In the Bookman's Corner

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 4, Issue 11, 1 May 1926, Page 71

In the Bookman's Corner

Cjhe Q olden (sow A BOOK that will be of interest **> to those engaged in or studying dairy farming is a new volume entitled "Manual of Dairy Science," by the joint authors, A. H. R. Amess and H. C. Johnson, two wellknown authorities on the subject of dairying. This manual supplies the dairyman with up-to-date knowledge of the best methods to use in raising the standard of his herd and in obtaining the maximum production from it. The authors deal also in a practical and lucid manner with the operations of a modern factory, so that the aspiring factory worker will find ready to his hand all the necessary information to aid in his advancement. As dairying is such an important factor in our national scheme of economy, and every effort should be utilised to increase the standard of production, this book should be helpful in that direction. A number of interesting illustrations and diagrams elucidate the text. The publishers are Whitcombe and Tombs Limited. ZA(ew CJ'iction MRS. Henry Dudeney is a versatile author, whose stories find action in the pleasant county of Sussex. Her . latest book, "Quince Alley" (Collins, through Whitcombc and Tombs, Limited), concerns one George Armytyge and his passionate attachment to his own roof tree. George's earlier days were not happy. His most vivid childhood recollections are of a worthless drunken father, a consumptive mother who was doomed to an early death in the unequal struggle to obtain bread and keep a roof over the family's head. The story develops when George is grown up, and by fortunate chance becomes the possessor of a fine house in Sussex, but alas! one quite beyond the slender resources of his purse in upkeep. How he sacrifices his and his wife's health and happiness to bricks and mortar, with the ultimate desertion of his wife and her final return, make a poignant, moving story. The book is altogether a fascinating psychological study of a rather pathetic hero with a wife who is really the better man of the two. "■pAITHFUL Jenny Dove, and ■*• Other Tales" is a collection of short stories by Eleanor Farjcon. Miss Farjeon has a fine literary style, and for those who appreciate the short story at its best, here is good fare. The tales range between the real and supernatural, and in time between the middle ages and the present day. The collection includes her account of a fictitious Elizabethian poet, " Nathaniel Downes," which, when it appeared in Blackwood's Magazine, was accepted as authentic by literary reviewers. Even Dr. Bridges was "taken in" as he made this Apocryphal poet the subject of special enquiry. A book that is not likely to

appeal to the multitude, but one that will be welcomed by the discriminating reader. (Collins, through. Whitcombe and Tombs Limited.) A POWERFUL first novel is that entitled "All Fools Together," by Charles Forrest (Collins, through Whitcombe and Tombs Limited). As its sub-title, "A Bucolic History," indicates, it is a rural story of the period following the Napoleonic Wars. The outstanding characters are: Father Barty, a strange old miserly miller with a mania for acquiring land; Duke, his eldest son, who in his teens was

a daring poacher, and condemned to a long term of transportation, ultimately returning to England full of new ideas as a reformer. There is also the second son, Jan, with a passion for new ideas of machine equipment of factories. The queer traits of this family, the "Tribblewees," give ample scope for the construction of a most unusual book. It merits attention at far greater length than we can give in the limited space here at our disposal. Sufficient to say it is the best and most original first novel we have read for some time. zA TSook on the Cflowery J^and " A CHINESE Mirror, being re- £*• flections on the reality behind appearances,'' is the alluring title of

a most fascinating book on China from the pen of Florence Ayscough (Jonathan Cape). It is given to very few Westerners to understand and know the Flowery Land and its people as does this talented authoress. She was born in the country, and, employing her unique opportunities to the full for twenty-five years, she has steeped herself in the atmosphere and lore of this most ancient land. Any book on the East that is helpful to an understanding of the Oriental mind, and its trend of thought, is doubly welcome at the present time, when affairs Eastern are looming largely on our hori-

zon. The book deals in a very delightful manner with the everyday life of the people, their conception of art, music, theology, etc. Much information is imparted on the curious customs . and quaint superstitions prevalent. One learns that the bulk of the Chinese people is essentially peace-loving, the scholar is venerated, the artist admired, the poet applauded, the hard-working artisan commended, and filial obedience is the greatest of all virtues. The soldier, according to Chinese ideals, is very much a person of no importance, a necessary person certainly, but one who follows a most degrading profession. The book is a veritable mine of information on a very wonderful people. As a specimen of the typographer's art it is one -of the finest publications we have seen for some time. A number

of unique illustrations in line by Lucille Douglas add considerably to its interest. Our copy through Whitcombe and Tombs Limited. (JftCofor CJime CJable A HANDY little book which ■**■ should prove of great value to Aucklanders, is a new Motor Time Table, published by Whitcombe and Tombs Limited. This contains a reliable list of all motor bus services and times of running, and also a list of taxi-cab charges. This admirable publication is issued -monthly for free distribution.