THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897.

Otago Witness, Issue 2265, 29 July 1897, Page 59

THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897.

By W. lb Qubux.

London : Geo. Bell and Sons. Dunedin : j J. Braithwaite. When this book first appeared — in the early part of '94 —it attracted instant attention, and created a curiously unpleasant sensation. It was so detestably - accurate in its premise*, so uncomfortably ' probable in its deductions, the faces it quoted were so entirely subversive of the * complacent theories entertained by tbe average Englishman, that tbe oook sold with incredible rapidity. Written in '94, its disastrous picture of the invasion of . England in '97 has, thank heaven, been so tar unrealised, but the object with which the ' book was written >-has been amply fulfilled. There is do doubt that the clever forecast embodied in Mr Le Qaeux's book, backed up as it was by the approving concurrence of Lord Roberts and Admiral Sir Thomas Symonds, went, far towards rousing public interest and State energy in the remodelling of the British army and navy. Lord Charles Beresford .about this time sounded his impetuous note of warning concerning the weakness of the British navy, .and among, the greatest military authorities the need of drastic reforms wae so clearly recognised that Mr Le Queox -found willing help in elaborating the strate? gical and tactical part of his book. It goes without saying that the literary part of tbe story is excellent, and the under plot fall of interest and verve ; in fact, the Book would amply justify its existence even were it berefc of its important and patriotic purpose. It is divided into three parts — the Invasion, the Strnggle, and the Victory, thus giving abundatt scope for the exhibition of all the weak points in the "Home Defence Scheme," and also permit--ting full opportunities for emphasising the pluck, patriotism, and devotion of the English as a nation. We may briefly state that Russia, aided by France, is tbe attacking nation, and the combined fleets successfully bombard Newbaven. The French landing in Sussex, London quickly becomes the scene of terrific bomb outrages. Pretty, frivolous Eastbourne is the scene of a pitiful massacre, and naval questions are freely ventilated by the fighting which takes place in the Channel and culminates in the great battle off Beacby •Head. Enough has been said to give some idea of the thorough and intimate knowledge of his subject in which the author steeped himself before venturing to write a book which was to appeal to a nation. We can only add that the fortunes of war never flag in their stirring and majestic interest throughout the book, that grateful help

This is the age of invention — invention in every line ; bub the serious question is : Is the public the gainer by these inventions P As a rule the public has to p&y, although it does not know it,- for all these emanations of the genius of its sons. .Bub even with the clearest of them a thin small draught of air will cause a cold. That's a serious thing if not attended to, bnb taken in time v\ oods's Great Peppebmint Cube will avert all evila,

comes from the colonies, and that victory at last rests with the English — but as to the details, we advise all those who enjoy a thoroughly well-written and loyal-purposed book to read for themselves "The Great War in England In 1897."