THE REVIEWER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16737, 19 May 1922, Page 6

THE REVIEWER.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. “ The Secrets of a Savoyard,” by Henry A. Lytton. The title suggested reminiscences of a secret service officer or a. spy, a diplomat with perhaps thrilling disclosures as to the genesis or the working of some Mid-European embroglio. That was before the name of the Savoyard author was noticed, and it dawned on one that the secrets were some of those of a Savoy in the heart of London. Then one settled down to a simply told and fascinating story of the ups-and-downs of a man who worked himself up to the position of a famous principal during the Gilbert and Sullivan campaign that made the Savoy so long the home of wit and music- If only a small proportion of those who have been lucky enough to have the opportunity of enjoying the “ Mikado ” and the ‘ Yeomen of the Guard ” pur cha.se this volume it will easily head the season’s list of best sellers. A new generatioh is opera-going since Gilbert’s wit wedded to Sullivan’s music took the world by storm, and proof that the success of the great collaborators was the reverse of ephemeral is in the fact that any rer'ival to-day as was shown recently in London, means “capacity” houses. Even those who have not had the privilege of seeing and hearing the artiste who during his long career has played thirty parts in the operas, and who therein was, according to aji admirer whose appreciation of Mr Lytton precedes Mr Lytton’& story. “ the true embodiment of everything that is excellent,” will enjoy this plain tale of eight-and-thirty years on the stage with its many interesting anecdotes and its manly tributes to those with whom Jack Point was connected on and off the stage. Mr Lytton, like many another successful actor, suffered from stage fright and found the road to success no royal one: he acknowledges with gratitude the kindly hand extended to him by those who had it in their power to make or mar his career, Gilbert. Sullivan, D’Oylv, Carte, Mrs Carte; and by others like Irving. It is told how the famous operas were launched, the secret of the’r charm is discussed, many practical hints arc given for amateur players and the right and tho wrong methods of production are indicated. Sir "William Gilbert’s debt to the Bah Ballads, the quality of Sullivan’s music—popular because it was u undorstanded of the people,” the fact that Jack Point was really supposed to die. the idiosyncrasies of various members of the Savoyard company falls about well-known men like George Ed wardes, Billington, Lord Fisher, and a hundred other interesting matters are discussed or referred to in tho twothirds of the book devoted to Mr Lytton’s experiences. The anecdotes must be left to the reader of the book itself : quotation would Ido unfair- After the Lyttoniana- come the stories of the operas, a Savoyard bibliography, a list, with dates, of the London productions of the Savoy operas. Mention must he made of the graceful tribute Mr Lytton pays to his wife, to whom he owed and admits he owed more than he can adequately set out. A pleasing addition to “ Stagiana.” The book is published by Jerrolds Ltd., London. “ The Fallacies of Spiritualism,” by A. Leonard Summers, js the first of tbe “Blue Booklets” giving a “survey of recent, claims and pretensions.” It should have been called “ Spiritualism : A Fallacy and Worse.” Mr Summers shows that, whatever there may be unknown to us as regards life after death and whatever your idea as to the sincerity and enthusiasm of various spiritualists, of one thing we may be sure, and that is. the spiritualists have produced no evidence supporting their assertions as to communication with the spirits of the departed. In a restrained, logical, and incisive examination in detail of numerous assertions that is the only conclusion possible and that is the conclusion at which Air Summers of course arrives. As Huxley said, if it were true that you could be recalled to talk foolery to a hired medium it would add another pang to suicide. It is a dangerous amusement, and if alcohol is a beast, spiritualism must be an ectoplasmic horde. The book' comes from A. M. Philpott, Ltd-, London. When Louis XI. was conducting in his usual cunning, mean way his campaign against his royal friend, Charles of Burgundy, ho thought it would be a flue scheme to give the hand of one of his wards to his toady do Cambria; the fact that the lady had already given her heart and her hand to a favourite vassal of Charles did not seem to Louis an insuperable obstacle, especially after de Oambris had left tbe newly-made husband for dead at. the altar rails. •There are some thrilling happenings, much fighting and numerous sudden deaths before the lady's fate is determined. Donjons, secretpanels, friars, wassail, conspiracies, ap parition.s, and all the “properties” appropriate to that riotous time are in evidence and the reader is carried along in a white heat of excitement that probably infected even the proofreader. The book is “ A King in the Lists,” by May Wynne, published by Stanly Paul and Co., London. “ Chambers’s Journal ” for April. You may think you’ve heard nearly all you want to hear about tho war, but when you read “ An Echo of the Mons Retreat,” you’ll probably change your mind; for over two years two brave Frenchmen risked, their lives to save one hundred and sixty British soldiers cut off during the retreat, from falling into the hands of the Huns. trove, Some Central African Customs (illustrating tbe truth of the dictum that African natives are only children), Notes on Southern California (with light on the Japanese problem). Cloudspots Among the Stars. Charles Dickens on Law and Lawyers (he thought them an unlovely company and ho pilloried them unmercifully), Oulloden in a Newer Light- (placing the blame where it belongs), Clues to Vocation (hints for budding Sherlock Holmeses). The Lamp of Wit (being the fourth of Judge Parry’s fine, articles on advocacy)—these arc some of the articles. Those New Zealanders who take little interest in the bird-life of these Islands will learn something about the effects of the arrival of man and acclimatisation from “ Changes in Birdlife in New Zealand.”