LITERATURE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 4

LITERATURE.

DESIRABLE BOOKS. FOR PRESENTATION PURPOSES. By Constant Readee. I. FOR THE STUDENT. To the student of men and affaire the Dictionary of National Biography has become an essential reference work. The original volumes, with their first and second supplements, are to be found on the shelves of every well-appointed library. The w-ork has now been carried to further completion by the publication of a new volume covering the lives of the distinguished persons who died during the years 1912-21; ■whilst prepara tjons are already in hand for yet another volume covering the period 1922-30. This monumental dictionary, which was founded in 1882 by George Smith, of the firm of Smith, Elder, and Co., was in 1917 presented to the Oxford University Press by the family of the founder, when the project of issuing this new volume was at once entered upon. Mr H. L. W. Davis, of BallioJ, and Mr J. R. HWeaver, of Trinity, were appointed editors, and the important work of deciding w-ho among the candidates for admission were worthy of a place in the dictionary was first of all undertaken. The equally important task of finding a competent biographer for each of the persons included in the dictionary followed, with the result that 27S contributors have had a hand in this new volume. The first volumes of the Dictionary were edited by Sir Leslie Stephen. Then Sir Sidney Lee was associated with him, and the later volumes of the original issue were edited by Sir Sidney Lee alone. Sir Sidney Lee died in 1926, and his life will appear in the volume 1922-30; but it seemed appropriate to the publishers that this new volume should contain some reference to the man at whose direction the greater part of the Dictionary was produced. Accordingly, a memoir appears as a preface to the volume. One merit of this new volume is that, together with the 1900-1911 volume, it forms a complete record of twentieth century biography. In this connection the publishers say: “The twentieth century volumes will be no doubt less final in their verdicts than the earlier volumes; but, on the other hand, they embody personal impressions and recollections which would otherw-ise be lost, and since they deal solely with contemporary history, they are of even greater importance and interest to the general public. Thus the Twentieth Century Dictionary is to be considered as a distinct w-ork, and its dissemination should be regarded aa a national obligation.” The subjects treated include statesmen, soldiers, sailors, and airmen, writers, musicians, artists, and actors, divines, explorers, lawyers, physicians, and surgeons, scientists, engineers, and others. Taking one section only, the names of the writers are Alfred Austin, Charles Booth, Miss Braddon, Rhoda Broughton, F. C. Burnand. George Calderon, William dc Morgan, J. E. Flecker, Nat Gould, H. M. Hyndman, Henry Jackson, Henry James, Andrew Lang, James Murray, “ Martin Ross,” “Mark Rutherford,” Olive Schreiner. W. T. Stead, Edward Thomas, and Mrs Humphrey Ward. It should be borne in mind that the publication of this Dictionary is a national and not a commercial undertaking. There is no hope of the expense of production being covered by the sales. All the more honour, therefore, to the Oxford University Press for turning out this new volume in so complete and competent a fashion. No better Christmas present to anyqne studiously inclined can possibly be imagined. The price of this new volume is 21a net, and a special offer is made at the same time of the previous volume, 1901-11, at the same price, the two together forming a complete index to twentieth century biography. 11. FOR BIRD LOVERS. In 'a handsomely-produced volume entitled ‘The Charm of Birds” (Hodder and Stoughton, 12s 6d not). Viscount Grey of Fallodon appears in a new guise. His book, he frankly avows, has no scientific value, sfnee it tells nothing that bird lovers do not already know. Nevertheless, it embodies the personal observations of a genuine bird lover. For British birds Viscount Grey has done much the same service as Mr Guthrie Smith has performed for the birds of New Zealand — placed them under close and intimate observation and recorded the results. The book covers a whole year. Month by month the observations have been made and set down, beginning -with the song of the robin in January and going on to the increasing song of the chaffinch and other English birds in February and March, and so on throughout the year. The locality w-here the observations were made is described: —

The place in mind will be Fallodon, in the north-east part of Northumberland, on stiff clay soil, at no great altitude above the sea level, from which it is separated by some two miles of exposed land now mostly grass. A high hedge of moor lies three miles to the west. Near the house are sheltering woods, and in the grounds are two ponds and plenty of shrubs, in short, a place attractive to birds, but with no unusual charms of district. What is heard of bird song may be heard in any suitable place in the north of England.

While the song of the birds is Lord Grey’s chief concern, he touches on their courtship, mating, and family life, describing their nests and eggs and their joy flights. He has also an interesting chapter on the vexed subject of training birds, describing his experiments and successes, especially with robins. To the lover of birds and bird life this book will prove a welcome Christmas gift. III—FOR POETRY LOVERS.

In a handy little book called “ New Paths on Helicon ” (Nelson and Sons, 7s 6d net), Sir Henry Newbolt has compiled a most absorbing anthology of modern poets and poetry, prefaced by a most discerning essay on the present poetic movement, and development and as appendix a brief, criticism upon the individual poets and their work. Sir Henry Newbolt points out that Tennyson died in 1892; by 1902 Swinburne and Meredith, “ the last two of the Victorian masters,” had ceased from poetry. “We advanced into the twentieth century with a varied inheritance from the preceding generation and with complete freedom to use our own resources to make for ourselves a life of our own. Since that moment there has never been any lack of poets.” The comment which follows is noteworthy:— In June, 1920, the Poetry Book Shop issued a bibliography of modern poetry which contained as far as possible a complete record of books of poetry published from January, 1912, to the end of May, 1920. The list did not include anthologies or prose dramas, yet the number of the authors was over 1000, and of these 104 were considered worthy

of a short critical note. The significance of these figures can only be shown by a comparison with the output of previous centuries. A list compiled in 1907 from all available sources showed that the total number of poets known to have published volumes of verse in England down to that date was about 700. The poetry of to-day, therefore, may well be more diverse in character than that of any preceding generation, and it must certainly be more difficult

to exemplify, especially when the aim is not merely to give pleasure, but to afford a general view and to choose a standpoint for looking forward as well as backward.

This anthology may be acclaimed as affording the best representation extant of modern poetry. It covers the work of 40 modern poets arranged in alphabetical order, the selections having been largely made by the poets themselves. The compiler observes that a largo public is nowreading poetry, and is showing a marked preference for “ modern ” poetry rather than the older and “ greater ” poetry. This “ New Paths on Helicon ” may be confidently recommended to poetry lovers everywhere as calculated to remove prejudices and create new and delightful preferences. IV.-FOR HISTORY LOVERS. It might bo thought impossible to discover a new reading of the character of Napoleon, a subject to which Herr Ludwig's brilliant study has directed fresh attention. In a hook hearing the title, “ Napoleon the Man ” (John Murray, 21s net), Mr R. M'Nair Wilson has attempted the task, while at the same time he disclaims any acquaintance with Ludwig’s work. Briefly stated, Mr Wilson sets out U> show that the idea dominant in the mind

of Napoleon was the maintenance of democracy and peace; and that only when England refused his overtures did he turn to war and conquest. Dr Wilson argues that the direct cause of the rise of German militarism is to be found in England s attitude towards Napoleon ( and that the origin of the Great War can be similarly traced. Arguing in the same direction many of the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles were anticipated bv Napoleon, and King Edward is represented as following in Napoleon’s footsteps when he broke” with royal tradition and marked out a new course of kingship, based on the sovereignty of the people, thus saving democracy for the British Empire. The book opens up an ingenious course of reasoning, and it will be read with interest by all students of contemporary history.

V.—FOR LOVERS OF ROYALTY. The recent royal tour throughout the Empire has provoked Mr Graham Brooks to publish a book called “ The Dukes of York, 1385-1927” (Herbert Jenkins, 12s 6d net), an account of 11 Dukes of York, five of whom have sat upon the Throne of England. The first Duke of York was created in 1385, when Edward 111 conferred that title upon his son, whilst the eleventh Duke is the present popular son of King George V. “In their lives,” says the biographer, “ will be found drama and romance, tragedy and even comedy. Two have died in battle; two'have been murdered ; two more have been forced to seek sanctuary in exile; whilst three have proved themselves amongst the most prodigious lovers in European history.” With so fertile a theme Mr Brook has produced a fascinating narrative. That large section of the public which delights to read of the sayings and doings of royalty, will find much entertainment and instruction in this record of the past and present. The illustrations are for the most part portraits of the people named in the narrative. VI.—FOR THE MYSTICALLY MINDED. Sir Francis Younghusband is a great traveller. He is also a mighty mystic who has steeped himself in the lore of the Orient. The outcome of these twin passions is a habit of speculation, which in his new volume, “ Life in the Stars ” (John Murray, 10s 6d net) takes the torm of “ an exposition of the view that on some planets of some stars exist beings higher than ourselves, and on one a world leader, the supremo embodiment of the Eternal Spirit. which animates the whole.” Sir Francis “ on the wings of a well-controlled imagination ” has set out upon an expedition designed to test the habitability of the stars. Conscious that he is but ill equipped for so great an adventure he at the same time is aware that “if wo always waited for tho perfectly equipped expert much would remain ever undiscovered.” The venturesome explorer may be able to penetrate where others weighted down by bulky scientific equipment would be unable to venture.

Sir Francis declares that this at least has been his experience in the field of geography and in astrography it -will probably bo the same. “ Organised bands of experts may follow. But more hardy pioneers must lead the way and show the possibilities.” Whatever may be thought of the conclusions reached the hook is an interesting venture in the field of pure speculation backed by astronomy, biology and philosophy. It makes fascinating reading, and as an essay in practical mysticism it has much to commend it.

CHRISTMAS GIFT BOOKS. SECOND NOTICE. FROM THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. “ R.T.S.” stands for the Religious Tract Society, a firm which year by year is forging to the front as a publisher of children’s literature and especially of books suitable for prizes and presents at Christmastide. The significance of the volumes issued from this house is that for high standards of literature and art they are absolutely to be relied upon. Parents and teachers need have no hesitation about any of the books bearing tho “ R.T.S.” brand.

The finest achievement of this publishing house this season is a superb volume de luxe, entitled “ The Women of the Bible” (2Cs net), with 25 coloured plates. In this book, the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair give us a unique volume, which is the product of devout study and literary skill. Tho reader is transported into the very life and atmosphere of the times, and newlight is thrown on the lives of the notable women of both the Old and the New Testaments, and, in homely language, their lessons are applied to modern conditions. Mr Harold Copping contributes several new pictures in full colours.

The R.T.S. is famed for the issue of those admirable annOals “ The Girls’ Own” and “The Boys’ Own” (each 12s 6d net). “ The Boy’s Own Annual ”is a magnificent gift book, containing over 700 large pages of reading and pictures, many coloured or tinted plates, and upwards of 1000 other pictures.' Handsomely bound in cloth boards, it contains an extraordinary collection of stories, specially written articles, pictures, hobbies, sports, etc. “ The Girl’s Own Annual ” constitutes an ideal gift book. It also contains more than 700 large pages, and is illustrated with coloured plates and black and white pictures. It possesses stories and practical articles on art, dress, business, housekeeping, gardening, and all the many interests dear t the feminine heart.

The latest transport book is “ The World's Locomotives ” (5s net), by G. Gibbard Jackson, a recognised authority on the subject, who is able to weave plain facts into a real romance.

STORIES FOR GIRLS. "The Cousins of Falkland” (5s net) is Miss Theodore Wilson Wilson’s new story for girls. It is one in which boys will be equally interested. The latest issue in the “ Twenty-sis Library ” is “ Twenty-six Ethel Talbot Stories for Girls” (3s 6d net), a handsome and attractive book. “ For Love of Gain ” (3s 6d net), by Jeanie Ferry, tells the story of a charming girl named Joan Allister, and the testing time through which she passed. “The Wraith of Raeburn” (3s 6d net), by Edna Lake, is a lively story of a girls’ school. “Jean’s Pleasure Party,” by May Wynne (3s 6d net), is another story by a favourite writer. A feature of these books is the splendid value given for the prices charged.

STORIES FOR BOYS. In ‘‘The Way to Burning Mountain” (3-5 6d net), Mr ]}illon Wallace writes another of his exciting adventure stories, taking the reader into the great north-west wilderness of America. ‘‘The Rebels of Fairminehoad ” (3s 6d not) is a Scottish story of the days of Charles Stuart, well told by G. Godfray Sellick. “ Old Nick of Pig’s ” (3s 6d net) by R. L. Bellamy, is an exciting tale of school life. “ When the Earth Swung Over ” (3s 6d net), by Alfred Colbeck, is one of those feats of the imagination in which the author tolls a strange story of the mysterious white people of the Napi. It is breathlessly exciting and well illustrated. The R.T.S. excels in the variety and quality of the books for boys and girls published at the popular price of 2s 6d net per volume. A few of the new issues are “ Dickon he Impossible,” by May Wynne; “Dream Isle,” by Arthur Russell ; “ Peg-Lieutenant,” by Mrs A. C. Osborn-Hann; “Sonia’s Fiist Term,” by L. G. Fitzgerald; “ Seraphina Di Goes to School,” by Dorothea Moore; “The Strange Adventures of Billy,” by Theodora Wilson Wilson ; “ Barbara’s Three Fishes, bv Mary Baldwin: and “The Necklace of Shells,” by David Kerr. All these arc most attractive books. well bound and nicely illustrated.

At a still lower price but all good value arc “ Ben Hadden ” (2s not), bv that old favourite W. H. G. Kingston; “ Peter Lawful: Wolf Cub” (U 6,1 net), h v H. B. Davidson: and ,‘Number One Book” (Is fid ml) for the very little ones.

SAMPLES FROM NELSONS. The well-known firm of Thomas Nebou and Sons sends samples of reward books, which ; trikc the observer as no==es-irur siras well as quality. “Hit the Trail” (5?!, bv E S. Cooper, is a stirring story of the wild west, the very book for a real boy ‘‘ Thrillin'* Term at Janeways ” (ss), by Elinor M. Brent, is a companion story f.j- a real girl. “ The Fortune Face ” (2s 6d', by W. B. Cooke, is wonderful value and good reading to’boot; '‘Jan at Island School ’’ is a near issue in Nelson’s. “ Blue Star” series; “Captain by H.

Laurence Phillips, is the latest in the “White Star” series; whilst the “ Red Star” series is represented by “Listening In,” by Ethel Talbot, a capital selection of short stories. Messrs Nelson make a feature of annuals and picture books. “The Jolly Book (ss), edited by Edwin Chisholm, is in its eighteenth year and it is as “jolly as ever. It is most handsomely produced, yx the others, “The Nursery Book (3s od), “ Jolly Jimbo ” (3s 6d). and The Children’s Treasury” (2s 6d), merit notice both for their literary, and artistic quality. FROM T. C. AND S. C. JACK. A couple of samples of children’s books are to hand from the old established firm of T. C. and E. C. Jack. These are “ What Happened at Garry Eustace 6d), a delightful little story by Dorothea Townsbend with some charming pictures by Alan Wright,and” Nursery Rhymes (ss) with pictures by Ethel Eventt, a sumptuous volume most originally illustrated. IN A SENTENCE. THE THREAD OF THE STORY. New- novels are coming to hand in such numbers that extended review becomes a matter of impossibility. h ollowing is an attempt to set forth the thread oi each story in a sentence. ' FROM HODDER AND STOUGHTON. “Blue Jay,” by Max Brand relates how effectually Blondy Kitchen, aided by a mysterious little Mexican, runs the Randall ranch, putting the fear of death into “Rusty” M’Ardle and Ins band of punchers—a lively story of the Wild West.—Another Wild West story, opening with a mysterious murder and telling of the pioneer days, is “Land of the Free,” by Charles Alden Seltzer.— Ihe Spirit of the Light,” by Chart Pitt, is set in a lonely lighthouse in the Arctic —a story with atmosphere and power.— “ The Slave Jnnk,” by Frank L. Packard, is a sea yarn, with much mystery concerning two ivory idols stolen from the Chinese—a capital adventure story.— Louise Jordan Milne, in “ In a Yun-Nan Court Yard,” tells another delightful story of China and the Chinese, wherein So Wing, the bandit, wooes Q uo Ssu, and becomes general of of the Chinese armies—a tale of China to-day.-—Too much anti-Bolshevist propaganda and not enough incident are a fair verdict upon E Phillips Oppenheim’s latest novel, “Miss Brown of X.Y.O.”—Terry, sent to prison for an offence of which he was guiltless, endeavours to cry quits with the man who had sent him there; a dramatic tale, told by Octavus Roy Cohen in “ The Outer Gate.—A girl brought up on a farm, and with a passion for dancing, goes to New York and becomes a famous danseuse. When at the height of her career she is suspected of a murder. Such is the plot of “ Jahala,” by Clarence Budington Kelland. FROM CASSELL AND CO.

“ The Doctor of Souls,” by Kobold Knight, is a mysterious Chinaman of wondrous hypnotic powers and scientific achievement, who embarks upon a unique campaign to avenge injustice and put wrongs right, and in so doing involves himself and others in deeds of a highly exciting character. —In “ The Secret of Father Brown,” G. K. Chesterton relates some further incidents in the life of this quiet little priest,' and lets the reader into the secret of how it was all done. This is, perhaps, the best of the whole series.— “Tarboe,” as created by Sir Gilbert Parker, is a soldier, professional gambler, and lover of a charming American girl of good family, who is willing to sacrifice everything for dear love’s sake. — “Jeremy at Crale ” reveals Hugh Walpole’s favourite hero, a senior with a study to himself, who is regarded by the house master as a fine influence in the school. —To shield his cousin, “ The Decoy ” takes upon himself the penalty of a bank robbery, and is branded as a thief. How he succeeds in clearing himself and winning the girl he loves is stirringly told by J. D. Beresford. — “ The Green Shadow,” by Herman Landon, affords Martin Dale, gentlemanburglar, another opportunity of displaying his craft and ingenuity, his opponent this time being a mysterious criminal, who hides his identity behind a green light. A most thrilling story.—A returned soldier, shell shocked, in a moment of uncontrollable rage against his superior officer,- is subject to fits of passion, in which he is liable to go the length of murder. In “ The Secret Sanctuary.” Warwick Deeping tell how a perfect cure was wrought. FROM HUTCHINSON AND CO.

In “Mr Churchwarden and Lady,” Margaret Hutchinson Baillie-Saunders tells a charming love story with' Lady Peggy, a penniless heroine. A socialistic influence in the little country town adds spice to the story.—“ Fame and Shame,” by Winifred Graham, is melodrama of the most approved type, in which appear a Lady K.C., who has built her career upon a secret sin, and a mysterious millionaire who seeks to drive the heroine to shame or suicide. The story proceeds at a breathless pace.—A thorough Englishman falls in love with a beautiful Russian girl, and both become “ Dear Fools,” going on from mystery to mystery in the deft fashion which Andrew Soutar knows so well how to weave.— In “ Love’s Cousin ” Lady Miles paints the portrait of a modern young girl who, beautiful and wealthy, determines at any cost, to satisfy her personal desires. In the end her ruthless selfishness ■works its own remedy.—“ The Horseman of Death," by Anthony Wynne, is based upon a family tradition that when a horseman rides at night to the door of the Black Tower it presages a death. This tradition makes the cover for a dastardly murder.—-The artist quarter in London and a girl who, to save her husband’s life, poses to a libertine of an artist, is the theme of “The Beauty Market,” by E. W. Savi, a lady writer, who made her name with her stories of India.— “ The_ Golden Pheasant Mystery,” by Maurice Blake, is one of the gripping stories about which nothing should be said that would be likely to curtail the suspense of the reader. It is of its class one of the very best.—Lovers of a sound historical romance will welcome “The Immortal, in which Joan* A. Cowdroy sets forth the love story of Caroline, kinswoman of the Duke of Carlisle the period being the Court of King George XV.

FROM HERBERT JENKINS. A golden tablet from Atlantis contains a secret which Dr Phcnuit desires to possess. The daughter of an explorer has the tablet and her adventures and escapes 0 ** 0 ( marvellous as related by Alan Dare ln 0 By® °f Abu.”—The head-man in a banking farm disappears and is at length found murdered. Who the murderer was and why the crime was committed are revealed by Charles Brandon in “The Missing Banker.”—Mr J. S. Fletcher is extraordinarily prolific in mystery murder stories, yet he seldom if ever goes stale. Three of his recent efforts are “The Murder in the Pallant,” “ Purri of the Cherry Trees,” and “ Daniel Quavne.” They need no description; their authorship is a guarantee of excitement and interest.

FROM JOHN MURRAY. . “ Hanging Johnny,” by Myrtle Johnston is a grim but powerful story of Ireland,’ in which the chief character is a hangman. The life and temperament of the Irish people are convincingly pictured.—Rosalind Webster, in “They Who Paddle,” reveals the hand of a beginner, but this is largely atoned for by the verve and sparkle , attendant upon the description of modern 1 youth in present-day society.—“ The Castle Fenham Case,” by Major-general Charles ; Ross, is a regular thriller embodying kidnapping, impersonations, pseudo detectives, a trial for murder, all with a beautiful heroine and a stalwart hero to round off the tale. To say more would be to spoil the story. FROM W. COLLINS, SONS, AND CO. A gruesome but breathless story of the Mesopotamian campaign in the Great War, told with an eye to powerful characterisation and dramatic effect, a book in n thousand is “ Patrol,” by Philip Macdonald.—The eighteenth century with ti; French and English troops at issue, air the Red Indians looking on in Americis the theme of Hugh Pondexter’s sfirrin, romance, “The Red Road.”—When a headless body is found in a furnished finr the chief inspector gets to work with the re.'idts that are told by A. Fielding m " The Clifford Affair,” a deicctivo story of the first water. FROM HURST AND BLACKETT.

“You,” by G. Sheila Donisthorpc. is the story of a girl's passion for a famous singer, who proves an utter blackguard. Both girl and singer have matrimonial ties and responsibilities, but all are sacrificed <o lawless lust. —A golden-haired schoolgirl of 18 falls in love with a lion

tamer at Monte Carlo, an episode well described by Gertie S. Wentworth-James in “Girl Everlasting.”—“The Second Wager,” by H. R. Taunton, is a story of the secret service in which the chief’s rea-haired daughter plays a prominent, but disturbing, part.—“ The Crimson Ramblers,” by Oliver Sandys, are two sisters proficient in revue. The book is a realistic picture of this phase of theatrical life.—ln “The Other Self,” G. de S. Wentworth-James tells of youth that sees only its own pleasure and cares for nothing but its own adornment. The story will create controversy.—New York and London meet in Paris and engage in wilder and wilder jazz. These young people are exposed to the shafts of satire that Cosmo Hamilton knows so well how to wield in “ Among Those Sailing.”

ABUNDANT VARIETY. ALL SORTS OF NEW BOOKS. 1. —SABATTNI ILLUSTRATED. Rafael Sabatini’s stories are deservedly popular, and “The Nuptials of Cobral” (Hutchinson, 7s 6d net), a new romance of the stirring times of the French Revolution, finely illustrated in colour and black and white, forms an attractive and entertaining bock. Sabatini is never more at homo than when depicting the days of the Terror, and this new tale is intense in its excitement and suspense. A charming Jove story furnishes _ the element of romance, and the book is in every way suitable for a present or prize.

2 —CROMWELL’S CHARACTER. Oliver Cromwell has long beep a favourite with Mr John Drinkwater. One of his earliest books, entitled “ Cromwell and other Verses,” contained a fragment which he subsequently developed into a play. He has now written for the People’s Library (Hodder and Stoughton, 2s 6d net) a character study presenting tne groat Englishman in a favourable guise, wlvlo at the same time he is alive to the complexities of his temperament. In this study he acknowledges his indebtedness to Cromwell’s own letters and speeches, to Carlyle and Mr Trevelyan, and especially to Lord Nugent’s “ Memorials of John Hampden,” published in 1852, and almost forgotten. Mr Drinkwater admits that Cromwell is one of those figures in history about whom no one can know a little without becoming partisan, whilst those who know everything are liable to become passionless He claims to have read almost, everything that has been written about Cromwell, and to have forgotten a great deal of it, and he is consequently able to steer a safe middle course. At the same time ho _ openly confesses that what Cromwell precisely was, what even he precisely did, can never be known. With all these admissions and qualifications Mr Drinkwater has succeeded in making a masterly study which is certain to attract attention and arouse discussion. 3.—A STUDY OF ST. TERESA.

Another addition to the People's Library series is “ St. Teresa,” by Mrs Cecil Chesterton (Redder and Stoughton, 2s 6d net), a careful piece of work, evidently the outcome of patient research. St. Teresa is a much controverted character, but Mrs Chesterton handles her subject most sympathetically and with fine understanding. St. Teresa is represented as indomitable in enduring the hardships and sufferings of her self-chosen path and displaying a whimsicality when enduring her worst sufferings. Mrs Chesterton concludes: “It was between 9 and 10 o’clock on October 3. 1852, that Teresa do Jesus died, but her faith, her courage, her indomitable love, her passionate sacrifice are with all of us still—her words winged with the swift sympathy, high ecstasy and indomitable purpose that woke the world with a clarion call, stirring us, aye even us to-day.” 4.—COMFORT AND RESTFULNESS. “Richard King” is a name to conjure with and there is a large public that looks forward every year to a new book of brief essays from his prolific pen. “Ono Quiet Evening ” (Hodder and Stoughton, 6s net) is the title of his latest volume, which covers a wide range of subjects, such for instance, as “The Happy Man,” "On Being Entertained,” “ The Genuine Article,” “ Reading Alone,” and “At Christmas,” the last mentioned essay concludes: “In fact Christmas has mostly become merely an expensive festival not a simple and folly one, and if you will, a cause for silliness,” From this may be deduced that the essayist is decidedly old fashioned in his ideas. For the most part, however, the message delivered is one which meets the popular taste. S.—MURDER AND MYSTERY. People who like their holidays well seasoned with ghosts and general bloodthirstiness will take delight in “The BlacK Cap ” (Hutchinson, 7s 6d net). Miss Cynthia Asquith's latest collection of stories of murder and mystery. This is not a collection of old favourities, but a number of new stories written specially for this volume by a coterie of well-known writers, who include Barrie. Somerset Maugham, Barry Pain, Hugh Walpole, D. H. Lawrence, Edgar Wallace, Arthur Machen, Shane Leslie, and ie compiler herself. It is a splendid collection of original work calculated to raise-the hair of the most hardened and convince the ultra sceptical.

6.—OCCULTISM. A volume entitled “ The Teachings of Osiris” (Rider and Co., IDs bd net), will satisfy those inclined to an investigation of the occult. It is described as “ Set down in the House of El Eros El Erua, they be'ing male-female bom according to the laws governing the Dhuman Adamic race, this being their fourth incarnation.” An introduction signed Peter Miles asserts: ‘* This Book of Preliminary Teachings consists of the writings which preceded and led up to the work known as ‘ The Book of Truth’ or ‘The Voice of Osiris.'” It is claimed that this work is that of a Superior Intelligence corning f t rom beyond and using Peter Miles as Medium. Moreover, Peter Miles claims to have been in constant touch with this Superior Intelligence since April, 1925.