The Library Corner

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19346, 27 June 1925, Page 7

The Library Corner

By

“Bibliophile”

“Somo books are to be tasted, othen to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”—Bacon.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge. What is a classic? No doubt vro can accept it as a piece of work which passes into the permanent literature of the country. As a rule we only know our classics when they are in their graves, and are like the Roman Catholic Church, which only canonizes saints a century after their death. It may then be taken that we cannot fix the places of our contemporaries; this being left to our grandchildren.

It is now over ninety years since the death of S. T. Coleridge, and his position amongst the immortals may be considered assured. It is rather a curious fact that, though he attained a certain reputation in his own time, many of his best-known works were posthumous.

Coleridge died in 1834. and it was the following year that “Table Talk,” which was taken down almost verbatim from his lips by H. N. Coleridge, was published in two volumes. “Literary Remains,’’ “Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit,” “The Idea of Life,” and “Notes, Theological and Political,” did not appear in print until a number of years later. The life of Coleridge furnishes a fascinating, though in some respects a saddening story. As a boy of ten, he entered the Blue-coat School in 1782, and though at first he was unhappy, as time went on there were mitigations. When he took rank as a “Grecian,” he made friends with and hold his own among seniors and contemporaries. Chief among those who looked up to him as elder and superior was Charles Lamb. It was while at Christ’s Hospital that an escapade happened that had fateful effects upon his after life. When about seventeen he swam the New River in his clothes, and was punished for his folly by a sharp attack of rheumatic fever. The rheumatic gout which afterwards attacked him at Keswick, encouraging and confirming, if it did not awaken, the indulgence in opium, may be traced to this cause. Coleridge went from Christ’s College to Cambridge, and it was during his stay there that he enlisted ami served for a few months in the Light Dragoons, an escapade about which many stories, mostly mythical, have been told. It was shortly after this that he met Robert Southey, and his first work, ’“The Fall of Robespierre, an Historic Drama,” of which Southey wrote the second and third acts, was published at Cambridge in 1794. The first act contains the well-known lines, “Toll mo on what holy ground may domestic peace be found?” In 1797 Coleridge took up residence in the village of Nether Stowey, and it was during the twenty months’ stay here that he wrote “The Ancient Mariner,” the first part of “Christabel,” and almost all his greater poems. ‘Here, too, grew and flourished his friendship with William and Dorothy Wordsworth, and the inerchangc of sentiments and ideas during the next twelve months formed the atmosphere in which the “Lyrical Ballads” were conceived and composed. It was with the Wordsworths that Coleridge visited Germany, where for four months he worked with a will at German literature, laying the foundation of his after work as critic, theologian, and metaphysician. It is commonly held that Coleridge wrote a few poems, half-a-dozen more or less, of supreme excellence, and that he did no more. Undoubtedly at his best, he is immeasurably greater than his second best, but he wrote little that may be passed over or reflected as worthless. His peculiar quality as a poet lay in his power of visualising scenes of which neither he nor another had any actual experience. It is this quality •which is dealt with by Mr George Moore in his recently published book on “Pure Poetry,” and causes the admission of Coleridge, where Wordsworth is shut out. There is little doubt, however, that Coleridge owed the awakening and consummation of his genius to the example and companionship of Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. But the magic and melody of Coleridge’s verse are all his own, and there is little or no resemblance between his and Wordsworth’s great poems. He was a laborious and accomplished metrist, and it was only by repeated experiments and intense mental effort that he could clothe the shapings of his imagination in a becoming and appropriate garb. Hence it was that after ho had passed his thirtieth year, and his mind became pre occupied with metaphysical speculations, as Charles Lamb put it, “he wrote no more ‘Christabels’ and 1 Ancient Mariners.’ ” But he was a poet to the last, as witness “Youth and Age,” “The Garden of Boccaccio,” and “Love, Hope and Patience in Education,” which were written towards the close of his life. Although all Coleridge’s writings repay perusal, and much of it contains beauties, “purple patches,” suitable for quotation, it is only as a lyrical poet that he belongs to the immortals. His dramatic pieces have been performed with success and still invite study, but his plots drag, and his characters are neither attractive nor rememberable. Coleridge was a journalist, a critic, a lecturer, a philosopher and a divine, and he regarded it as his mission to found a new school of philosophy, but it cannot bo said that he worked out a system of his own. His influence, however, on the religious thought and opinion of his own age was unquestionable, and his “Aids to Reflection,” and the posthumous “Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit,” have been largely instrumental in deepening and widening religious thought within and without the pale of the Churches. As a critic he has a niche of his own and in Che “Biographia Literaria” he speaks as a potent if not a final authority.

A Coleridge of Later Date. In “This for Remembrance” (T. Fisher Unwin), the famous Judge, Lord Coleridge, has written a book which is a mine of wit and wisdom, and will repay the reader with many interesting stories and entertaining anecdotes. Lord Coleridge is the third of his family to be a High Court Judge, and two of his early chapters are made up of extracts from the diary of his grandfather, Sir John Taylor Coleridge. Many of the stories naturally relate to the law, and there is an engrossing chapter on some remarkable trials. The author writes admirable prose, and has the power of holding the attention and. sympathy of the reader. Lqml

Coleridge lias met many notable figures in all walks of life, and tells good stories about them all. There are several dealing with Mr Gladstone, the following being a. sample:— It is said of Mr Gladstone that, while being an undergraduate, he attended the service of Magdalen College, Oxford. As now, the choir performed the service, the congregation for the most, part being content to listen. But Mr Gladstone, tired with religious enthusiasm, and being very musical, sang loudly. This attracted the notice of the College Dean, who sent for Mr Gladstone, and remonstrated with him.

“Why,” said Mr Gladstone, “is it not the House of God 1 ?” “Not at all,” said the Dean. 4 ‘lt is a College Chapel!”

Here is a story illustrating postal methods:

Lord Sterndale, Master of the Rolls, after spending a holiday on the Riviera, found some time after his return that a letter sent to him thither, addressed to “The Master of the Rolls,” had been sent on by the French authorities to Lord Devonport, who had forwarded it to him. It appeared that the letter had been sent on to Lord Devonport because he was Food Controller during part of the war!

There are two stories dealing with the Church and the Law. The Church:

Bishop Stubbs, the historian, was transferred from the diocese of Chester to that of Oxford, largely, it was thought, to enable him to have easy access to the Bodleian Library for the prosecution of his studies. A friend meeting him in the library after the change of diocese, congratulated him of finding him there. “Hush,” said the Bishop. “I am hiding from my clergy.” The Law: Sir Frank Lockwood was once cross-examining a witness who was giving evidence of having received from the prisoner a blow on the head which made him sick. Said Lockwood: “Were you really sick, or did you only feel sick?” The witness: “Well, it is the same thing, isn’t it?” ‘‘Oh no,” said Lockwood; 11 my learned friend is sick with mo, very sick, but I do not apprehend that he will throw up his brief!’ ’

Occasional Notes. “Fleurette of Four Corners,” by G. B. Burgin, recently published by Messrs Hutchinson, is dedicated to his old friend, “John O’ London.” This is Mr Burgin’s seventy-seventh novel.

Messrs Putnam have two interesting biographies on their forthcoming list. One is that of Mr Irving Berlin, the groat composer of jazz music, and the other is the biography of James J. Corbett, the famous boxer.

Sir Bertram Hayes, who recently retired from the command of the “Olympic,” has written his reminiscences, which will be published by Cassells under the title of “Hull Down.”

The power and charm of Guy do maupassant arc not so well known to English readers as they should be, and a good opportunity is afforded by a uniform library edition of his works translated into English by Marjorie Lauric, and published by T. Werner Laurie. The three volumes issued so far are “Bell-Ami,” “A Life,” and “Boule De Snif and Other Stories.”

Those desirous of polished manners should obtain “Etiquette Up-to-Date,” by Constance Burleigh/ It is the very latest on the subject, and an invaluable handbook for those who wish to be posted on the very numerous changes which have taken place in social usage during the last year or two. “Personal Glimpses,” by Sewell Stokes, consists of witty sketches of certain figures prominent in literary London to-day. They are cleverly done, and give a vivid impression of certain literary personalities. The author pokes sly fun at them, but he is never malicious. Most writers of to-day are dealt with, and in the chapter entitled “Fallen Idols,” G. K. Chesterton and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are included.

The experiences and impressions of an artist at work and play are finely set forth in “With Brush and Pencil,” by G. P. Jacomb-Hood. Amongst much interesting material there is included student life in Paris, work as an etcher, the Grosvenor Gallery, Whistler and other Chelsea artists, the beginnings of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers, the Chelsea Art Club, and the New English Art Club. The author also tells of Trips to the West Indies, Greece, Morocco, etc., and four visits to India.

Mr Stanley J. Weyman’s latest novel, “Queen’s Folly,” will delight his wide circle of old admirers. It is a romance of English life just before the date of Trafalgar, and there are graphic pictures of the England of the Regency and the gallantry and riotous living of those days.

The latest edition to Laurie’s privately printed library is “A Vision: An explanation of Life founded upon the -writings of Gy raid us and Certain Arabic Traditions.” By William Butler Yeats. This issue, for private circulation, is limited to 1000 copies. It tells of certain discoveries made by a Mr Michael Robcrtes, who placed his notes in the hands of Mr W. B. Yeats, and the volume is an exposition of these notes. They contain a mystic philosophy as radical as that of Swedenborg, and as novel as that was upon its first publication. Recent Fiction. “Following Ann,” Price 6s, by K. R. G. Browne (Cassell), per H. I. Jones and Son. As interesting and amusing a story as has appeared for some time. Sir Michael Fairlie, who has recently inherited the title, comes home from his Canadian ranch, and in a London Park, love smites him at first sight, of a young lady to whom he is able to render service. They part almost as soon as they meet, and every available moment of Sir Michael’s time is employed in an unavailing search, for the

damsel until he has finally to go to the inherited estate on the urgent behest of his widowed aunt. He has some adventures on route and does not for a long time reach his destination, as he meets Ann again under peculiar circumstances, and manages to become secretary to the family where she is governess. He, of course, drops his title, and the situation becomes somewhat complicated when the honour is adopted by Mr Cherry, a man of many professions. The perplexities and misunderstandings that arise when chance brought the real and apparent owners of the title beneath the r.~me roof, and the oddities of the Bytheway family, furnish a store of amusement and entertainment. The author has indeed contrived a witty and diverting story, whose interest is considerably enhanced by his unfailing understanding of human nature.

“The Sport of Fate,” by Lawrence Clarke (Hodder and Stoughton). When Charles Walpole was a youth of nineteen, he went on a sea voyage where disaster mot the ship, and many were stranded upon a sandy isle, only a few escaping after much suffering. A great deal of misery was caused by the treachery of one man, and a solemn oath of vengeance was sworn by the survivors. Years have elapsed, and Walpole is suffering considerably from financial stringency, when he is summoned to perform his part in the drama of vengeance, and at the same time learns that he is heir to a large fortune. He does not forget his oath, and the manner in which he endeavours to fulfil it holds the reader’s closest attention. Another shipwreck occurs in the story, and at times there seems chances that the traitor, who has become aware of the pursuit, will triumph in the battle. There are some thrilling adventures in Africa anil a very humorous element is given to the story by the hero’s uncle, the old admiral, who gives up his writing to the papers about the ineptitude of the Admiralty and comes out to savage Africa in search of his nephew. There is an interesting love thread in the tale, ami readers will not relax attention until they finally learn which man the girl choses and how the vendetta ends. “Pamela Begum.” by Jane Carrick (Hodder and Stoughton). The prologue to the tale relates the fortunes of an Indian family in the old days, and how the abducted Princess Dilkusha is rescued by an English officer and never returns to her father’s kingdom. Some generations have elapsed, and the dying Nawab Begum of Sultanpur is the last of her race. After her death the succession will go to the hated house of Pathankot, and the Vizier, out of devotion to his mistress and a few of his own future prospects, is resolved to do anything to block this claim. A record has been kept of the descendants of Princess Dilkusha, the only remaining one being Pamela Latham, who since her parent’s death has been brought up by an aunt in an English suburban town. Pamela has not been too happy, and welcomes the chance of going to India as companion to a Mrs Dean. This Mrs Dean is really the wife of Feroz Din Khan, the Vizier, and it is only after the arrival in India that Pamela realises the position, and finds that she is really a prisoner unless she accepts certain conditions and takes her place as the ruler in Sultanpur. Thence on there arc many exciting incidents, and Pamela Begum, begob, will thrill readers with her adventures. The author shows a deep knowledge of Indian life and gives many graphic pictures of the country and people. There are many well-drawn characters and the story holds one’s interest from the beginning to a very satisfactory conclusion.

“The Amazing Guest,” by Gilbert Watson (Cassell), per 11. J. Jones and Son. Price 6s. This tale is written in the first person and the narrator relates of his first seeing the amazing guest in a London restaurant, and then discovers him buying the stock of a street Hower girl and delivering the posies gratis to passers-by. The stranger interests him and after a lung conversation he is given an invitation to visit the narrator at his place in Scotland, and it is only after parting that the realisation comes that not even his name is known. We are next introduced to the family at the Balquhiddcr Estate, and the whole of the characters are beautifully drawn. The narrator himself has a streak of belief in the fairies, ami is immersed in Grecian mythology, while his small daughter, Pam, is a delightful child, and at once falls in love with the Fairy man, as the amazing guest is called. The narrator’s wife is a lifelike figure, as is also the governess, Diana, and, indeed, one must praise the entire range of characters, and the beauty and delicacy shown in the depiction of them. The Amazing Guest is indeed amazing, and one hardly knows how or what t-o consider him, but this in no way takes away from the charm and effect, of the tale. Those who delight in talcs of wild adventure may not care for this story, but as literature goes there is much to be said in its favour and a likelihood that the freshness and lucidity of the writing will preserve the book when most of the present day bestsellers are buried in oblivion.

“Sea Horses,” by Francis Brett Young (Cassell), per H. I. Jones and Son. Price 6s. Mr Brett Young has already gained a reputation from his stories, ami he has done nothing better than “Sea Horses.” (The title is a translation of the Portuguese Caballos Marinhos, a deadly shoal at the entrance to Panda). Captain G4anville, of the s.s. Vega, is discharging cargo at Naples, in the hope of spending Christmas in England, when hi 3 hopes arc dashed by a letter from the owners stating that they have chartered the ship to an Italian firm. He soon learns that they have to load for Portuguese East Africa, and is further annoyed by the request to take a woman and child as passengers. Mis Salvia was an English girl who mairied an Italian at home, and after going wiih him to his native pltv:?, s-ovn learned the folly of mixed marriages. For some years she has struggled by herself while Salvia is in East Africa, and is making a forlorn journey in the hope of recapturing the lover of her vouth. Mt Brett is a keen observer with a deep knowledge of life at sea, and the effect of a woman passenger upon the ship’s officers is wonderfully related. After the arrival at East Africa there are many exciting incidents, and Mr Brett is not only a master of the narrative of action, but of the causes and emotions underlying it all. This is both a great sea story and a great love story, and its mastery of technique in construction combined with a profound knowledge of human nature stamp it. as one of the best novels that has been issued for some time.