BOOK NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 256, 26 September 1940, Page 8

BOOK NOTES

“GERMANY TO-MORROW.’’

So far as. the war has proceeded there have been (advisedly enough) very few books offering a. solution ol the post-war problems that arc certain to arise, but which are still neceseaiily thoroughly indefinite. From the enemy side nothing .has emerged apart Horn the characteristic Nazi “banket demands on the “Mein Kampf model. Yet there is a school of 'thought among Germans of which .me- greatest cognisance should be taken. It is best expressed bv Otto Strasser, leader or the Black (Secret) Front, whose arrest was reported (but not confirmed) some mohtus ago. In “Germany tomorrow” lie frankly discusses the position of Germany in ' the new 'worm alter the overthrow of Hitler and Hnlerism, which he places as the No. l war aim. Significantly, this German thinker also advocates the anuinilation of Prussian power politics by the fedcralisation of Germany on the model of her former Constitution,-re-parations to the Poles and Slovaks (tne book was written before the war had spread further) and, among other objectives, the “establishment of a Euiopoan Federation within the framework of the renovated League of Nations. Not all will agree with Strasser s adherence to the League machinery, hut none can fail to be impressed •by nis thorough examination of Ins country o role in building up the new Europe in which he feels she must play a part“an avowal of a new spirit would be an idle declamation unless it had prompt political consequences. For the new Germany one of these decisive results would be the renunciation ot Prussian militarism- both on principle and as a form of - organisation, says Strasser, who throughout stresses the pre-eminent need to overthrow Hitlei. —Our copy of this valuable hook is from Messrs G. H. Bennett anu Co., Ltd.

“THE FLYING VISIT.”

Holding that, “a sense of humour and a sense of proportion (or perspective) arc essentially and happily almost indestructible elements ot any civilisation,” Peter Fleming has written what is probably the best literary antidote yet produced to counter the “war of nerves.” In “The Flying Visit,” comp Jed during a bout of the German (!) measles last March, lie delightfully lampoons the Fuehrer, with many a sly dig at British officialdom lor lull measure. Hitler essays a flight, over Britain, but his plane explodes in mid-air and. complete with cap, he lands in a very muddy pool somewhere in England. “Unhappy little bore! . - Hitler was beaten. He had not met defeat, but now he admitted it. . . He decided to scuttle himself.” But the shots fail, and Hitler passes through the mortification of winning a pound of butter for an apparent impersonation of himself. Finally lie makes such, a nuisance of himself, and embarrasses the Cabinet, that lie is senk back home. The last scene of this rollicking story depicts Hitler swinging towards a bog in Germany clutching in his hand a stick of nut milk chocolate! There are fine illustrations by Low. This thoroughly enjoyable book was received from Messrs G. H. Bennett and Coy., Ltd. “THE SHIP OF GOD.”

The parishioners of Ashhurst and adjacent districts who remember the vicar’s letters of ltev. H. B. Goertz will learn with pleasure that the series he wrote over a period of two years on “The Shin of God” lias been collected into booklet form and is now'published as “an allegory set forth in letters of a country parson to his flock.” Attractively printed in a compact little brochure, these “letters” display a rare sense of humour and a not inconsiderable nautical knowledge as Mr Goertz sets out to direct the thoughts of his people to their place in the service of the Church. Drawing his analogy from Noah’s Ark, he proceeds to stress the spirit of co-operation essential to Christian service, expressing the hope that his novel, methods will induce readers to become “better able seamen.” This small booklet will be read with interest and profit.