IN BOOKLAND

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 November 1928, Page 18

IN BOOKLAND

Miss EH sic Iv. Morton, whose article,s appearing in the “New Zealand Herald” and the “Auckland Weekly News” have given pleasure to many readers over a period of years, has issued a, collection of her essays in book form under the title of “Along the Road; a Book of New Zealand Life and Travel.” This book will be valued by all her old readers and admirers, who will welcome the opportunity to possess between two covers so much of the best work of one of the most popular of New Zealand’s penwomen. It will also serve to introduce Miss Morton’s work to others who have not come within the large circle of readers of the Auckland journals. The writer is possessed of insight into the beauty of her own land and the characteristics of her own people. The book deserves well at the hands, of all who take an interest in. anti desire to encourage, New Zealand literary efforts, and doubtless it will be bought and sent abroad by many who would have friends overseas see something of our country through our eves. It will also, be offered the good wishes on its voyage by an army of New Zealand newspaper folk who have a very warm regard for the author. We have received a copy of “The Political Circus,” a well-produced book of cartoons of prominent politicians and well known campaign incidents drawn by the clever New Zealand humourist, Mi* Jack Gilmour. People who clo not take their politics too seriously to see a joke will appreciate these sketches. It is one of the curiosities of our time that “'Peter Pan” has never been printed, says the “Manchester Guardian.’’ It will soon ‘be added by Messrs I fodder and Stoughton to the uniform edition of Sir James Barrie 's plays. It will be introduced by a long preface newly written by the author entitled “Dedication: To the Five.” There are said to he “whimsical stage-direc-tions. ’ ’ The Bodleian Library at Oxford is exhibiting the manuscript of John Galsworthy’s “Strife,” which has been presented by the author in response to a request made by the library to a number of writers for a specimen of their work in typescript or writing. In the flyleaf of “Strife” the author has written: “The manuscript was sold for the benefit of the 'Red Cross in the war time of April, 1318, but I bought it myself because, after all, it Is the. first draft of (perhaps) my best play.”i Wo all know that Mr Edgar Wallace is a vastly popular author, hut it is staggering to read his recent statement that in the year ended March 31 5,000,000 volumes of his books were sold. “ There used to be a legend that women did not Toad the crime story, but I have since discovered that I have kept more women awake than any man in England,” he said. “The Ringer” had been translated into almost every language ip the world except Japanese. The new Bronte Museum at Haworth has recalled to many writers the flood of adverse criticism that greeted Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” when it first appeared, (says a writer in the London “Daily News”). It seems strange To us in these outspoken days that it could have been regarded as a book of doubtful morality. Yet. there was one unprofessional critic who demurred from the general verdict. And this was Queen Victoria, sternest of moralists. In her diary is this record,, worth reading:- “Finished ‘Jane! Eyre,’ which is really a wonderful book, very peculiar in parts, but so | powerfully and wonderfully written, and such a fine tone in it, such fine religious feeling, and such beautiful writing.” The diarist then proceeds to criticise various scenes in the book with keen appreciation. Mr Stephen Vincent Bcnot, whose recently published 100,000 word poem, “John Brown’s Body,” has been de-j scribed by American critics as “an epic of the Civil War” and an outstanding literary work 'of modern times, recently returned to New York on the steamship He de France, on his first visit, home since his rise to recognition. Although his poem was printed in an edition of 80,000 copies, most of which have already been sold, Mr Bcnot. arrived second class, and was found on board ship only after a search, because none of his fellowtravellers knew him. lie said th'at he had .just seen 'a copy of his book for the first time. He is writing another long poem, and recently signed a contract to write a novel.

The Now York Bookman for 'September gives the following list of novels most in demand an the public libraries of the United States:— 1. "The Bridge of San Luis Rev,’’ Thornton Wilder. 2. "IWintersnioon, ” Hugh Walpole. .'5. "'The Greene Murder 'Case,” S.S. Van Dine. s 4. "Kitty,” Warwick Deeping. o. "Beauty and the Beast,” Kathleen Norris. <5. "'Giants in the Earth,” >O. E. Rolvaag. 7. "Death Comes for the Archbishop,” Willa 'Gather. 8. "Red Crust,” Cornelia .Tames Cannon. 9. "The Island Within,” Ludwig Cewishn. 10. "Jalna,” Mazo.de la, Roche. 11. "Two Plights Up,” Mary I?qberts Rinehart. 12. "Claire Ambler,” Booth Tarkingtan.