BRITISH WRITERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10450, 3 December 1927, Page 5

BRITISH WRITERS.

MEN AND WOMEN 0F TO-DAY. PEN PICTURES OF LEAD EPS IN TER WOE 1/D OF PRINT. (By E. F. Piriu.) , Tho art of creation by brain'and pen is of vital importance to tho /lupitin family, therefore it has been encouraged to develop, and ;< down through' the ages the various stages oh that development- aiford. food for enthralling study. Anglo-Saxon literature covers an, immense.; lield, and it would .indeed he a task, of magnitude to sort out, .say, the most famous. dozen • novels in the English tongue. Such an attempt would lead to a wide; and possibly bitter controversy,; and only end in a blind alley of uncertainty. Few' critics could, on piich a subject, apply a\ brOad catholic.-judgment as opposed to. personal taste or tho natural prejudice of . country. There are novels standing high in public favor to-day that will hot weather the course of Time, and it would he a risky undertaking for tiny world-renowned critic or erudite body of men. to place the coveted mark of honor. Britain, 'the wise far-seeing mother, who throws her protecting mantle over vast oversea Dominions, holds within the folds of her imperial robe some of the finest authors the world has ever produced, whilst beneath her banner famous writers from other lands dwell, and find marketable value for Tho nroduct of their brains.

; To-day, vendors cf literature need an unbounded lield of books to cope with the ever-growing demand of readers, for the desire, which forwards the entrenching for knowledge and more knowledge, is entwined with the fibrous roots of humanity. What meets it then, if readers prefer to absorb their share oi knowledge by the easiest method—the fancyglass of fiction, which in many cases reflects the accumulated thought, experience and learning of some ol the world’s most intellectual writers. Wise writers of fiction, therefore, who do not want their books to remain si drug on the market, are impelled to make a study ol psychology, philology, philosophy, archaeology, criminology, sociology, theology, education, statecraft, history, geograpio etc., so that as correct an atmosphere as possible can be infused into the writings that tend to make their careers. Doubtless no author lias ever made a study of all the sciences, and probably some arc not even conscious of a special study, but the iincly-tuned, sensitive, observant, and receptive brain of tbo born writer misses little,,and stores the sub-con-scious mind with a wealth oi knowledge which, when tho need arises, comes to the call ol the conscious mind by concentrated thought, culminating in transmission to paper.

Oft-times we pause to wonder why so many deep-thinking intellectual men choose so-called light literature lor their week-en:l, or leisure hours. The answer is possibly consistent with the fact that light literature, as produced U.y modern novelists, not only agrees with presentdav notions, but is of sufficient depth to grip ana hold the intelligence of the rentm. so that a thorough sense of relaxation from the worries and cares of .■ busy day is experienced. Again, too, a book would need to be oi an exceptionally interior nature it it could net instigate, some useful train of thought/, or afford some educative or enlightening element. It is not always from the spotless and almost perfect hemes and heroines set by some authors upon their stage ol fiction that we gather a clearer insight into human nature, or realize the meaning of life, . hut • sometimes the foundation of higher ideals is laid through the re-action of the human , soul from the evils of life depicted In- those whose business it is to know liCu.- and search for genesis characters, plots, themes, and scenes, from among tho lowest, and in graduation to tiie highest ol God’s creatures. We read of authors who, while engaged upon tjieiv books, live their characters; there are readers too, to whom those hook iolk appear leal, and become for tho time bring, not mvthieal puppets suggested by a master brain, but. living, breathing personalities. Clever writers. too, a deliberately create a character such us John Galsworthy’s •'Sonnies’’ in the VForsythe Saga.” .Ho is obviously intended to be the villain of the piece and the subtle power of -tho. author almost obscures the fact that Sonnies typified a fine, strong, natural mail, with many faults may-lie- but one who, by sheer right of genuine worth deserved better treatment than that accorded him by Fate, and most, potent of all. jin unloving wife. All! well does Galsworthy know liis work, and well does he play on tlie. strings that temper the inner vision of man-! There are Sonnies'in null life, and though few maybe,-yet they are tho natural human finger-posts whose strength and innate decency cannot be broken by foiled ambition, passion, or the. continued application ol a whip sometimes undeservedly wielded by the unrelenting hand of a persecuting fate. JOHN GALSWORTHY. In his selection of notable books Mr. Louis J. YicQuiUand, writing in the Daily Express said John Galsworthy bad regained the power of his middle years, in “Fraternity,” the splendid’ full-length successor to “The Mail of Property.” Considering this, the last volume of the “Forsythe Saga,” “Swan Song,” which has just, been completed, will be eagerly anticipated. . Galsworthy is now;' in his 60th year, and bis new home in (Sussex lies at the foot oi Bury. Hill, a few miles from Arundel. Ho has, on occasion, written under the pseudonym of- John Sinjo hn, and among, his many works one finds satire, dreams, songs, drama, commentaries, modern plays, and novels of a high standard. He published “The Villa Ruboin” in 1000,. and among the : books, produced by bun are:—- “The White Monkey,” “The Dark , Tower,”' -“The Patrician,'' “The Country House,” “A Sheaf.” ■■“ Beyond,” “The Silver Box,” “The Piocon,” “The Island qf .Pharisees, ' “The Mob.” “Justice,” “The Fugitive,” “A : Bit of Love,” , “The Skin 1 Game,” “The Inn of Tranquillity.” 1 “A 1 Motley,” “Tatterdemalion,” “The Man of .Property,” “The Freelands,” volumes of. plays, etc. , BERNARD S.HAW. i The great Bernard. Shaw was born in 1856, and lie is a journalist, critic, novelist, and piay-wright; He has successfully /and powerfully treated such subjects as philosophy, theology politics, economics, and the line, arts including .music. Tib writes iii shorthand when and where lie can, and mucl.i of bis later ,work,, was. written in tlie train while travelling between Hatfield :and living’s, Cross.. His seoretnvv 'transcribes. bis shorthand notes" to typescript, which is gone over at least twice before it reaches the printer. In. th e case of plays this author composes 'the dialogue first, then • works, up the stage , hacking. 0.8.5. employs no agent, prefers to personally transact his own business, and practically all of his writings arc published' by Constable. Incidentally it may-be. interesting'to mention that the direrary No.bel , Prize, awarded to Mr. Shaw' last year, Ims been devoted by him towards tho forming of; the Ahglo-Swcdish Literary Foundation, oh which the Crown Priheo,of Swedejnns the patron. Mr.

Shaw has specially stipulated Mint the fund m-ust be solely employed for the purpose of making Swedish literature and art known in Great Britain. It is anticipated that the revenue from the fund will amount to £338 annually, and the Swedish loci-' turer at the University of 'London, Dr Kihlbohm," will act as secretary of trustees. Examples from the many works of this famous author are: -- “Quintessence of Ibsenism” (Norwegian literature), “Alan and Superman,” “The Irrational Knot,” “John Bull’s Other Island,” “Cashel Byron’s Profession,'” . “Perfect. Wagncritc,” “Three Plays for Puritans, two volumes of “Dramatic Opinions and Essays,” etc. JOHN MASEFIELD. John Masefield’s novels and poems, written in a lofty style, have made him possibly the most famous author of the present. day. He is also a play-writer of no mean repute. IDs most famous book is historical, amtitled “Gallopoli,” and has deservedly won renown as an epic. Masefield's ‘‘Creed” from “Poems and Ballads" gives a glimpse of the belief m the soul of the man, and runs thus: 1 hold that whon n person dies His soul returns again a,u earth; Arrayed in some new flesh-dis-guise Another mother gives him 1 irtli. With sturdier limbs and brighter brain. 'The old soul takes the, roads again. In the poem the author i [lines that the hand that holds the peh has many times been dust, and will be dust again. All that is rightly thought or done, made, spoiled, blessed, or blasted, returns .as a curse or blessing justly due for sloth or effort in the past. For life is a •.' turnout of ■ the : sum of vice indulged or overcome, a fid all that is accomplished whether good or ill, ?. be repaid in the lives to be. The creed ends : ' - So shall I fight, so shall I Head. In this long war neneaffi the stars. So shall a glory wreathe my head. So shall I iamt and show the scars. Until this case, i his clogging .mould. Be smithied all to kingly gold. An interesting nersO.vJ note in regard to this author is embodied in the fact that he. John Galsworthy, and Gerald du Manner, >••'•••!'- tor years close together m V» eb-vuik, Hampstead, one of the pleasantestspots in the London area, whilst in the same road was an inn kept by the popular cartoonist Kirmbe. f rom Masefield’s brilliant brain h..a emanated “The Voyages of Dampier,” “A Tarpaulin Muftti. . (stories), “Gapt Margaret” (a novel); “Tragedy of Pompey The Great'' (a play): “dho Strbcit oi In-das (novel) • “A Sailor’s Garland (vei so.): “Reynard the Fox” (Ril'd l' lV ‘ 1lli; ‘•'The Old Front Line'' (h-Aonmdl: “St George and the Dragon lie:-.): “Philip the King” tplay); P-.cm - ano Ballads; “Multitude and Solitude,” (novel); .“Lost Endeavour'' (romance) “William Shakespeare'’ (a i-tnciy); “Fricourt Pozieres” (historical); ; On the Spanish Mtiin/' ’ dhui' and Polite,” “Salt Water Ballads, etc. SIR PHILIP GIBBS. Sir Philip Gibbs is the possessor of an unwearied pen, and bis journalistic training evidently had good effect on tlie writing of his novels, for he rather humorously states that* lie has none of those sensibilities which cause irritation and anguish to more exalted and delicate souls.. He can write fiction in the corner of a third-class railway .carriage : sitting on a hay-stackor with las elbow on a caie table, folk may bulge., dance, quarrel, or operate a piano or organ in the room where he works but lie can go on oblivious to the noise. “The mystic luxury known as waiting for inspiration is not for me.” he says; “V hen 1 get hold oi something remotely resembling an idea, 1 write as though the printers were waiting for my copy to catch the early edition.” When he has worked out a clue to his narrative he begins his report on the case, and builds' up detail and description almost as* though he wore recording some chapter in contemporary history for a newspaper. His work mirrors the atmosphere of our times and liq has successfully treated such subjects as war. polities. youth, adventure and social _ problems. “Knowledge is Power” is a collection of essays that helped to make this author famous, and is a book to instigate serious thought. “Ten Years After” was published on -Armistice Day. 102-1. ft is a reminder of the idealism and spiritual unionism of all classes of the British people during the war ; gives a presentday survey of the mental and economic* state of Europe; extends a warning and sends tortli a call to tlie spirit of our nation. “The Reckless Lady” is a different type and embodies an intimate study of English social life in which is portrayed a ;vivid contrast between tlie old world and the new. In reading this author's work we cannot help feeling that something more than fiction is offered. He has a gift of painting pictures on a broad canvas. and writes with a . restrained vividness of style and depth of understanding. His “Street of Adventure” might almost be termed a classic of Floei Street, with its story 'of the innfr life in a lug London newspaper office, the work of the news editors, "the reporters’ assignments.' the “scoops’' and the feverish rush for “copy," and at the hack of all a newspaper's struggle to survive the initial enormous expense of financial outlay. Then finally comes the end. when the news is broken to the staff that the paper lias ceased circulation, and the staff are turned on the streets. This story rings true, and well it might, for tlie theme is hinged upon an actual experience of Philip Gibbs, who was on the staff ol a new London journal with but a short dte. Gibbs always paints his pictures to the life, but never perhaps to better advantage than in “The Street of Adventure.'' Gibbs' other best-known novels include “Heirs Apparent,'. “The Aliddle of the Hoad. • “The Shock, of Success.” “The Custody of the Child,” “Back to Life,” “Oliver's Kind Women;” “Helen of Lancaster Gate.” “Intellectual Mansions,'' “Out. ol the Ruins,” “Unchanging Quest," “Voting Anarchy,” and his latest—- “ Darkened Rooms’- —which deals with an adventure in a very strange •‘No Man’s Land.”

(To. be Continued.)

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