NEW BOOKS

Evening Star, Issue 21718, 12 May 1934, Page 19

NEW BOOKS

• GERMANY REBORN ’ General Goering, Hitler’s “ Iron Minister,” does not know the British. If ho knew them this book, “ presenting to the English-speaking peoples a few of my ideas about the struggle of the German people for freedom and honour,” and designed for “ simultaneous world publication,” would never have been written. “My ” ideas and “ my boundless love for my country,” which ho parades as his theme, are of very small concern to those addressed. And if it is propaganda not on _ behalf of Goering, but on behalf of Hitlerism that is intended, all that can be said is that this is very ill-devised propaganda. It may impress Germans, but for the average Englishman who has tended to dislike Nazism it can only result in the intensifying of his dislike and misgivings. A frontispiece portrait of the author in his military uniform, starred with many orders, with his features fixed in the stern expression of Ko Ko when he drew his snickersnee, is less than engaging for a commencement. The book itself is poor stuff, shrill and rhetorical—a succession of dogmatisms without light or shade or any attempt to make them convincing. Human history, we are told, is a history of war, but the German people as a whole has never taken part in great wars of conquest. It has only fought to defend its honour, its freedom and security. Prussia had always given the lead to Germany. In three triumphant wars fought by Prussia modern Germany was born. The last war was forced on Germany. It was lost because “ the bravest of all armies had its backbone broken from behind ” —by the Socialists who had supported the war while it had a chance. Then began the humiliation by Jews and Socialists—though the latter seldom formed a Government and the former hardly ever appeared in one —which was ended by the Nazi revolution. How that was carried through Goering tells in his own way. He grows ecstatic—not to say hysterical—in panegyrics of Hitler. “Just as the Roman Catholic considers the Pope infallible in all matters concerning religion and morals, so do we National Socialists believe with the same inner conviction that for us the leader is in all political and other matters concerning the national and social interests,of the people simply infallible.” And why? It is unexplainable. “It is something mystical, inexpressible, almost incomprehensible which this unique man possesses, and he who cannot feel it instinctively will not be able to feel it at all.” The acts of repression of the Nazis which have made theirs the only will in the State are described with pride. England had outgrown that type of government in the time of Queen Anne. General Goering glories in it. In four pages, of about 180 words to a page, he uses the word “ ruthless ” to describe its system three times. And now? Germany, of course, desires peace. But it is urged that, surrounded by well-armed Powers, she has at least the right to have a defensive fleet, defensive aeroplanes, chaser machines against enemy bombing'squadrons, and anti-aircraft guns. Something may be allowed to that contention. but it would he allowed more easily if the profession of peaceful intentions were not accompanied by so much of the military spirit. Elkin Mathews ami Marrot’Ltd., publishers.

• MARTIN LUTHER ’ ‘ Martin Luther,’ by Brian Lunn (Ivor Nicholson and Watson Ltd.). He is a bold man who attempts to add to the literature about Martin Luther. The work of Wittenberg is, to use a phrase Renan employed with regard to Christ, 11 the banner of our contradictions.” Historians are hopelessly divided with regard to their judgments of the great reformer. To some _he was the author of the ‘‘ masterpiece of hell and death.” To others, especially to Lutherans, he was the equal of St. Paul, the second creator of Christianity. Mr Lunn steers a middle course between two extremes. He attempts a semi-popular account of Imther’s life and work, “ of the Man and his God,” to use his own expression. On the whole, we may say that his estimate of Luther is a moderately Protestant one. He makes a valiant effort to set Luther in his original environment, and that is the only true way to form a sound estimate of him. For the German Reformer, Mr Lunn says, Christianity was not biblical or conciliar theology, but a state of mind evolved by Christ’s Gospel. “ This is the truth which Luther _ proclaimed and revived.” By so doing he destroyed the mechanical scheme of salvation in which the late medieval church was involved. For this reason Mr Lunn agrees with Goethe, that to Luther and the Reformation we owe our freedom from the shackles of spiritual bondage, and our ability to return to the source of our religion, and grasp it in its purity ‘PERILOUS GRAIN ’ 1 Perilous Grain,’ by Lna Broadbent (Ivor Nicholson and Watson Ltd). The author of this book is well known as a very able radio dramatist. In this work she puts into modern speech the famous legend of the loves of Admetos and Alkestis. According to the Greek story, Admetos had been granted the boon of immortality by Apollo on condition that when death threatened someone else would die in his stead. Alkestis, with her sisters, put her father to death in order that he might be restored to health and youth by Medea. The latter refused to bring about the promised restoration. Whereupon, pursued by the blood-avengers, Alkestis fled to Admetos, whom she had_ married. Admetos, being taken prisoner by the avenging army, was saved from death by his wife, who laid down her life in his stead. Miss Broadbent tells this tale with enlargements and modifications, made possible by her fine historical imagination and knowledge of Greek antiquity. The atmosphere of superstitious terror in which a primitive people lived is recreated with great skill. Miss Broadbent has produced a most noteworthy “ novel” with material drawn from early Hellenic civilisation. FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ‘An Outline of Religion for Children,’ by E. R. Appleton (Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.). The author of this book has designed to produce an encyclopaedia of religious knowledge for children. Intelligent parents will find it a mine of information, set forth in a form which can easily be used for the instruction of boys and girls. There are five parts in the volume. Part I. is called the ‘ Egg of Creation ’ and deals with religion up to the Incarnation of Christ. In part 11. the story of Christ’s life is recounted, partly in the words of Scripture. The third part deals with Christian history from Pentecost to the Reformation, while the fourth deals with that history up to the Great War, and the author has covered a great deal of ground surprisingly well. The last section deals with personal religion, and contains simple explanations in such subjects as prayer, the following of Christ, moral and mental health, the coming of God’s Kingdom, the possibility of a Christian world, and so on. This last section was a particularly difficult piece of work and has been very well done. There is a multitude of little pictures in the book. Those help to make the work both useful and attractive to the children. These illustrations are mostly the work of young people. Both author and publisher are to be congratulated on this well-conceived publication.

12.30 FROM CROYDON When a service plane left Croydon at 12.30 for Paris carrying an aged Yorksire manufacturer and his son and granddaughter tho first link in a chain of highly sensational events was forged. ‘ 12.30 From Croydon ’ is by Freeman Wills Crofts, an ingenious weaver of mystery stories. It is a theme as old as civilisation itself. If all bad gone well with the chief character in the book his life and normal career would have been that of a happy and successful business man, a kind and considerate employer, and a model of the domestic virtues. In this case, however, when the trade depression in Yorkshire became acute, Charles Swinburn, who had inherited a prosperous business, found himself in financial difficulties. His uncle, who had left him the business, was a hard and narrow manufacturer, and when the nephew appealed to him for help it was curtly refused, though tho old man, now living in comfortable retirement, was very wealthy. The younger man was ardently in love with a beautiful girl, who told him quite frankly that she would never marry anyone who was poor. Thus Swinburn was placed in a doubly harassing position. Result, two murders by means of poison. The sensational _ incidents are described with the ability with which the readers of this author’s works are familiar. It is more than a mystery story. It embraces a philosophy showing that it is infinitely better to follow the “narrow and thorny ” rather than the “ broad and flowery ” when tho latter leads to the devious ways of the criminal. Our copy of ‘ 12.30 From Croydon ’ is from the publishers (Hodder and Stoughton).

• THE DEVIL'S DRUMMERS ' It is difficult to separate fiction from fact in Tex Harding’s book, ‘ The Devil’s Drummers,’ which is the story of his many strange adventures in foreign lands. Harding, which is not his real name, is an Austrian by birth, though of English descent. The wanderlust hit him in his early ’teens, when he ran away from home, and in 1922 he just escaped death by a firing party through taking an active part in a Mexican revolution. Another episode in his remarkable career was hjs wonderful ride on horseback (for a wager) from Mexico City through Buenos Aires to Rio de Janiero. These, however, are only passing incidents in this fascinating book. The main story deals with Tex Harding’s search for Colonel Philip Fawcett, who, it will be remembered, nine years ago went into the Brazilian jungle with two companions, and never heard of again. Colonel Fawcett was to have written a series of articles on his venture for the 1 Evening Star,’ but only one was ever published. Fawcett believed he would find in the jungle the cradle of the human race and the remains of a white people who had been far advanced in the arts of civilisation. Harding tells how he and his friend, Jimmy Burns, set out by hydroplane to find Colonel Fawcett, and what befel them. It is a strange story. Most of it rings true, but a slight suspicion rises in the reader’s mind that the author is inclined to draw the long bow on occasions. Despite this it is an excellent tale, and it leaves the reader with a wish to hear more of Tex Harding’s wandering life. Our copy is from the publishers, Messrs Elkins, Mathews, and Marrot Ltd. (London). THE ‘SPECTATOR' BOOKLETS We have ■ received copies of No. 1 and No. 2 of the ‘ Spectator ’ booklets. The first is entitled ‘ Parliament of Dictatorship? ’ and modern developments are discussed by the Marquess of Lothian, Mr F. Yeats-Brown, Mr Herbert Sidebotham, M. Andre Maurois, the Master of Balliol, Lord Eustace Percy, M.P., and Sir Stafford Cripps, M.P.* lu the foreword it is stated: “ The arguments against dictatorships make a much longer list than the arguments for them. But lack of clear thinking, resulting in impulsive action, may lead quickly to positions from which there '.is no easy escape, for the drawbacks to dictators become conspicuously evident when it is a question of displacing or replacing them. It is with a view to stimulating clear thought on this most urgent of all national questions of to-day that • this series of articles on different aspects of the problem, ‘ Parliament or Dictatorship? ’ has been written.” _ It can be imagined that the articles writen by men of proved ability and of widely different views are intensely interesting at this moment. Fascism, Communism, Socialism, the corporate State, parliamentary government, and many other topics come under review. In the concluding chapter 'we read: “ The existence of democracy, as wo understand it, is at stake, and at such a time it is unthinkable that we should neglect to repair and strengthen the machinery.” Booklet No. 2 is entitled ‘ The Next Ten Years.’ The contributors are the Master pf Sempill, Professor J. B. S. Haldane, Professor Langdon-Brown, Professor Patrick Abercrombie, Captain Liddell Hart, Lord Conway, and Mr St. John Ervine. The matters discussed are aviation, biology, medicine, and surgery, town and country planning, warfare, exploration, and journalism. Our copies of these booklets are from the publisher (Methuen and Co. Ltd.). ANOTHER FINE CHARACTERISATION An equally line characterisation, but of a man, is given in ‘ The Commander Shall . . published by Angus and Robertson. A new novelist, Humfrey Jordan, is to be given lull praise tor the fidelity, skill, and drama which he has imparted to his unusually exciting story, it is a new type of sea story, with the captain ot an EnglandAustraiia mail steamer making a marvellous character. ‘ Tho Commander Shall . . .’ lias all the salty tang of the sea. The drama is strong and the occasional dashes of humour . are given at the right moments. The stimulating story has many impressive incidents, but Mr Jordan is at his very best in the lire scenes and the burial of the woman at sea, and the murder' charge and suicide of the seaman. Captain Toby Gaunt is a human study in every way. He displays all the qualities of the best English seamen. This novel will make engrossing reading. It is a travel-adventure book combined. EPIC STORY OF ALASKA With a woman as the central figure and written by a woman, ‘ Argonaut ’ is so virile and stirring that it is really a man’s book. Tins is a grand story of a noble pioneer in Alaska, au epic of human courage and fortitude, inspiring because it rings sincerely. Honoro iMorrow, who wrote 1 Beyond the Blue Sierra,’ is a vivid authoress, possessing a profound understanding of men as well as women. The gold rushes of the Y'ukon, Dawson and Skagway attracted the noblest and most ignoble of human characters ot both sex. Mary Redfielcl was one of the world’s truly great women who faced the terrors of Alaska’s climate, mixed with the motley humauity, and won out in the end. Miss Morrow claims that her character is not imaginary, but is a woman who was awarded the Legion d’Honneur, and is still living. Her Mary Redlicld is a magnificent portrayal. In the great struggle, her personality and character are always dominant. Tho pictures of the great mining towns are extraordinarily colourful, yet true, as the reader of this novel will find if he is so fascinated with this novel, as he is sure to be, that he will want to read biographies and travel books with Alaska as their setting. The cost of living was fabulous, and the perils were many. 1 Argonaut ’ has a happy ending, far removed from the Yukon, and the development is excellently done. This splendid story is published by Hutchinsons. MR SHAW'S VISIT The newspaper utterances of Mr Bernard Shaw in New Zealand have been collected and issued in a booklet under the title of ‘ What I Said in New Zealand.’ Tho volume of Mr Shaw’s remarks can only be fully realised when they aro seen in their entirety, for they fill thirty-two pages of closely compacted matter set two columns to a page. Tho publishers have included Shaw’s dietetic instructions issued to hotels, Mr account of his visit to tho'Turnbull Library, and a Shaw editorial in the 1 North Canterbury Gazette.’ Published by the Commercial Printing and Publishing Company Ltd., Wellington.

UNUSUAL WESTERN NOVEL As a rule Western stories follow on the lines that they have done for years, and it is pleasing to get a book in which the author has used his imagination and thought out an entirely new plot. For this reason ‘ Black Wing’s Rider,’ by Cherry Wilson, should find many readers among lovers of outdoor fiction. The story, which is brimful of action, concerns a family of Western outlaws who have in their possession a magnificent stallion that they had ” run off ” as a foal, and being the scion of a famous racing breed is coveted by bloodstock owners from near and far. One of these stock owners, while on a visit to the East, becomes acquainted with a ’Western youth who is stranded in the town, and the youth is easily bribed to return West and go into the outlaws’ country and steal the horse. Around the adventures of the youth in tho Picture Rocks Basin, the home of the outlaws, the writer has moulded an exciting and interesting novel. Our copy is from the publishers, Messrs Ward, Lock, and Co. FINE CHARACTER STUDY 1 A Nice Long Evening,’ by Elizabeth Corbett (Appleton Century Company), is an excellent character study. It is too often true that when people near the- allotted span they lose all their sparkle and joy of life. They drift along sadly to the inevitable end. Mrs Meigs sets an example in the other direction. Instead of making her existence a misery to herself and her relatives, she retains a delightful sense of humour and a keen enjoyment of life, and puts no tax to her relatives. She says: “I may have one foot in the grave, but so long as I am able 1 hope to keep the other under a card table.” She follows the fortunes of her children and grandchildren with an alert, but not exclusive, mind, and never interferes. All this is comparatively easy when things go well, but becomes more difficult when the winds of adversity are encountered. Mrs Meigs, however, rises to the occasion as one might expect. The book reveals the triumph of the spirit over the handicaps imposed by old age. Our copy of ‘ A Nice Long Evening ’ is from Whitcombe and Tombs. EXCITING TREASURE HUNT 1 In Treasure at Greyladies,’ Patrick Leyton tells an exciting story of a desperate hunt by several persons for priceless jewels alleged to have been secreted somewhere in a stately oldworld mansion hundreds of years ago. Many of those who heard the rumour of the hidden treasure refuse to believe in its existence, mainly because of the absence of any definite details as to its whereabouts, hut it is left to a young Londoner to start in earnest to search for the jewels. It is while he is thus engaged that he learns there are others in the neighbourhood on the same mission, and also of the existence of the only clue. Out of this material the author has" constructed an interesting yarn,,which will be enjoyed by lovers of this type of story. Our copy is from the publishers (Herbert Jenkins Ltd.). A LIFE OF CHRIST ‘The Life of Christ,’ by Vaughan Stock (Methuen and Co. Ltd.). This book is . a well-printed and well-hound version of the four Gospels, so pieced together that they read as a consecutive story of the life of Christ. The book runs to seventy chapters. There are eight excellent wood-cuts illustrating the book. They are the work of Maud L. Wethered.