BOOK OF THE WEEK

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1931, Page 13 (Supplement)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A VOLUME OF SAMPLES

(IBy

C.E.)

"My Best Story," an anthology of stories chosen by their own authors: Faber and Faber, Limited, London, through Thos. Avery and Sons, Ltd., New Plymouth. It is only fair to explain straight away that the description of this book of short stories as a volume of ‘'samples’ 5 is in rio way derogatory. The publishers mention that all the stories—there are 21 of them in 480 odd pages —were specially chosen by their respective authors to represent theii work, and the point is emphasised that two or three of the authors “demurred a little anxiously to the title given to the collection.” The publishers, however, are prepared to take all the blame of which anyone may deem them worthy on that account, confessing that they could find no other title which would “convey the principle of selection in a short enough compass. ’ I for one have no wish to blame them for the choice of a title for a book capable of fulfilling a very useful purpose, and I 'hope neither they nor the authors will demur to my use of the word “samples.” Thus much of explanation must be followed by the confession that ‘My Best ‘Story’’ is not a new book,- having, in fact, been first published two years ago. The second impression appeared a month later and the third within four months. In March last the publishers put out a cheap edition, and it is the arrival of a reprint of that edition which has given me the opportunity to notice the book. This brief 'history of what seems to me a very commendable enterprise in publishing will indicate that “My 'Best Story” has had a very notable run 61 success, which it is not difficult to account for. A book of samples such as these could not fail to appeal to a great many readers. All the 21 contributors to it are the authors of novels and other works. Here is a ready means of sampling their 'wares. Suppose one sees for the first time a novel with the name of Temple Thurston on the coyer and wonders ■whether it would be wise to buy it. In ten minutes one may read what the author himself considers his best story and thus obtain an impression upon which to form a decision. In this case it would probably be a favourable decision, for “Mr. (Simmonds 5 'Bit o’ Business” is a very intriguing specimen of the short story. An outlay equivalent to two-thirds of the cost of a novel enables one to undertake the sampling process, and at the same time gives one a volume quite worth keeping. Among the 21 writers there are, of course, many whose work is familiar to numbers of readers; some people will have read some of them, others will have read others, and everyone can be sure of renewing acquaintance with a few old friends. That makes “My Best Story” all the more interesting. Let us take a random shot and select one author who is represented, G. IK. Chesterton. One knows him in many aspects—a successful writer of “thrillers,” a scholarly essayist, the eminent author of pretentious works. _ What is his own idea of 'his capacity as a writer of short stories? Well, it is very interesting to know that he regards a thriller as his best story. ‘"The Five of Swords” has to do with duels and a murder, the secret of which is unravelled by a French professor of jurisprudence. Mr. Chesterton's gripping mystery unfolds a plot which even 'Edgar Wallace, who, by the way, is not represented in this volume, could not have, bettered; there is a slender undercurrent of romance; even in 30 pages the author has clearly delineated his contrasting characters; in fact, he has written a finished story, not merely dashed off a pot-boiler. Suppose we turn to another very well-known writer, the author of “Beau Geate.” Captain Jif he is not major by now) IP. C. Wren naturally depends upon the (Foreign Legion for the material out of which to fashion a short story. It only fills 19 pages, but fills them with vivid and vigorous action on the part of the two principals; indeed, there ib but one other character of any importance. Revenge makes the climax of this anecdote, in which the author gives full scope to a peculiarly sardonic type of humour. If Captain Wren produced many short stories of this calibre they might rival his novels as best sellers.

It was quite an experience to find Miss Sheila Kaye-Smith among the writers of short stories invited to submit their best, for I do not remember to have met her before in 'this role. It was with some curiosity that I ventured upon her story of “A Day in a Woman’s Life.” It is perhaps rather a sketch than a story, for Miss KayeSmith cannot deny herself the pleasure of describing an interesting countryside, a task for which, it must be admitted, she has admirable qualifications. 'But her full (very full) length novels are apt to be prosy, and she makes a habit of permitting her people lone soliloquies. Even in her best short story she runs true to form, though she contrives a rather snappy ending. One might go on through the whole range of stories without weariness. Eden Phillpotts, Michael Arlen, De Vere Stacpoole, A. E. W. Mason, Gilbert Frankau and one or two more could be quoted, as thoroughly representative of short story writers whose work is 'familiar to magazine readers. Even one who reads little of this kind of publication may find a story that he has seen before, but in that case it will probably revive a pleasant memory, and it will certainly become the more interesting when one knows that the author himself has selected it as his best.

The book attains no little distinction through the inclusion of such writers as Hugh Walpole, 'Somerset Maugham, Sir Philip Gibbs, H. G. Wells and “Sapper.” It should not be necessary to say that short stories 'by folk of this standing are fit for a place in anyone's library. Air. "Walpole, for instance, tells what ho calls an old-fash-ioned story, for it has to do with a few years before the war and the attitude of youth towards age. It is almost a literary study, this recital of an episode from a possible autobiography. It has its human interest, but one may wonder whether a. magazine editor would accept it if Mr. Walpole's name ■were not attached. Yet it fits neatly into Uns collection of stories, and readers who like to think a little about what they read will be especially pleased at its inclusion.

The Christmas numbers of the Auckland Weekly, .Brett’s Annual, Otago Witness, New Zealand Illustrated, Free Lance and Star (Pictorial, all at 2s. each, will be on sale from October 19, Mondav next. Procure your copies early ifrom Thomas Avery and Sous, Ltd., | Rook «ftlli&ra> Now Plymouth. t„