THE MODERN BOOKSHELF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22205, 4 September 1935, Page 5

THE MODERN BOOKSHELF

DECORATIVE AND SIMPLE With the modern trend of simplification in the design of homes and furnishings the homely bookshelf has been carried along on the tide, and many attractive and unusual designs have been evolved, states an overseas writer. The majority are as decorative as they are simple. The collection of a certain number of books is inevitable in even the least literary household, and their proper accommodation is something which should receive serious consideration. Although books have sufficient dignity of their own to withstand a little ill-treatment without any loss of self-respect, no booklover cares to see precious volumes heaped carelessly in odd corners. For the majority of bookcases smoothly polished wood is used, and the surface is completely unbroken by decoration of any sort. Cheaper woods gaily lacquered in colours, such as Chinese red or peacock blue, are charming when made into long, low shelves, sometimes with odd sections

forming steps on which ornaments may be placed. In many modern homes the bookcases are built-in. In this case they are usually set on either side of the fireplace, a particularly convenient plan for long winter evenings, when books may be selected from a mere arm's length. Sometimes, too, a small bookshelf is built into the end of the fireside seat. It is often inconvenient to have books placed right down on the floor level, and to do away with this the lower part of a bookshelf may bo converted into cupboards for old magazines or odds and ends of sporting gear. An attractive design has a tall chimney-like section springing from the .end of two long, low shelves. Flowers and cacti were placed on these high shelves and books on the lower. In one modern room a bookshelf was formed from two shelves of thick glass clamped by shiny chromium bars halfway up a bare white wall. The books, with their warm, friendly personalities, looked strangely isolated and unhappy in such cold and austere surroundings. Medical treatises would have bec-n more appropriate in such a setting than Galsworthy or Beverley Nicholls. SAVOURY BREAKFAST DISH Mince liver and bacon finely and bind with a white of egg. Spread some of the mass between two potato slices; brush over with well-beaten eggs and coat with finely made bread crumbs. The slices may be held together with thread, but this is not absolutely necessary. Fry the slices in a frying pan rather slowly, until they are nicely browned, and tho stuffing will be cooked. These potatoes are very nice served with lettuce or tomato salad or as a garnish with vegetables.