THE REVIEWER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19889, 4 March 1920, Page 4

THE REVIEWER.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. “ A BOOK OF R.L.S.” A most valuable contribution to btcv-envminn literature is Mr George L. Brown's "Book of R.L.S./’ published by Messrs Methuen and' Co.. Lonnon. The chief aim of the book, the author states in his preface, js to provide a, commentary on Stevenson's wor.es as lar as possible from hia (Stevenson’s) own standpoint, by showing the circumstances jn which they were written, their history in his hands, and his judgments ot them. The work is full of interest and amply fulfils the aim of its author, in that it is a really excellent _ commentary on the works of Stevenson, providing intimate glimpses of him in his relations with his literary contemporaries, and forming a guide to his own hooks and to books upon him. Ihe value of the work is enhanced by two portraits and six other illustrations. Our copy come.s from tho publishers. “MOUNTAIN PATHS.” Under the title “ Mountain Paths,” Messrs Methuen and Co. have published a collectipn of the latest essays and lollections of the great Belgian writer, .daurice Maeterlinck. The various .themes dealt with by the author include gaifihling, wilii particular reference to gambling “systems” and the pyschoiogy ot .gamblers, the famous chapter on Henri Fabre, the entomologist (published lor tho first time in book form;, '' Messages from the Dead ” (a discussion of .Sir Oliver Lodge’s,work, “Raypublished essays on various aspects of tho war. “-Mountain Paths” is a volume of distinct literary merit and deserves to lake a. foremost place among the works of modem essayists. M. De Mattes, translator of the work, has' performed his part witli taste and judgment; “Mountain Paths” has boon really translated and not merely transliterated. Our copy comes from the publishers, Messrs Methuen and Go., London. " THE PHANTOM JOURNAL.” “ Tlie Phantom Journal ” is the title of ilio latest volume of essays from the non of Mr E. V. Lucas. The essays deal with many ami varied themes and each is characteristic of its author. The “ Phantom Journal ” itself is a dream newspaper, filled only with good news, even the obituary column belli i; who declines, however, to go into d<G refreshing, according to the author, tails on this point. Truthful epitaphs are suggested in another paper while the other thirty-odd essays, all well treated, deal entertainingly with a wide range of subjects. Onr copy comes from the publishers, Messrs Methuen and Co., London. “ STEAD'S REVIEW.” In the February 7 issue of “Stead’s Review ” Mr Henry Stead contributes an interesting article on “Do the Dead Return r" examining and criticising the arguments of those who deny tho continuation or existence after death. Other informative articles are. “ Knots about the Rattle of tho Marne,” “ The Auction Sale of Germany,” “Australia's Top-Heavy Empire,’’' and “Who Did Really Begin the Warp” In a number of interesting editorial notes Mr Stead discusses world events during tho month, while the lighter side of the magazine is provided for in a selection of cartoons from leading world journals.