flood Tide." By Daniel Chase. New York : The Macmillan Co. The central figure of tho above is a. man, a dreamer and student, who is forced by circurnstancee into a business caix>cr. It is his story that is told; the story of his success, of tho price which he pays for it, and of the wav in which he u.timaudy achieves the happiness which has eluded him for so long. The spirit of the sea is over the narrative, adding much to its charm. Tho lad's boyhood in a Now England town is interestingly portrayed ; as sto also those later years in the big City. ' The Martial Adventures of Henry and Me.' By William Allen White. Melbourne and New York: The Maomillan Co. To xtse tho words of the author, this volume is a humorous account of the experiences of " two middle-aged old coots who out to a ruthless war without their wives." They have commissions in their pockets from tho American Red Cross, .and they are going to the front in tho interests of that organisation. Their story ii» distinguished by an abundance of good spirits. It is typically American, exemplityinp the biiovant, whole-hearted fashion with which thousands of Americans entered upon the great task, confident that there was much that was unpleasant before them, but resolved to make the best of things. With its humor and its general tone of wholesomcne.ss it serves as an antidoto to the numerous publications which have over-emphasised the grini.W.is and horror of the war.

'Poems.' By Eva Campbell. Mwv Zealland .- Whiteornbe and Tombs. Tho above neatly-printed booklet of 60 pages is, vi> understand, the author'a first essay in authorship. It comprises 15 iwins. under the general title 'White Wings,' 22 other poems, and 16 songs. Those wo have read ore characterised "indelicacy of thought, sincerity of tone, and .rcCnemcnt of feeling, while their manner of expression throucrhout is in harmony with their theme. There- are few, if -any, Ixrd breaks into the commonplace. We select a few verses by -way of illustration The first are from the poem ' Good-bye ': Good-bvc. Too late to call you back, beloved, Yon would not hear. You lie, a* i f in peaceful slumber wrapped. In flower-strewn bier. Good-bye. I see that Death has smoothed away The lines of pain. Your wea.rv spirit has thrown off at last This earthly chain. Gocd-bve. And when my task on earth is done Hold out your hands, And lead me gcntlv through the Gate of Death To brighter lands. And the, second from -'The Invisible Kingdom Each separate experience the foul remembers .still. And profits by tlie. knowledge of tha Past, Memory lives on, though nought beside remain ; Her depths are fathomie-sB, her heights aro vast. And, like a drop upon the ocean's breast, So is each life through which the Soul exists. Eternity is waiting, inexorable.! grim, And "highest Heaven gleams beyond tbo mists. 'Baby Aline.' By Margaret Mayo. Melliourne; Cassell and Co. i The above is adapted from the play of the same namo as performed at tho Vaudeville Theatre. London, and, with eight | viustralions from photographs, is dediI cated bv the authoress "to my helper and ! husband."