LITERARY CAUSERIE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9248, 15 January 1916, Page 8

LITERARY CAUSERIE

(R.A.L.) ARMS AND THE MAP. lan C. Hannah, M.A. (T. Fisher Unwiii, liondon.) Fourteen countries pass through the crucible of this book. Each has its history in brief, a list of the nationalities that, have come through its borders and dwell in its cities, with sketches of what each has contributed to the national life, and reasons for the weight to be given to - each in the grand historic scale. The intention if* to throw all light that is obtainable on the great principle of nationality. Why? Because that principle has beeil set up by tho Entente Powers as the guide for the new map of Europo which is to come' out of this war through the mouth of a stable peaceFrom that point of view the work is most illuminating, just the thing to guide not only public opiniorj but the views of all statesmen. If a mar, knowing no history were to read these chapters^—of the fourteen nations —he would riso with a profound knowledge of the great historic outlines. To him tho national settlement would be a much more open bookApart from this purpose, which it certainly achieves, the book is a perfectly fascinating and comprehensive study of European history. It is interesting enough to be read, say, once a month from cover to. cover, for keeping the national basis of geography in gooo focus automatically for the day of decision. In order not to forget desirable principles, we must have desirable methods of assimilating them. That describes "Arms aud the Map," with its fourteen short studies of national subjects bound together by a copious index. We must not conclude without commending the beauty and clearness of the style, not only giving character and charm to the book, but carrying the attention captive arid inspiring study to almost feverish haste. A most remarkable book, much wanted at the present time. Its not least valuable parts are tho nice discrimination and sympathetic breath of judgment, well informed, with which the characters of the various nations are presented. THE DOUBILE SHADOW. W. Le Queux. (Hodder and Stoughton.) This is just like Mr Le Queux, only more so, which proves that this writer is more the "Master of Mystery" than ever. This time he waves two magic wands—a plot and a counter-plot—Vir-tue and Vice equally clever—Arimanes and Oromasdes alike, uncanny in the brilliancy of their thoughts and their powers of constructive plotting. Be-1 tween them these whirl you away breathless. You haven't even time to find out which is the true Prince. Mr Le Queux is one of the best tonics for the tired brain we know among the writers of the day, and this is one of the most sparkling bottles of his wellknown brand. THE SEALED VALLEY. Hulbtrt Footner. (Hodder . and Stoughton.) The wonders of the great Athabasca region in general, and the North Cariboo country in particular, make the setting of a very strong story, in the time of the pioneers favourably to adventure of the kind that fits the pioneer like his "moccasin." Therefore there are types. The basis of the story is the great gulf set by Nature between Red and White. There is a desperate struggle between them and Red wins, after doings most

perilous in the wild laud of huge mountains, great rivers, dark f orest* of abnormal depth and rapids that roar no'empty defiance to the intruder. The Red heroine is a noble study of IndipJi life, embodying that deep regret for lost opportunities, if not remorse |or worse that haunts every white' race that has set its victorious foot into the possessions of Nature's nobleman, the primeval savage. , RICHARD CHATTERTON, V.C. Ruby iit. Ayers. (Hodder and Stoughton. London.) We,have again the fruitful theme of the laggard in war twined into the present} conflict, a sign that writers have realised that war is the only game the general public look at nowadays. Th\sro is a lurid picture of the hero earning his "V.C, but it does not mean that this eminently feminine pen has takon-..t0 the "sword and shield on the battlefield, and the boys that best, we love boys." On the contrary, tho reference, is brief and delicate, just enough to emphasise the V.C. winning. The strength of the.story is in the skilful treatment of the incidents that wakened up' a thoughtless • young roan who thought more of his love affairs than of his patriotic duty. Tho plot which is e\ r olved is very real, and the ebb and flow of hope and fear keeping skilfully up'to the very end make tne interest not only deep, but compelling. THRiEIEI BOOKS FOR GIRLS. PATTY, POLLY AND PRISCILLA. Author of "Daddy Long-Legs." (Hodder. and Stoughton, London). LETTERS TO GIRLS. .Editor of "My Magazine." (Hodder and Stoughton.) Of these the first two have the touch of the magic pen which gave us the named booK of ttio talented writer who can so well appeal to the young, lne third is really a wealth of information about the thougnts and ways of the "Young Person" who is thereby placed in a very brilliant and sympathetic light. , ' THE ENOHAJnTIiNG DISTANCE. Lilian Arnold. (John Long, London.) The editor of the "Ladies' Field" has made another venture into tho field or romance. She had a right by virtue ot the success of those good books "Also Joan" and f'lja Storm Dog," particularly the dog. In this venture Mrs Arnold has again struck the original note—so dainty, so delicate, so charming, with a story quite compelling. Conversations vivid, smart, deep, playful telling a story of virile tenderness and feminine charm struggling against the difficulties of the world which are artificial. "You may expel nature with a fork," as Virgil says, "but she will always return with the absolute mastery." This wholesome truth Mrs Arnold presses in a novel of quite fascinating charm, and delightfully original treatment.