WARREN HASTINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 12 (Supplement)

WARREN HASTINGS

A FIGURE OF HISTORY A novel of exceptional interest has been written by Mr.. It. J. Minney under the title of "Governor General." Mr. Minney is well known as a writer of books dealing with India, and "Governor General" also has this country as its background. The central figure is Warren Hastings, Governor-General of Madras, and the story tells of the many difficulties encountered by this wellknown figure of history, of the treachery which was exercised against him by some of his own countrymen, and of the loyal adherence of the Indians themselves to Hastings' rule. When finally Hastings was ordered back to England, there to stand his trial on numerous charges, as the result of pamphlets and speeches, which were issued and made against him by some of the former members of his Council in Madras, the story gathers rapidly in interest. The trial, which lasted for five years, is faithfully recorded, and such names as Sheridon, James Fox and Edwin Burke appear prominently in this portion of the book. The author paints a delightful picture of Hastings' wife, who is described as being a singularly beautiful arid devoted woman, living and working solely for her husband's interests and happiness. Mr. Minney is recognised as being an authority on India, and in "Governor General" his knowledge of this.Empire has been aptly interwoven with the life story of a man of history. The book never flags from the first page to the last, and is among the best of the more recent novels to bo published. "Governor General," by R. J, Minney. (Chapman and Hall.)