THE PRIVATE LIBRARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22260, 12 May 1934, Page 4

THE PRIVATE LIBRARY

CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL WORKS Home University Library : " Kichard Wagner," by Sir W. H. Hadow, D.Mus., D.Lltt., etc.; ■“ 'fhe Huguenots," by A. J. Grant, M.A., D.Lltt. London: Thornton Butterworth {each 3s Od Discovery Books: 41 Behind the Cinema Screen," by Stuart Chesmore, illustrated; 44 British Airways/ 4 by C. St. John Sprigs, Illustrated. Loudon: Nelson (each 3s fld net). How to See Nature Series: 44 How to See Insects 44 and 44 How to See Pond Life, 44 by Eric Fitch Daglish; illustrated. London: Dent (each 3s 9d net). Assessing Wagner Sir W. H. Hadow’s “Wagner,” which is added to the “ Home University Library” as the 169th volume in this erudite series, is a highly commendable work. Discretion informs the author’s judgment and comment upon the Wagnerian compositions, and fairness and candour his account of the composer’s troubled life. Wagner’s music is still subjected to : a surprising amount cf criticism and distrust, an indication of the extraordinary conservatism of average musically-minded persons in expressing their tastes. Nowhere, then, is this book more useful than when its author shows us that Wagner’s reputation was securely founded during his own lifetime. Half a century ago the musical public in Europe had accepted him, not halfheartedly, but fully, Sir W. H. Hadow says. The academic critics declared against him, since they * could not on principle approve innovations, but also largely on account of personal grudges— Wagner wa s not a conciliatory character. If people are attempting a revaluation of Wagner to-day, as seems evident, they must first rid their minds of the echo of animadversions uttered in the nineteenth century (which were cancelled out by 50 years of public appreciation, though their influence unaccountably lingers) and approach Wagner with acceptance of his methods as being no longer radical but of proven worth. If, from this uninhibited examination, a student concludes that Wagner’s music is, as Gerald Abraham says, “ ultimately little more than an assault on the nerves,” that is his affair; the, essential point is that he should come to his judgment independently. There is no better introduction to an independent assessment than Sir W. H. Hadow’s work, which, with Newman’s uncompleted definitive biography, must rank as representing the best and fairest English statement on Wagner. 44 The Huguenots ’ Dr Grant’s history of the long and cruel struggle by which Protestantism in France established its right to existence inclines to creator length than may be desirable in the “ Home University # series, yet he has his justification in the considerable period that has to be covered and the many ramifications of the story.

His work, indeed, is found on inspection to be admirably condensed. Often the reader might wish for further information, as, for instance, concerning Voltaire’s championship in the Galas case, but the author passes inexorably on to one significant event after another. It is a curious commentary, which becomes plain in this book, that the Protestants in France remained through their cen-turies-long persecution a united body, and that it was only when their freedom was assured that schisms occurred and the Church lost its individuality. . Even so, the Protestant churches of France, by declarations in the present century, appear to be more tolerant and unified in their constitution than those in countries in which Prot -stantism has been less recently assailed. Kinema Production

The only objection that might be made to Stuart Chesmore’s very informative “ Behind the Cinema Screen ” is that he is disposed to accept the czars of Elstree and Hollywood_ and their concomitant “stars” at their own evaluation. The kinema industry is young, but it is also very lusty and strident and somewhat egoistic. It has not made any artistic advance (in England and the United States) to correspond with its enormous growth and the size of its market. To assume, as Mr Chesmore does, that because the kinema industry attempts to “ please everybody at the same time ” it is forced to continue this vain effort is mistaken and unhelpful. And though it is true that “ it costs much more to make a picture than it does to stage a play,” to suggest, as Mr Chesmore does again, that the tea) difference in proportionate costs is due to actual production expenses is misleading. Is it not rather that the kinema industry is, generally speaking, unfinancial and inartistic because producers are more busily engaged in monopolising theatres and endeavouring to kill rival producers than in the making of fine pictures, as should be their first concern? These questions, however, are somewhat beside the point in consideration of a popular account, such as this is, of the process of kinema production. Mr Chesmore describes the technical apparatus of film-making clearly and competently, and .the average kineniagoer who reads this book will be better enabled in consequence to appreciate the work that he sees on the screen. “ British Airways ” The above-mentioned book and “ British Airways ” are two of the first releases in a new series of informative works—- ‘‘ Discovery Books,” issued by Messrs Nelson at a low price primarily for the instruction of younger people. They are nicely produced and contain excellent photographic reproductions. The author of “ British Airways ” describes in lively style the working of the air services in the British Isles, and takes the reader on a cruise with him by air liner to the Cape and Singapore. The technical and mechanical side of aircraft is 'not neglected, photographs and specifications of all the main types of plane being provided. How to See Nature Young naturalists are very handsomely catered for in the “ How to See Nature ” series, written and illustrated by Eric Fitch Daglish and published by Messrs Dent. Mr Daglish inspires an interest in birds, fishes, insects, by his own great enthusiasm, and he is a most knowledgeable and sympathetic guide. “ How to See Insects ” and “ How to See Pond Life ” are the sixth and seventh volumes in this excellent little library. It would be no exaggeration to say that the woodcut reproductions, which include a colour plate in each volume, are alone worth the price. J. M.