Page 14 Advertisements Column 1

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 14

li/fR BRACKEN'S BOOK. The friends of Mr Thos. Bracken— in fact, all lovers of true poetic literature — will be glad , to know that his Jubilee volume has been published in Europe, and has now reached this colony ready for distribution. The object of the publisher has been to found a national series of Australasian poetical authors, printed and illustrated in the highest style of typography and art; and the issue of this the initial volume has been limited to an edition of 5000 copies, ovef 3000 of which have already been subscribed. Mr Bracken's long and intimate acquaintance with the affairs of New Zealand peculiarly qualify him to lead the national poetry ; and those who from personal esteem, patriotism, educational motives, or a desire to encourage art or literature subscribe for a copy will be more than pleased with its many excellencies. Lord Tennyson, the Laureate poet of England, has accepted tbe dedication, and, writing to the publisher, personally thanks him for the tribute paid him. Descriptively speaking the volume although confined to Mr Bracken's poetry, is prefaced by Sir George Grey, and contains a special article by Sir Robert Stoat on the rise and progress cf "literature in relation to art and letters in New Zealand— a contribution of the highest historical value. The illustrations are chiefly by New Zealand artists, reproduced in Leipzic, the centre of the art world, in a manner unequalled by anything seen in the colonies. The sketched of tbe celebrated Maori chiefs Rewi and Te Rupararaha, by Kate Sperrey (Mrs Captain Mair) are life-like, and splendidly lithographed. Tbe battle scene, by G. F. Fodor, is effectively drawn, and historically correct. The artist consulted several military men who took part in the engagement, and the positions and outlines generally indicated in the several plaques were " roughed in " by a well-known oommander, and afterwards ' elaborated by the artist. The landscape and descriptive sketches illustrating the Valley of the Leith, Nicholl's Creek, the Cotter's Homestead, &c, by Mr J. L. Wilson, are vignetted in fine style, and will satisfy tha criticisms of the most exacting. The volume as a whole, under the comprehensive title of "Musings in Maoriland," contains some 380 pages beautifully printed on highly calendered paper, with 20 full page illustrations. Anyone desiring to secure a copy can do ao by remitting cheque for £1 la for the cloth edition; or for £1 10s .for the handsome volume, full gilt, half French morocco bound, to A* T. Keiblb, Publisher^ A.M.P. Buildings, Dunedini