LITERATURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3687, 11 November 1924, Page 67

LITERATURE.

BOOK NOTICES. ■ w The Animals of New Zealand (fourth edition). By the late Captain h. W. Hutton, F.R.S., and James Drummond, F.L.S., F.Z.S. (Christchurch: Whitcom.be and Tombs.) This standard work on the native fauna has, with the latest issue, reached its fourth edition. It was first published 20 years ago; a second, and larger, edition was called for a year later, and a third, and still larger, edition followed in 1909. This new edition eclipses in point of completeness all its predecessors. “ The Animals of New Zealand” is one of the many publishing successes of the enterprising firm, and its popularity rests on a very solid basis. It is written by men who are masters of their subject, the late Captain Hutton being in the forefront among the scientific writers of his day, while the keen interest in and knowledge of Nature subjects enjoyed by Mr Drummond are widely recognised by all who love the birds and beasts of our country. When it is added that the book as a book compares favourably in every way with British and foreign publications as representative of the highest examples of printing, its popularity is not in the least surprising. The book belongs to the all too uncommon class which appeals with equal force to the non-scientific as to the scientific reader, and the preface to the first edition opened with this paragraph: “ We have endeavoured to combine popular information with the purely scientific, and have intermingled stories of quaint habits and characteristics with accurate descriptions of all animals dealt with. Our object has been to publish a volume that will be useful to naturalists, and at the same time interesting to the general public.” Each of the 434 pages which comprise the book is interesting, and the illustrations, to the number of 153, are of a character which cannot fail to interest and instruct the reader. These latter are very complete, and include one of the new frog found on Stephen Island, in Cook Strait. Iu this latest edition Mr Drummond has made many alterations and additions. The most important of these are a description of a new frog found on Stephen Island, Cook Strait, an account of the Maori dog and of the Maori rat, and notes on introduced birds in New Zealand. Mr W. R. B. Oliver, a member of the staff of the Dominion Museum, Wellington, has supplied a name-list of New Zealand birds to meet the modem requirements of nomenclature. Every effort has been made to produce a book worthy in 'all respects of an entrancing subject. Opening with an informative historical chapter, following the preface to the first and fourth editions, the book deals in orderly sequence with the mammalia, aves, reptilia, ampliibions, with appendices dealing with the Maori dog, the Maori rat, and the introduced birds. The indices are most complete, covering the Maori names, the common names, and the scientific names of animals, and a table of New Zealand air-breathing vertebrates. In a review of an earlier edition of this work we said that “ very few such books come anywhere near to "the excellent standard of pictorial art as here displayed.” The praise bestowed on that occasion is even more highly merited in the latest edition, in the production of which authors and publishers have combined to present to the reading public % truly excellent book. NEW NOVELS. “ Wanderlight.” By Ernest Raymond. (Cassell and Co.) Here is a book to cheer the heart of a reviewer weary of reading masses of mediocre and trivial fiction, and that must delight readers who can appreciate truthful and sympathetic presentations of human life, rare insight into character, strong individuality, and the gift of vigorous and humorous portraiture. Mr Raymond is one of the minority of writers who have something to say worthy of being said, and, having the power of creating actual human beings, he finds firtion the natural medium of expressing his views on human life and- its His remarkable power of understanding different tyes of human nature, and of penetrating into the recesses of the human heart, have been shown in bis previous novels—* Tell England,” ‘' Rossenal,” and ‘‘Damascus Gate,” —and arc still more remarkably displayed in the present book. All show a peculiar sympathy with the young ; and here Mr Raymond is especially the spokesman for youth, with its emotional and intellectual perplexities; its revolt against things seen as enslaving and unreal, and its bewildered gropings after light and truth. The book is a study of the present position of the Anglican Church, and as such has a peculiar interest for Anglicans and others concerned about, the contemporary religious outlook; but as a vivid "human story it will be enjoyed by readers whatever their religious views may be. “ An Underground Prologue ” introduces the central character, Hilary Down, as a boy soldier in the trenches in the Ypres section. Three months previously he earned his sole military distinction in blowing up one of the famous mines under the Messines Ridge. Later he grows somewhat tired of having this exploit continually brought up; then he was naturally somewhat proud of the risky and notable bit of military service that accounted for 1500 Huns. The comments of Padre Rudabec for the first time awaken him to the implications of his exploit, but it is years later, when the girl he is then in love with tells him her father was slain at Messines, that he fully realises them. No tragedy can be realised in the mess: it takes the individual example to drive home the lesson of human loss and suffering. Padre Rudabec, an unconventional bat spiritual cleric, is possessed by an

idea of enlisting young men of generosity and vision to battle for the raising and purifying of humfc life —having been death-dealers to become life-givers. This can only be done by Christianity, but it must bo absolutely sincere; his young soldiers must be prepared to be rebels against all falsehood and unreality. The padre is soon killed by a chance shot, but his dying words remain with Hilary, and when at the close of the war he is discharged as militarily unfit, he, after considerable doubt, decides to become a clergyman. At the outset of his story Hilary appears as a very ordinary youth, frank, warm-hearted, and ready to enjoy life to the full. But we see his character developing, and finally he stands a test of the sincerity of his search for. truth and right that most would fail under. He studies at a theological college; is ordained a deacon, and given a curacy. The parting of the ways comes when he is about to be constituted priest, and, Itmg worried and irritated by Church formalisms and archaeic theology, feels that to go on will mean living a lie. The characters, men and women, are delightfully real: we see them as clearly as any of the people we meet in actual intercourse. There are Hilary’s fellow-students and the various clerics; the eccentric, saintly, country rector, Mr Hanks ; the shallow, but ever courteous and kindly archdeacon; the two married curates, Scott and little Mordern, with his picturesque, racy slang; poor, little, harassed Mrs Scott; Esther (to whom Hilary makes clandestine love), a post office girl, half-German in parentage, and a “ moral war casualty ” ; Millie Hanks, spiritually-minded, and feeling a vocation for a religious life, hut yet a very natural girl, and many less important figures. Two others are prominent—Peter Hart, the self-educated dock labourer and secular preacher of power, founder of a little band of “ Metanoia ” brethren, whose motto is “ For only those who do the will shall know the doctrine ”; and Hilary’s gifted fellowstudent, Slade. The latter is rather a terrible study of a man capable of high things, but lacking sincerity, and dominated by ambition and love of applause. One can picture his future career as a famous preacher and worldly cleric. He is the antithesis of Hart, under whose banner Hilary will fight in obedience to his promise to Padre Rudabec to bring Jife to men. For as the jiadre and Peter Hart, and Mr Hanks agree, there is a secular priesthood in which as good Christian work can be done as in orders: the one thing is to put away all ambition and all forms of self-seeking. Hilary’s choice means, as he had foreseen, the renunciation of Millie. The story of their love and parting is in welcome contrast to the treatment of love which has become common in recent fiction. One thing strongly brought out in the story is the iniquity of paying the under-clergy of the Anglican Church starvation wages while the high clerics live in luxury. We part from Hilary and other people of the story with regret. Mr Raymond has given ns a book at once serious and delightful. “ The Ace Of Blades.” By Charles B. Stilson. (New York: G. Howard Watt. From Dymock’s Book Arcade, Sydney.) This is a romantic story of chivalrous adventure, perils, conspiracy, villainy, and doughty sword encounters put in an historical setting. The country is France, and the period the early part of the reign of Louis XIV. The later “ grand monarquo ” appears in the second chapter at the age of 20, when he was still kept in poverty and subservience by his wily Italian minister, Cardinal Mazarin. Three years later the Cardinal died, and Louis at once asserted himself as King indeed. Louis appears in a good many scenes—in some not at all to his advantage,— but the chief figure is Denys, the champion swordsman of unknown birth, whom the King, impressed by his fencing skill and staunchness, sends for to come to his Court, and employs in important ventures. Denvs has been brought up by Philibert, a professional fencer, who Has taught him all his skill. Denys has for comrade in adventure Coneine, an Italian pupil, and servant, of the old fencing master. A love interest is interwoven with the story of Denys’s adventures, the heroine being a young maid-of-honour to the young bride of Louis, Maria Luisa Teresa, Spanish Infanta. The heroine is forced by the Dowager Queen Anne of Austria, to marry a horrible ogre of a French noble, the Comte de Maines, who bears her away to his lonely and prisonlike castle. But knight Denys, of course, rescues the imprisoned damsel, and his good rapier puts an end to the evil career of the count. But there are many more adventures for Denys before the happy conclusion, and before his most wonderful sword encounter he is bound on the wheel to be broken after the horrible manner in which notable offenders were done to death in France at that time—and later. Mr Stilson invents a good deal of history—in particular, the plot of “ The League of the Twenty,” after the death of Mazarin. An enormous hoard of wealth left by the Cardinal, in addition to the vast fortune bequeathed by his will, is another bit of imaginative machinery. The story cannot be regarded as serious historical fiction, but as a lively tale of adventure with picturesque old-time accessories it will please numerous readers.

“ Without Gloves.” By James B. Hendryx, author of ‘‘ The Promise,” ‘‘ Connie Morgan in Alaska,” etc. (G. P. Putman Sons. New York and London: Tho Knickerbocker Press.)

The earlier portion of this story deals with tho prize ring and low life in New York. But Shirly Leonard’s last fight ends in the contumely of a quitter, and fleeing from the vengeance of those he has “double crossed” he turns to wholesomer forms of gaining a livelihood. As truck driver for a construction company he proves himself the reverse of a slacker, and displays courage under sudden emer-

gencies. Then he goes to a lumber district, and, previously knowing only cities, is fascinated with the charm of the woods. Here he comes in contact with the MacAlisters, "father and daughter. Mac Alister is an old settler, who owns a timber area, ail'd, in contrast to the ordinary timber speculators, understands the art of forestry, and seeks, to conserve the forest resources of his land. Leonard, taking Instinctively to forest lore, is soon as ardent a forester as Mac : Alister. The rights and property of the MacAlisters are attacked by an unscrupulous lumber ring, and dramatic developments follow. Leonard makes good all through, wipes out the stain of his past sordid record, and wins the heart of Mary Mac Alister. The book is one of strong contrasts, stirring action, and realistic description. “ The Legacy From Nowhere.” By Peter Gladwin. (John Long.) Three young sisters, thrown on their own resources, are supporting themselves in modest comfort when a motor mishap brings them a legacy of £200,000! Nothing can be learnt of the history of Cleave Hollsby, the man injured one racing day on the road close by their little villa in Berkshire, whom they had carried into their house and cared for, and who, in recognition of their kindness, bequeathed the whole of his property to them. Just a little embarrassed by the magnitude of their fortune, they are, within a year, settling down to full enjoyment of their new luxuries when a new acquaintance, “ Countess da Calvacanti,” drops hints and then makes statements which go to show that Cleave Hollsby’s wealth was the proceeds of robbery. The Countess puts in her claim for a share in the fortune, not for herself—oh, no! She has from the first posed as a philanthropist, and she intends the money to go towards the upkeep of her home for orphaned babies. The girls desire to clear up the mystery of the fortune thoroughly, and Guy Warley, the lover of the one wno narrates the history, proves himself a very able detective. ' But the alleged Countess is unmasked by the appearance the true Countess da. Cavalcanti, an old Italian lady whom the impostor had formerly served in the capacity of English lady s maid. And all doubts as to the legality of the will are satisfactorily disposed of. Three weddings are announced in the closing chapter The story is rather short, and of the slightest make-up, but brightly written—the kind of tale to make a little vacant time pass pleasantly. ‘‘Joan Peterson: Sport.” By Margaret Armstrong. (John Long.) heroine of this novel does indeed v. k eTse lf a “sport” in her courageous battling against adverse circumstances, and l n . h ? r Royalty to her weak, unworthy friend, Christine Graeme. The two girls, both alone in the world, are employed for a time in the same office, but Lansing, their employer, who admires Joan, dwirusses Christine for incompetence and untrustworthiness, and Joan, who vainly pleads for her friend, insists on leaving with her. Joan gives Christine the hospitality of her little flat-, and the two set up a dancing class, which proves a success. But the vain, volatile Christine runs into debt for finery, and then robs Joan, and m desperation marries the unworthy lover who had taken advantage of her folly. . ® remainder of the story is occupied with the comradeship of Joan and Christine s constant lover Maynard, and with the progress of the attachment between Joan and Lansing. Elise, Lansing’s jealous and malignant cousin, does her best to discredit Joan in Lansing’s eyes but her calumnies fail of their object, and the story winds up happily, the reader being left to hope—or doubb-that Christine will prove herself worthy of the opportunity of happiness unexpectedly restored to her. “ Vagabond Love.” By Jessie Champion. (Jofin Lane.) . Tilis writer’s recent stories, “ Sunshine m Underwood ” and “Ella Keeps House ” were very pleasant, light comedy. In treating more serious situations and emotions Jessie Champion is less successful. Vagabond Love ” is a fairly long storv with serious love interest, and some serious treatment of phases of present-dav society, some psychology, and some tragedy all following on a rather conventional romantic opening. Wit and humour, though not lacking, are far less prominent than is usual in Jessie Champion s stories, and occasionally there is a jarring bit of exaggeration or incongruity. The authoress has invented a specially repellant religious bigot for her heroine’s father, a Church of England ritualist minister, who comes to believe that he has sinned at marrying, and tortures his wife into her grave. Barbara Beatty suffers from a “father complex”—to use the current psychological jargon her father’s ideas of the sacramental nature of marriage dominate her emotionally though her reason is inclined to reject them, and in crises of her life her father appears to her in visions denouncing her infringement of Divine ordinance, and ordering her to kill the infant which is the fruit of sin. In the first chapter Barbara and Gordon Humphries, who is unhappily married, are wrecked on a South Pacific reef, and washed ashore on uninhabited island. The situation is sufficiently hackneyed nowadays, and the treatment is that usual in up-to-date fiction. They hastily make up their minds that they are to spend the rest of their lives in their island Eden, but very speedily a ship appears. They are by no means pleased to be rescued, but have soon cause to he thankful, for scarcely are they aboard than the island is blown up by a volcanic explosion. Barbara now decides that Gordon must remember the obligation of marriage, and parts from him. The remainder of the book follows out the history of Gordon and of hisi unfaithful wife Freda, and especially of Barbara’s manifold trials and conflict between the promptings of her heart and

her religious belief. Reality is not strong, and Barbara’s trials and her Altruism towards Freda fail to make a/;y deep impression on the reader.