THE "NATION'S LIBRARY."

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 61, 18 April 1914, Page 3

THE "NATION'S LIBRARY."

Two recent additions to Collins and Sons' "Nation's Library" (Collins's Clear Type Press) are "British Commerce," by H. H. Bassett, editor of "The Review of Reviews";-and'"A Book Of FolkLore" by the veteran author, Rev. S. Baring-Gould. Mr Bassett gives a useful account of the foundations of British commerce, the staple industries of Great Britain, and the general volume of British trade, and deals concisely, but always informatively and suggestively, with the aspects of Britain's foreign trade, undeveloped commercial fields, the increasing cost of production, and the disturbance of trade by industrial strife. He warmly advocates the establishment of a Ministry of Commerce, and argues in favour of the advantages of university training when applied to practical trade. In his final chapter he dwells upon the relationship between em-

plover and employed, and the future of British commenje. The book, which is essentially practical throughout, should be read with interest and advantage by all students of sociology. Much valuable statistical iuforr mation is given in the appendices, and the volume contains an unusually extended bibliography. The Kev. S. Baring-Gould has long been recognised as an authority on primitive manner and customs, and their curious perpetuation even into modern times, when extended education would, it might be thought, have rendered the survival of local superstitions impossible. In successive chapters lie deals with quaint and ancient beliefs as to the spirit of man; the body of man; the ancient divinities; sacrifice; the mystery of death; fetishes; skulls; pixies and brownies; and birth and. marriage. His book is thickly studded with curious and entertaining stories as to the survival of ancient beliefs and superstitions. Bonie of the old-time marriage customs, still present, though perhaps in diluted form, in various country districts in Great Britain, are vastly amusing. To those who cannot afford expensive works on folk-lore, such as those of Dr Frazer, the late Andrew Lang, and other authors who might be mentioned in-this connection, Mr Baring-Gould's little book should be very welcome. (New Zealand price, lod per volume.)