BOOK NOTICES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17504, 21 December 1918, Page 8

BOOK NOTICES.

"13 Days: An. Escape from a German Prison." By Captain J. A. L. Gaunter. London: G. Bell and Son. (Cloth; 4s 6d net.)

The publication of this interesting and valuable record of an escape in June-July, from a German prison was unavoidably delayed through the censor's prohibition, but its appearance at the present moment -will serve to strengthen the strong feeling of indignation throughout the world concerning the treatment meted out to war prisoners in Germany and emphasise our demand for the condigii punishment of those responsible for such treatment. Captain Cannier was one of a party of 11 British officers captured in various parts of the Ypres front' who arrived at the Crefield prison camp on the 2nd of November, 1914. At that time the " contemptible " little army seemed to be hopelessly outnumbered and lost; and the sight of the immense German reserves through which the prisoners passed might well have _ struck despair into their hearts, Knowing as they did that their own army was without reserves. Bat the indomitable spirit of their race not only kept them from despair but preserved their cheerfulness and led to their final escape. The first part of the book contains a general description of the two prison camps (Creiieid and Schwarmstedt), in which the author was confined and of the treatment of prisoners. On the latter point the author makes no personal moan, but rather dwells on the sufferings of others. For himself he remarks: "On first becoming a prisoner I was spat at and called all the choice names their musical language can provide." Of the brutalities inflicted on wounded and suffering men he speaks, now and again with deep indignation, repeating the statements that the very Red Cross nunses refused a drink of water to tho wounded, -who had not a drop for two Zf' j whole the treatment accorded to the earlier prisoners was worse than that accorded to them later on, when presumably the cry of outraged humanitv had reached even the hardened hearts of the persecutors. Moreover, it " varied according to time and place, and the type of German with whom they came into contact." The officers were always treated with more consideration than the privates, and greater efforts were made to prevent their escape, as they were guarded night and day in huge wired-in ca,ges clpsely patrolled by vigilant sentries. The privates were take out daily in working parties, often scattered over a considerable area where thev could not be individually guarded, so that it wac possible for them to make the initial escape into the woods and secure some hours' freedom before their absence was .discovered. Both officers and privates suffered terribly from tho poorness and scarcity of the food supplied to them, and were only kept alive by the parcels received from various sources. Tho same was true of clothing, boots, and other requirements. Even those -who had money were not allowed to spend it, yet in spite of all drawbacks many got accustomed to their prison and lacked energy to try to escape from it. So passed two vears and a-half at Crefeld; but in May, 1917, the British prisoners were removed' to Schwarmstedt, where all the conditions were much worse, and Captain Caunter, with many others, determined to endeavour to escape. He decided to go alone and be guided chiefly by events. With admirable skill and courage he got away one June night, but he had 170 miles and four big rivers, as well as many smaller ones, to negotiate before he reached the Dutch frontier. A dozen times it seemed as if he must be caught, but fortune favoured him every tima Among the most striking of his adventures was the meeting with ■ two other escapees—officers who had left the camp two days after himself and were known to him They joined forces, but ultimately one left and was never seen or hoard of again, and tho other two continued their journey together. They could only travel by night, and often lost their way; they had not much food, and were often soaked to the skin. They lost their way in bogs and barren heath. Their map was old and unreliable. Their feet gave them great pain. But they ntever- gave up. They dodged men and dogs, sentries and country people. They swam two great rivers, with their clothes tied on their heads, and nearly lost all their possessions. And then—they were in Holland before they realised their good fortune. The journey occupied 13 dayß and a few hours, and when Caunter caught sight of himself in a mirror he failed to recognise the filthy, ragged, unkempt object that met his gaze. He says it was "luck" that brought him through. Those who reacThis book will probably give another explanation.

"Teddy Beai's Birthday Party." " The Naughty Baby Monkey." " The Guinea Pig that Wanted a Tad.'* "Peter's Peach."

Four volumes of " The Willie Winkie Zoo Book." Written by Mrs A. R. Osborn. Pictured by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite. Dunedin.: Whifccombo and Tombs. (2s each.)

These delightful booklets -will surely be the joy of any child heart who may be fortunate enough to get one or more, as a Christmas present. They are the joint work of two ladies, Mrs A. R. Osborn and Miss I. R. Outhwaite, tie former of whom is well known for her collaboration with Mr A. A. Wilkie in that ideal gift book "Almost Human." The work is most happily conceived and executed. Each booklet is complete in. itself yet falls naturally into th'e series. Ea«h tells some pretty little story with animals as actors, and although not necessarily expounding zoological facts, they are full of indirect and kindy teaching, in-, culcating the love of, and sympathy with, our little brothers and sisters and all the simple kindly virtues which we desire to encourage in our children. The illustrations, both coloured and uncoloured, are most excellent and varied, and show the same understanding of the needs and fancies of childhood as the letterpress does. Each booklet is most daintily got up, and reflects the greatest credit on all concerned in the artistic production.

" The Dictionary of Grammar: With Rules, Diagrams, and Helpful Hints." By James A. Hennesy. New York and London: Funk and Wagnalls Co. (Cloth; 2s 6d.) ' This is one of the most valuable little books of its kind that we have ever met with. It is exactly what it purports to be, a Dictionary of Grammar—not merely of grammatical terms, hut of their meaning and application, generally illustrated by the most happy examples and brought thoroughly up to date. Thus under the heading of Free Verse we find:— Verse, free. (Fr. veTS libre). —Lin eg unrestricted by rules as to length or metre: as So be my passing. My -task accomplished and the long day done, , My wages taken, and my heart Some late lark singing, Let me be gathered to the quiet west, The sundown splendid and (serene, Death.

William Ernest Henley. We have not looked up one expression which was not fully and adequately treated; and in. some cases, ae ; for instance, "figures of speech," -we found in Mr Hennesy's little "vade mecum" clearer and fuller infqrmation than may be found in many more pretentious volumes. Tho little book is strongly and eerviceaMy bound and small enongn to be carried in the pocket.