NEW BOOKS AND NEW EDITIONS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1648, 30 September 1903, Page 24

NEW BOOKS AND NEW EDITIONS

“Tho Conflict.” By M. E. Braddon. Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent and Co., London.—S. and W. Mackay, Wellington.

The author of this story tetys in a thrilling fashion the warring elements of good and evil in this life, and it is up to the usual standard of her other works. Walter Arden, the hero, at the beginning was a very ordinary personage, and although in affluent circumstances was content to live his life in an unambitious manner, enjoying himself among his -books and having no wish to aspire to anything greater. He had severe fits of depression at times. However, these did not trouble him much until his landlady’s daughter got into trouble through the evil influence of a wicked man who seemed to have, been something of a fiend‘upon earth. He was killed in a duel, and his evij spirit haunted Walter Arden for many a day. A friend of his, a workman named Michael Hartnell, in whom he took a great interest, journeyed with him to Klondyke w r here he became ill and was at death’s door. He suddenly and unexpectedly recovered, and over after his nature was changed. From being grateful, helpful, sobei and honest, he developed into the worst of characters, and eventually was drowned while trying to murder his benefactor. This caused Arden to have even more severer fits of depression ; but he had a good friend in Douglas Campbell, who gave him a great deaj of good advice and cheered him on. He also believed in evil spirits, but. unlike Arden, believed t-nat the good ones were more numerous and stronger; and • lie considered that when Arden met a pure, good, lofty-minded person the evil that depressed him would be banished. This spirit he discovered in. the person of Rachael Lorimer, a rich young woman, who had devoted her young life to the apjliftiiig of fallen humanity, and the feeding and housing of the poor, while she administered to their souls’ welfare, and earned their undying gratitude and love. He eventuaJly won her, and fcioked upon liis past experiences as an dream. The book is cfosely written and contains much to interest thoughtful and imaginative readers.

“The Virginian.” By Owen Wister. Macmillan and Co., London. —J. W. Davidson, Wellington.

“The Virginian” is an American story told with style and brilliancy. It depicts life in the back-woods before the advent of so-called civilisation. The Virginian was a true son of the soil—brave, courageous, shrewd, and generous—although he had to do some hard things in t hat lawless count it where life was held cheap, and where everyone had to take care of himself. There is a quaint little story about a, lien which was designated “Emily” Although she had never laid an egg, this hen was possessed of a frantic mania for raising a family. If eggs were not available, stones, onions', green fruit, or even soap was utilised for setting purposes. The Virginian took a kindly interest in this creature. The Virginian became a wealthy landowner after years of faithful 'service as. cowboy, foreman, and partner; and his winning for a wife the “school-marm” is very ciharat eristicallv told. All who enjoy racy, quaint 'American expressions would do well to peruse 'The. Virginian,” which is well worth reading, it is one of the best American stories we have read.