BOOK NOTICES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16889, 29 December 1916, Page 3

BOOK NOTICES.

"Waternieads." By Archibald Marshall. London: Stanley Paul and Co. (3s bd, 2a 6d.)

Those who have been privileged to road ol Air MaxshaU's previous stents: oi Eugush upper uuuule-cliiwi lilo, especially '" Extou JVi,uior' ! and " Rod ing- Rectory, wiii be pleaded to welcome- anouier oi Uiuso cjmet, sincere, rcalistio storius, which ji.ru at onco sympathetic and deeply huniau, siiownig an mi usual grusp of tuu tragedies and comedies winch underlie, the apparently ejnooUi-Uowiiijj iilo oi tho loisurui classes, who Oiiouot dig and are ashained to bog. "\V aturnioads" i≤ tho story of nih old county taxuiiy with ii largo estate aud a. tine house; but the estate i& mortgaged to tho last acre, and the liuo iiouso k> uepiorably shabby cmi inconvenient, and ttiei-e ia ocarculy niouey euougii to keep liiingi. going and none, to support it position in bociel/?. Tho iove atiaira ol the sons, and daughters of the house and their hopes aiid leara regarding their beautitul home, to winch they are all devoted, are- dealt v/ith in a very understanding manner, and allurd taccelleut material ior ilr Marshall's special guta. Always the question presents itseli, "vVill ' Wiiterineads' have to go to the hammer, or will some wonderlul turn of luck restore it and its owner to their ardent state'/" There aro various possibilities, but it is not until tho end that tho happy solution i> readied.

"An Average Woman." By W. Dane Bank. .London: Hodder and Stougiiton. (Cloth, 5s 6d.)

Is there each a thing as an "average" woman i The author deelares^ —in spite of the tiller—" To tell you the truth, dear, I don't believe there is such a peruon." Certainly Kmmia Bollins, alle-rwaids Booke, still later Tame, cannot be classed under that head. A " trimmer " in a hat factory, she possesses the mind of a divisional general, fcihe. is quick, alert, self-controiled, with an eye lor strategy and with a quick, resourceiul talent tor countering enemy attacks and taking immediate a<l vantage of every weak point. The story of Emmie's first m&mags to "tho young master "—her prolonged fight with his strongly-entrenched, 6tin-nccked relatives, her power of holding her own without aggression or impudence, and living with credit in a station of lito to which she was not born —is a fine exmnple of the lorce oi character. The 6urE rises that aho gives to those who watch er elevation, aro not snared by the reader, who has a better opportunity of gauging her mentality, and is quite prepared for the akill and ability with which, she takes hold of tho business of "T. Booko and Sons," and masters its intricate convolutions so that everything receives her " personal attention." Emmie's love affairs aro Birenaous and passionate, as becoruea her strong nature, with a delightful ring of straightforward sincerity. Altogether, this is an excellent and absorbing story.

-•'Families Repaired." By J. S. Fletcher. London: George Allen and Unwm. (5a 6d, & 6cL)

This ia a humorons story verging on broad iaice. Every character appears from tuna to time as someone elso. The fortunes of a noble family need repairing. The only son goes into trade as a sugar broker; tho only daughter changes her name, drops her title, and becomee plain Thomasina tSawyer, medical student, sharing a tiny flat with a "millionairess," who is also " incog." Millions are of little account in this tale. They are but a scratch of the pen, after all—in fiction. Tho chief incidents are provided by the eccentric wiiis of a self-made Canadian, Benjamin Poinmery, who leaves between three and four million pounds for distribution. Three wills, each purporting to be the "last," are discovered in succession. Each is intended to assist in repairing tho family fortunes of the noble house above referred to, but each ia burdened by absurd conditions. The result ia highly farcical.

*My Wife. By Edwarf Bnrko. London Herbert Jenkins. (Cloth, 3s 6d.)

Tho author of " Bachelor's Buttons " was hailed by several British reviewers as "The now humorist." It is therefore a good deal to say that Mr Burke's second literary venture is in no way behind hie first, either in humour or in that touch of pathos which forms the proper contrast and rounding oil of humour as distinct from wit. Gertrude, "My Wife," serves as an admirable peg on which to hang many sly witticisms and Doousationa, real or assumed, against the "eternal feminine." Gertrude is a domestic, economical, attentive, fine-looking, ca-p----i&ble woman, but she is not "romantic," 'that element being supplied by tho " dark Rosaleen," the hero's "boyhood's love," who looms up from the past, clad in all tho glamour of the " impossible Sho." Everything that Gertrude doce, or does not do, is mentally compared by her rauippreoiativo husband with Bosaleen's supposed action under liko circumstances, and always to tho advantage of the latter. Gertrude is not Buppoaed to know anything of all this, but, of couree, tho workings of the , masculine mind are not hidden from her, and she often finds it very hard to hold her tongue. The resulting cross-purposes and disjointed conversations are highly diverting.

" The Rogues' Syndicate." By Frank Froeet, MV.O., and George Dilnot London : Eveleigh Nash. (Cloth, 3s 6d.)

Mr Ifroest ia a late Superintendent, tJriniinal Investigation Department, Scotland Yard; author of "The Grell Mystery," etc. Mr Dilnot ie also an author on. similar lines, and the two are jointly responsible for "The Crime Cktb." " The' Rogues' Syndicate" is, ea might be expected, a detective story, in -which the chief role is taEen, not by an amateur Sherlock Holmes, but by a professional investigator with ajl the resources of Now Scotland Yard, at his command. The result is a breathless, if somewhat technical, piece of work, which •will be read with the greatest interest. Tho "Syndicate" includes many different kinds of rogue, including at least one woman, who out-Herods them all, having obtained &n-international reputation of tho grimmest kind. Several* murders, disappearances, and crimes of almost all varieties aro perpetrated by this gang and countered by the investigator.

" Lbatherfacc." By Baroness Orczy. London : HoddcT and Staugbton. (Cloth, illustrated, 3s 6d.)

This powerful story—dedicated to Belgium—is " a faithful record of one of the many glorious pages of her history." It deals with that period when the Netherlands •wcro groaning the iron heel of Philip 11, of Spain, and of his brutal General, the Duke of Alva, when they were exposed to all the threatened horrors of tho Inquisition. It glances a± the hideous sack of Mods, Mechlin, and many other towns, but the interest is chiefly centred on the magnificent defence and rescue of Ghent by her own citizens, neither trained nor properly armed, bnt fired with passionate hate of the cruel usurper. "If we cannot conquer, -wo can dio, and maiko some of those brutes die too." They are led to victory t>y a young uilrizen, -whose disguteinsr mask earns for Him fee name of " Lcafchcrfacc."

"Legal Life and Htrmotrr." Oompilod and editrd by Joseph Height on. London: Hoddcr and Stoughton. (Cloth, 3s 6d.)

Mr Justice Darling, one of the greatest legal humorists of the present day, once said: "It is a common error to enpposs that our law has not a senso of humour because, for the most part, the 'judges who expound it have none," Acting on this pregnant suggestion Mr Joseph Heighton gives us an excellent collection of the. witty sayings and doings of wits "in ermine," in silk, in common cloth, even in the dock, the witness box, and the. jury panel. We could fill many columns with sparkling quotations from this delightful boo!:. To oticn it at random is to garner a rich feast, But to mako a selection would be invidious. To all who love a joke and like to pass one on, whether nt the festive board or elsewhere, " Logal Lifo and H-omour" may be commended.

" O'sra Bnrdel." By Stacy Anmonier. Lon

don: Methuon and Co. (Cloth, 5s net.)

This is the deeply moving, human, and sympathetic story of a musician's life and love. It carries her from her cramped, stifled childhood in the London slums, where she is exposed not only to the extremes of poverty but to th:it spiritual degradation TV , lie!" is so munbing to the nrtiftic soul, to

the heights of success and boyond them to that haven of true, love which is tho woman's heaven. Through all theso varied experioiieee, am! through tho misery of unresponsive, environments—first that of her own relatives, and secondly that of mercenary wre-tehoa who endeavoured to exploit tho " child prodirry" for their own benefit — Olga passes spiritually unhurt, keeping ever her child-heart with its marvellous faculty of wonder, its power of luako-believe, its faith in noble ideals, and its puro passion for love and beauty. The story is oxcv! lently told and reaches a high literary standard,

Aindame Prince." By W. Pett Kidgo liOiidnn: Methuen and Co. (3a 6d 2s 6d.)

A lively, humorous, cheerful story relating tho experiences of a plucky widow, Madame Prince, who after the death of her husband evpports herself juid her family of four by hex uki.ll as a dressmaker and milliner. The story begins jast as tho young people are setting out of leading-strings, aud relates their different adventures with all that knowledge of lower middle-class life and tho humours thereof for which the author is noted. Madame Prince is a good business woman and a devoted mother; and tho way in which she overcomes difficulties, gets tho better of daring opponents, and launches a somewhat difficult family, is a example of what may be gained in private life by tho ' keep smiling" attitude which is so successful at tho front.

"The Five-barred Gate." My E. Thurston Temple,. London: Hodder and Stoughtoru (Cloth, 3s 6&)

This is a story of tho "little rift within the lute" -which is apt to occur after marriage when tho first passionate illusion passes into vague, disappointment and unrest. ''All men seek adventure, all women seek romanco," but generally they seek in tho wrong place, for they seek without what can be found only within. It is tha secret of this seeking and finding wlu'eh Mr Thurston Temple ia intent upon showing to his readers. "It i 3 the tpirit in the heart" that makes possible all adventure and romance. It is cot in tho thing itself that tho virtno resides, but in tho transmuting power of tiie human mind which can turn a cottage into a palace and a palace into a heap of unsightly dross. Love is tiie greatest adventure of all, but it is no different from those others sought on the nigh seas, or in tho aeroplane, or tho -wild frontiers of Empire. Love is to the lover the supreme adventuro and romance.

"Bedwing." By Constance Smedlcy. London: George Allen and Unwin. (Cloth 3s 6d.)

This is a really original story by an author who takes life seriously, ami shows 111 the evolution of her heroine's character the importance of truth and of a compassionate outlook on the faults of others. 'Because of an unjust punishment and her own sunenng, Mimsy tioiinau learns, whilo yet a child, "to bohevc that other sinners were ready to do well if they were given a chance," This dispassionate attitude is carried by her through all the relations of life, and has a potent influence on all with whom she comes in contact, finding expression in a single-minded desire to serve and in the withholding of all adverse judgment. Ihe story is brilliantly written, and has a high moral tonu.

"The World, the War, and the Cross." By J?. J. Clarke. London: George Allen and Unwin. (White paper, 2s net.)

In this deeply religious littlo book the author defines tho words used in the title in a manner that explains tho meaning and scope of his remarks. The word "world" stands for human life as an ordered vWiole, considered_ apart from God. The word 'church" is not used of any specific church, but of that whole sum of life which is in continual opposition to tho world forgetful of God, and however poorly and ignorantly, striving to live purely, to think truly, and to witness faithfully. These subjects are then treated- under the headings of "A Lost World," "A Blind World," "Tho Narrowness of tho World Mind," "Tho Inevitable War," "The Test of War," "Is the Church Responsible?" "The World's Challenge to God," "Tho Answer to the World," and "Tho Way."

' Tho Great Assize: War Studies in the Light of Christian Ideals." By Willi.-un Swift Rollings. London: H. R. Allenson, (Cloth, 3s 6d net.)

This volume has a special interest for us being the judgment of a New Zealander upon tho war. It shows a considerable mastery of tho facts of tho situation, and sets them forth in an interesting and impressive order. The author treats tho conditions of German thought, character, and development materially, ethically, and spiritually during the last 10 years, and tho result is_ an interesting and impreseive statement with a etrong literary flavour. Very truly Mr Rollings says, "War strikes its keenest blow at tho quivering hearts of the nation's womanhood. And in every ago it has been tho Golgotha of tho nation's motherhood. It makes women not only regret their sex, but mothers regret their children."

"Dreams: What They Aro and What They Mean." By a Member of the Norbury Literary Society. London: J. W. Wickwar. (Is net.)

Tho anonymous author of this little book has nothing that is very now or illuminating to tell his readers. He has not studied hie difficult subject very deeply. In his opinion, dreams aro "impressions or images lying latent in tho brain, dormant it may bo for ever, yet capable of being revivified at any time, sleeping- or waking, by cominginto sudden relation with present sensations, emotions, or thoughts." This is all very well as far _as it goes bnt it does not go far. There is a vast category of dreams and dream-suggestions which cannot bo got rid of simple way. They have aroused tho faithful, dispassionate study of many great thinkers, and tho problem is still unsolved.

"Rainbow's End." By Rex Beach. Lon don: Hodder and Stoughton. (Cloth illustrated; 3s 6d.)

In his new novel Mr Beach takes his rcadeis to tho tropic island of Cuba, and allows them some oi' tho horrors and heroisms of the recent insurrection and strugglefor liberty between the Cubaiss and their Spanish persecutors. Tho interest chiefly centreS', round tho twins, EsteLari and Rosa Varona, and Rosa's lover, an Irish-Ameri-can, Johnnie O'Reilly. The twins are little more than infants when their father is killed in a fight with a negro whom ho had ill-used. Before his death lie had hidden his wealth and title deeds, and the secret of tho hiding-place perishes with him. The search for this treasure- is one of tho chiof interests of tho tale. It is fraught with the greatest danger. It causes the death of many ptrsons and tho persistent per secution of the twin heirs, who, failing it, aro reduced to the direst poverty. The tale is full of excitement and adventure, and it ends with tho triumph of love over disease and apparent death. It is written in the author's well-known intense and picturesque manner.

"Dicky, Knight-errant." By Isabel Maud Pcacocko. L-ondon: Ward, Lock, and Co. (Cloth; illustrated by Harold Copping; 3s 6d.)

This is a story for mothers—and others, ir.-cluding sweethearts and '.vivca. Tlie boy hero is a delightful, mischievous young Soout, not yet 10, who, like his predecessor ''My Friend Phil," immediately takes possession of the feminine heart. The talc i.i droll, sympathetic bright, humorous, and full of literary charm. Jv.vry chapter is headed by a quotation from the Scout code, which is illustrates in some way. It is a book to cheer the hearts of young and old alike, and mart by no means bo relegated to the nursery.

"Fecundity versus Civilisation." 15y Adelyne More, wilh an introduction by Arnold Bennett. London: (Jcorge Alien and Unwin. (Paper, 6d net.)

This pjimphlci purports to be "a contribution to the study or over-population as the. causo of war and the chief obstacle to the emancipation of women." Very succinctly and clearly the writer sets forth her contention tii , t quality is better than quantity, that it is bettor for a nation to have a moderate number of well-trained, welleducated, responsible citizens than a larger jjumbcr of less well-uqiuppcd persons. What is true of the nation, she holds, is true of the family. ''The problem of over-popula-tion will bo the great problem of the future." It is the direct cause at war. It is fatal to the t.rue development, of women. The, pamphlet is very ably written, supported by copious quotations from roliablu authorities, and there is an excellent introduction by Mr Arnold Bennett. Whether i l , be intended us a warning or ;in appeal, the arguments contained in it o.'nl'enge consideration. »

•• and What Happened?" By E. S. Stevens. jx>nckm: Mills and Boon. (Colli, 3s (xL) This is a lively account of ilio fnyir,?;?. end doings of Lotty Uoss and .'icr friends, in that borderland of. "respectable Bohemia' ,

affected by bachelor girh, who go up to London to get their own living and havo "as good a time" as they can got without trenching on the immoral paid undesirable. Tho book is full of sparkling repartee, innocent fun, and "romantic meals." It is spontaneously cheerful, restful, and pleasant to road. It is full of humorous and "tellmif bits, and shows tho hand of the practised o-rtist, who can play when occasion serves.

"Mysteries of tho Riviera." By E. PhillipsQponliciui. Ijondon: Cassell and Co {6a 6d, 2s 6d.)

A remarkably euto American, whose exterior, "childlike and bland," contradicts his natural α-nd acquired astuteness, and a middlo-agod and apparently staid Uritish o/'ueer form the storm con fro around which revolve a scries of exciting- and! breatlilcss adventures, which, finally land thorn in Paris on tho eve of llio declaration of war, where they fall into the hands of (icrman spies, and* are with difficulty extricated _ by tho French Intelligence) Department just at tho nick of time.

"Suvla Bay and After." By "Jirvenis." London: Hodder and Stoughton.

(" The Soldier Books " ; boards, Is net.)

This is not a broad survey of largo and important operations, but a simple- personal account of tho experiences of the author and his platoon, and of tho author alone, when his platoon had gone. It pretends to nothing but simplo truth, told in a consecutive manner. Most of tho chapters-aro repriuted from the English Review. It will be read with interest by all who desire to realise something of the true hardship and suffering which attended that struggle in Gallipoli, " where, as in a nightmare, success and glory danced before our eyes, only "to turn to horror and regret when wo stretched out our hands to grasp tlicm."

The General's Wife." By M. Hamilton. London: Stanley Paul and Co, (3s 6d, 2s 6d.)

General Bruce, a widower with two little eons, makes a fatal mistake in his choice of a second wife, lloso Curzon is a silly, flighty " poseuse." ,In tho role of poor relation, where. Bruce first sees her, sho endeavours to be all things to all men, especially to possible husbands. As the general's wife she is consequential, _ conceited, immensely proud of her position, and determined to uphold it at all costs. Her apparent amiability and docility were all put on. "To argue- with her was like striking an air-cushion; you could almost 'see "her returning to her original shape." Two boys—Pctcrkin and Freddy—are perfectly delightful, and keep tho reader both sympathetic and amused.

"Dashing Dick's Daughter." By E. Everott-Green. London: Stanley Paul and Co. (3s 6d, 2s 6d.)

Tho main incident of this story—that of a guardian falling in love with his ward because she is tfio daughter of an old love —has been used ad nauseum, and, although a littlo variety is added to tho present version by the discovery and hunting down oE a German spy, tho whole thing is too obviously a ''pot-boiler" to call for any serioua attention.

"Never Again: a Protest and a Warning .Addressed to the Peoples of Europe." By Edward Carpenter. London: Gcorgo Allen and Unwin. (Paper, 6d.)

This is a passionate protest wrung from the heart of one of our greatest modern teachers pointing out tho evils and dangers of tho present struggle, and insisting that when it is over some adequate means should bo devised "out of this purgatory to build a paradise, m which tho ugliness, vulgarity, sordidnese. and cruelty of the present scheme of things will be repeated—never again."

We have received from Messrs Hodder and Stoughton a copy, in their shilling edition, of A E. W. Mason's capital, novel, "Tho Witness for the Defence."