AUSTRALIAN CHRISTMAS BOOKLETS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10116, 25 October 1917, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN CHRISTMAS BOOKLETS.

We have received fiom Messrs Angus ard Robertson, publishers, of Sydney, advance copies of novel Christmas greetings in book-l.-i form, tfic work being the product' of 0. J. Dermis and May Gibbs, who arc among the best-known Australian writers ol to-day. Mr Dennis is. of course, the author of the popular “Songs of a Sentimental Rio Ice,” and his contribution is the booklet “Doreen,” an attractive and splendidlyproduced little work comprising four new poems of flic. Sentimental Bloke order, ami which will form a unique and dtlightiul souvenir for posting abroad at- the (,'hristrll:>s season. Miss May Gibbs has protiuced two booklets entitled “Gum-blo'-som bailies’’ and “Gum • mu Rabies,” each of which contains a dozen or more pictures, several being in colour, each with u little cl. .xrip, ivc reading to assist- the natl.-r iti reaching the full value of the tlr.iuiugs. Mis-. Gibbs’ work is singularly distinct, and her ideas, rambling in unfrequented paths and tlevoloped and utilised with true artistry, places her in the forefront, of Australian artists. A pleasing feature of the booklets is that they import a true Australian flavour, and to the reader iar away from his Australian homeland, they will convey the fragrance of the bush ami it touch of Australian home life, as conveyed in the story of “Dorreeu.” J hero appears no reason why these little brochures should not be produced annually. In literature and mechanical production they are equal to the best ot their kind, and being typical of the sunny land of their production, are sure to have an immense vogue and prove a great success. We have also received from' Messrs Angus and Robertson, of Sydney, a copy ot a new volume of verse, by 0. J. Dennis, entitled “The Olugs of Gosh.” 1 his work shows Mr Dennis to be even more original than was disclosed in the, “Sentimental Rioke,” and will certainly raise the author’s literary prestige. It, is explained that a glug may bo defined as “ourselves as others see us,” and a gosh might bo any of the communities which go to make up that Umpire on which the sun never sets. It Is an imaginary little, creation, and serves to show the author’s remarkable sense of humour and his wide knowledge of the little failings and vanities of human nature. “Tin* Glugs of Gosh ’ will command for itself a foremost place among the literary productions ol the country.