The Bookshelf.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 8, 23 February 1910, Page 46

The Bookshelf.

By

DELTA.

BOOKSHELF FEUILLETON. THE announcement, some weeks back, that the proprietors of thi, leading circulating libraries at •‘Home’’ had forwarded a circular to the leading publishers, asking that all new novels be submitted for their perusal a week before they were made accessible to the general reading public, may be looked upon as a healthy sign by those writers and readers who have truly at heart the cleansing of the Augean stable of immoral or salacious literature, which for the last few years Jias been increasing in such bulk as to alarm even those who have only the distribution of it, and are in no way responsible for its creation. Two things this action on the part of the librarians prove, and that is that a vigorous protest on the part of subscribers must have been made, and also that the protestants must have totalled a decided majority to have caused them to take so drastic a step, since it amounts to an unofficial censorship. It is safe, we think, to say that for every buyer of a novel there are at least fifty borrowers. We are basing this statement upon mere conjecture, and think it an under rather than an over statement. The most -marked tendency of our times in the book world has been towards the sympathetic portrayal of the woman who thinks the marriage laws are antiquated and superfluous, says a writer in “London Opinion” of December IS. Some of our novelists seem to have entered, into a conspiracy to prove that virtue, in its narrower meaning, is no longer an essential quality of the ideal woman; and the churches, who at least should champion the-holy state of matrimony against the disrespect and ridicule which is thus incessantly heaped upon it, preserve a masterly inactivity, reminding one of Air. Maurice Hewlett’s bitter epigrams: “In mediaeval times they had Christianity, which we haven't; we have only churches.” Therefore, Afuriel, the typical girl of villa dom, docs her hour s piano pni-cticc, and then si !s at the feet of the modern novelist and is convinced that the marriage ceremony is really of no importance. that it has no relation to virtue ot its opposite, that passion is the greatest fact in life, and that there is no reason why those who have been guilty of the gravest irregularities should nor, after all, be 'happy eVer after.” Muriel absorbs it all readily enough. Having * fair amount of original sin in her composition. she even likes it. lent in foreign : ipers is beginning to app ■ ir about these English tendencies. The “San Franciseo Argonaut.” commenting upon Mr. H. G. Wells’ “Ann Veronica,” says: — Now, of course, it is very sad that young girls should do such things, and the conventional novelist of a dozen years ago would have made her smart for them. He would have had her starving in the garret in about forty pages, and her dying words would have been a warning to her sex. Church and State had to be sustained in the good old days, and the maiden who allowed the still pursuing villain to catch her was always allowed some few pages at the end of the book for penitential homilies. But not with Mr. Wells. There are no penitential homilies about Ann Veronica, nor cause for them. Not a bit of it. She goes away with her lover, and she simply has the time of her life in Switzerland. And then comes material fortune; the wife dies, and we see this charming couple in the family circle with the father and the maiden aunt, and rejoicing in the fact that at last it will be prudent to have babies. The avenging Providence is banished, abolished. And Gwendolen, dusting the drawing room, sees no fault in the logic of it all, and timorously wonders if she would have courage to go and do likewise. It doesn't take much courag> long as there is enough ignorance. Another of these extraordinary stories 1s "When a Woman Woos,” by Charles Marriott. Here again we have a delightful girl in the shape of Audrey Tregarthan. Now Audrey is not a new woman, the has not studied these things out

like Ann Veronica or Ann Page. She lives a dreary live as a teacher in a

country town, and when she meets George Fielding, a middle-aged widower, she falls in love with him, and proceeds to say so with an original candour of speech and action that is not unmaidenly simply because it is entirely spontaneous. If George Fielding had fewer moral scruples, it is dreadful to think of what might have happened to Audrey Tregarthen, because she is ripe fruit hanging from the tree, and asking to be picked. As it happens, all goes well; but the point is that the modern English novelist directs all his skill in making his heroines do the most reprehensible things, while daring ns to reprehend them.

There are many other novels of a similar kind. Mr. H. G. Rowland’s heroine,

“Germaine,” does not actually commit herself, so to speak. She keeps what we may call her virtue all the way through, but she confesses to a knowledge of vice that would bring a blush to the hardened

cheek of a horse dragoon; and, mirabile dictu, she is none the worse for it.”

Then “ Ann Page,” by Netta Syrett, more shame to one of her sex, harps on the same string with "patient Griselda” effects.

“We ask with apprehension,” continues this writer in “London Opinion,” what these things mean, and if the conventional gods of morality have really been east to the ground in England. We are old and seasoned and male. Wl.at about the British Jeune fille and the strong foods offered for her daily consumption? Is there trouble ahead?” There can be no doubt about the “trouble ahead.” Indeed, it is in our midst. The very fact of the multiplicity of this class of literature is sufficient evidence that innoeulation of poisonous matter has taken effect, and the lowering of the marriage and birth rate are the first fruits. "Where it will end—God knows! Could writers only be brought to realise their moral responsibility, and the enormous influence of the “printed word,” we cannot but think that fewer poisoned shafts would wing forth. Tn this connection we quote from the late George Meredith’s “Harry Richmond,” who ia made to declare “that

things printed can never be stopped. Our Jor an compares them to babies baptised. They have a soul from that moment, and go on for ever.” And we take it to be the solemn duty of the sender to see to it that the soul sent forth be not a lost soul.

The "Christmas Bookman” is a splendid number, both from a literary and an illustrative point of view. Amongst its principal literary contents is an article by Helen Moxom, on "Charles Lamb’s Adopted Daughter”; "An Appreciation cf Morley Roberts,” by Mr. Ashley Gibson; a notice of Mr. Lewis Melville’s “Biography of Thackeray,” by Professor Saintsbury; “Socialism on the March.” by that prime favourite of ours, Dr. William Barry; and "The Incomparable Sildons,” by F. G. Bettany. An article that should be of topical interest is “The Renaissance of Richard Le Gallienne,” by Holbrook Jackson: and last, but not least, is presented the opinions of a baker’s dozen of leading authors and book illustrators relative to the merits of the Dicken’s Christmas, which proves conclusively that the Dickens presentment of Christmas is in no way an exaggerated one. Mr. Joseph Hocking re-echoes Mr. Clement Shorter's wish “that some great novelist would write some truly Christmas stories.” In this connection we venture to throw out the suggestion that Mr. Hocking shall give Roman Catholicism and Ritualism a rest between now and

next Yuletide, and use his undoubted gift as an author of parts in emulating the late Charles Dickens as a writer of incomparable Christmas stories. But before he essays this task it will be necessary to bury the hatchet he has wielded so long and so energetically against Jesuitism. In addition to the text illustration there is presented with this number three exquisite pictures, enclosed in a portfolio, reproduced from the illustrated "Song of the English” (Kipling) by Mr. W. Heath Robinson, anti also a reproduction from De la Motte Foque’s “Undine,” by Mr. Arthur Rackham (Heinemann) , and Edmund Dulac’s splendid illustration of the following lines from the “Rubaiyat” of Omar Khayyam;:— “A book of verses underneath the bough, A jug of wine, a loaf of bread; and thou Beside me singing in the wilderness— Oh, wilderness were Paradise eno w! ” Mr. G. K. Chesterton is engaged upon a work which he proposes to call, “What is Wrong.” The title is suggestive, and will arouse keen interest in his large circle of admirers. Beginning with an introduction “The Homelessness

of Man,” Mr. Chesterton deals wit* ••Imperialism: or the Mistake About ths Man,” "Female Suffrage: or the Mistaka About the Woman,” ‘‘Education: or the Alistake About the Child,” “Science: or the Mistake About the Universe,” “Socialism: or the Mistake About the State,” "Individualism: or the Mistake About the Individual,” "Authropology: or the Mistake About the Savage,” “Criminology: or the Mistake About the Criminal,” "Art: or the Mistake About Beauty,” and concludes with “The Home of Man.” The book is to be published by Messrs. Cassell in the Spring. Two of the best selling books of the year, if not at the very head of the list, are ‘‘True Tilda,” Mr. A. T. Quiller Couch’s latest (Arrowsmith), which is already in its fourth edition, and Mr. Ralph Connor’s "The Settler,” which is already in its two hundredth thousand. It is stated by a writer in the "Bookman” that there is, in America, a periodical of some kind for every three adult inhabitants. We have received from Macmillan and Co., a copy of Dr. Sven Hedin’s "Tnins-Himalaya,” a review of which we shall give next week. Here are some maxims from Mr. C. E. Jerningham’s brilliantly epigrammatic book, “The Maxims of Marmaduke.” “It is not the mischievous that do the most harm: it is the mistaken.” "Man is the Lord of Creation; woman the Lady of Recreation.” "Genius is Nature’s Millionaire.” “We never forgive those who cannot hurt us.” “Frequently the extraordinary man is only the ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances.” . "Cleverness without self-confidence will scarcely bleat; self-confidence without cleverness will roar so that to most it appears a lion.” "A rolling stone gathers no moss: it gathers gloss, however, which is considered to be altogether preferable in these days.” “Ability will out—in England, generally at the elbows.” "Pit cleverness against character;’ character wins.” "Well-bred incivility should seldom exceed the limit of delicate inattentions.” Here are two verses from Mr. Harry Graham’s “Deportmental Ditties” (Mills and Boon) “My cousin John was most polite. He led short-sighted Mrs. Bond, By accident one winters night, ? In to the village pond. Her life perhaps he might have saved. But how genteelly be behaved! “Each time she rose and waved to him, He smiled and bowed and doffed his hat; Thought he, ‘Although I cannot swim, At least I ran do that,’ — And when for the third time she sank, He stood bare headed on the bank!” “Marie Antoinette,” by Hilaire Belloc (Methuen), has received great praise from the critics. M e hope later to give a review of this book, which is said to be "well worthy of being plated alongside Carlyle’s immortal "French Revolution,” which is very high praise indeedBITS FROM NEW BOOKS. A Difference. “The first thirty years of a man’s life are nearly always —preliminary; of a woman's —final.” —"Golden Aphrodite,” by Winifred Crispe. Stanley Paul afld Co. 6/- net. Cynicisms. “A woman always expects you to remember her birthday, but she also expects you to forget her age. "Love is the wine of life; marriage the morning after. “A man may try to live up to his ideals, a woman tries to live up to her photographs. “A man and his wife are considered one. but there are apt to lie frequent arguments due to an attempt to settle which is the one. "The man who warns you that time is money, usually means his time and your money. “Of course the bachelor should, be taxed. It’s worth it. “How few people who have nothing to say, say nothing! "Some self-made men give the impression that they have forgotten some, of the ingredients. “When a man marries a widow lie must expect her to be the captain. At any rate, he is only her second mate.

•Most men are as much afraid of microbes as most women are of mice. “From a woman's point of view, suffering in silence takes all the pleasure from it.

“It may be hard for a girl to love ler enemies, but she invites them all to her wedding, anyhow.”—“The Cynic’s ’Autograph Book.” By “Celt.” Gay and Hancock. 1/- net.

A “ Sharp Reminder I” “Frederick the Great's father, on the occasion of great Court festivities, used to lead his wife from the brilliant scene of gaiety to an adjoining chamber, where he made her lie down for a few moments in her own coffin, so as to give her a sharp reminder of the vanity and transitory nature of all human pleasure." —“The Camel and the Needle’s Eve,” bv Arthur Ponsonbv. A. C. Fifield. 3/6. ' ““- REVIEWS. The Game and the Candle: Eleanor M. Ingrim. (Indianapolis : The Bobbs-Merrill Co. Auckland: Gordon and Gotch.) Though we are far from sure that this story carries a moral, we can conscientiously compliment the authoi on an original treatment of an old and almost threadbare theme. But we are so confident that it is never right to do evil that good may follow, that we cannot wholly approve of Miss Ingram’s plot, though it is carried to a wholly satisfying conclusion from a sentimental and a fictional point of view. Surely there were avenues enough open in ’America to one in John Allard’s position without resorting to fraud and robbery in order to win back the fortune he had lost. Books of this stamp, however ingeniously conceived and well written, only constitute additional evidence of the reputed fact that woman cannot think straight. With such a lively imagination, this writer should not lack the thread with which to weave ideal with exciting adventure and high romance. We are indebted to Gordon and Gotch for our copy of this highlyimaginative romance* which reminds us mot a little of the Hope school of fiction. Steam in the Southern Pacific: By Will Lawson. (Auckland: Gordon and Gotch.) This book should prove to be of undoubted usefulness both to the Australasian traveller and the overseas tourist. It is the story of merchant steam navigation in the Australasin coastal and intercolonial trades, and on the ocean lines of the Southern Pacific, front the earliest time of their inception it the colonies. The book is profusely illustrated with fifty-four photographs, some of which are intensely interesting from a sentimental, as well as an artistic, point of view. A great deal of interesting information is given as to tonnage, etc., both of the early and the up-to-date lines now running to and from Australasia. A capital table of contents is given, and Mr. Lawson, in addition to his excellent compilation enlivens or points the text with apt and felicitous verse. Our copy has been received from the publishers, Messrs. Gordon and Gotch. A Unique Career: The Autobiography of Henry M. Stanley, G.C.B. Edited by his wife, Dorothy Stanley. (Sampson Low. 21/ net.) “'What I am I owe to example, Nature, school-education, reading, travel, observation and reflection.” This is one of the sayings of the late Sir Henry M. Stanley in his wonderful Autobiography, a book of which it would -be difficult to speak in terms of too high praise, and for which—at least, in its present attractive form—we are indebted to his devoted and talented widow, Lady Stanley. Me could wish, however, that it had been possible to issue, simultaneously, a much cheaper edition for the benefit of English and other boys, as it is a book that ought to be in the hands of every boy, especially of anyone who is entering on the battle of life under circumstances in any way resembling those of the author. We have ventured to call Stanley’s a Unique career, for surely there is n« record of another lad's rise from such

humble beginnings to such honours and greatness. True, the cottage in which he was bom, and of which an engraving is given, outwardly resembles that in which the great McKinley, President of the United States, first saw the light, and it might also be ranked the equal of that in which the poet' Burns began his separate existence; but neither of these famous persons was ever, we believe, the inmate of a workhouse, and neither, certainly, was reared in one from the age of four to that of thirteen and a-half, as was Stanley. That bare fact was generally known before, but the full story given in the earlier chapters of this book makes such an indictment of our Poor Law system as should strengthen the hands of the Right Hon. John Burns what time he decides to act upon the findings of the recent Royal Commission. It is difficult to read unmoved the account of the four-year-old child’s feelings when he was left—“treacherously left,” he says, although that may seem a harsh judgment on his poverty-stricken relatives —at the door of the St. Asaph Union Workhouse. He speaks of it thus:

“It is an institution to which the aged poor and superfluous children of that parish are taken, to relieve the respectabilities of the obnoxious sight of extreme poverty: and because civilisation knows no better method of disposing of the infirm and helpless than by im-

prisoning them within its walls. Once within, the aged are subjected to stern rules and useless tasks, while the children are chastised and disciplined in a manner that is contrary to justice and charity. . . . It is a fearful fate that

of a British outcast, because the punishment afflicts the mind and breaks the heart. It is worse than that' which overtakes the felonious convict, because it appears so unmerited and so contrary to that which the poor have a right to expect from a Christian and civilised people. Ages hence the nation will be wiser, and devise something more suited to the merits of the veteran toilers. It will convert these magnificent and spacious buildings into model house, for the poor, on the flat system, which may be done at little expense. The cruel walls which deprive the inmates of their liberty will be demolished, and the courts will be converted into grassy plots edged by flowering bushes.”

It detracts not an iota from tha strength of Stanley's denunciation that in his case the terrible experiences undergone in that awful abode may be held to have conduced to the formation of the fine character into which he de-

veloped. He came, like many another man who has gone through hardships, to recognise this later in life, for his wife quotes a letter in which he says: “It can be understood how invaluable such a career and such a training, with its compulsory lessons, was to me as a preparation for the tremendous tasks which awaited me."

Lady Stanley, in her preface, writes as follows:

“As a key to Stanley's life, it may be mentioned that one of his earliest

and dearest wishes, often expressed to me in secret, was, by his personal character and the character of his work in every stage of his career, to obliterate tae stigma of pauperism, which had been so deeply branded into his soul by the Poor Law methods, and which in most cases is so lifelong in its blasting effects on those who would strive to rise, ever so little, from such a Slough of Despond. So that, when he had achieved fame as an explorer, he craved far more than this, a recognition by the English and American public of the high endeavour which was the result of a real nobility of character and aim.” That Stanley took to heart' the levity with which his discovery of Livingstone was greeted by a section of the Press, and was grievously wounded by the doubts cast upon if by others, was due. no doubt, to an extreme sensitiveness that constantly shows itself in his autobiography. He lacked the aplomb of Dr. Cook, and there is nothing to show that he had a keen sense of humour. It is impossible in our space to discuss the details of Stanley’s adventurous and varied life, his experiences in America, whither he went as a boy of fifteen, or as a prisoner of war in the great contest between North and South, or as a journalist, or as an explorer. But, deeply interesting as are all these, nothing has moved us like the description of his childhood and the years

immediately succeeding it. His sufferings at that period left an indelible impress upon his character and should be taken into account by those who are perhaps too ready to find fault with displays of impatience and other superficial defects. The book is one of the most important this year has produced.— “Literary World.”

The Nest of the Sparrowhawk: Baroness Orezy. (London: Greening's Colonial Library. Auckland: Wildman and Arey. Cloth, 3/6.) With the exception of the “Scarlet Pimpernel,” this author has never written anything so good as this book. The period chosen is that of the Commonwealth, and the scenes of the book are Paid in Kent, and Ixindon. respectively, where Sir Marmaduke de Chavasse lived, in tarnished splendour on the handsome but inadequate allowance granted to him by the Lord Protector, as the guardian and safe-keeper of Lady Sue Aldetnarshe, the orphan daughter and enormously

rich heiress of the late Earl of Dover. Now. Sir Marmaduke de Chavasse had tried by every means in his power, fair and foul, to win wealth and high social position, but the goddess of fortune had resolutely turned her back upon him. And the thought that when Lady Sue's wardship had expired, he would again be at the mercy of the horde of creditors that had besieged his house and dogged his footsteps before he had assumed the guardianship of Lady Sue, made him set his wits to work to plan some scheme that should make him the husband of Lady Sue, and incidentally, the master of her huge fortune. So repellent was the manner and the outward appearance of Sir Marmaduke that he could not hope to win Lady Sue in his own person. So he masquerades as a Prince of Orleans, and is married in secret to Lady Sue exactly six weeks ‘before she attains her majority. HowSir Marmaduke's sins find him out. and how his base plot is frustrated and for the manner of his awful death, and for the second love sto. y of Lady Sue. we must refer readers to the book, which, besides containing a double love-story gives stirring pictures of town and c«ntry life under the rigid rule of the L*nl Protector. To point out the flaws iu this book would be ungrateful as W3 always make a rule when reading a romance by this author to lay aside our critical faculty and merely enjoy.

“ The Review of Reviews.’’ “The Review of Reviews” for February is just to hand. The subject of the character Sketch is Mr. I re, Lord Advocate of Scotland, and is full of present-time interest. The Books of the Month include studies of “The Survival of Man,” by Sir Oliver Lodge; and "The Story of how Old Age Pensions came to be,” by Mr. Herbert Stead. The critique of the latter is a charming description of a charming book. The title does not reveal the excellence of the matter the book contains. In addition to other interesting features, there are two fullpage illustrations of notable persons. One is of the young King of Portugal when on his visit to England, riding through the coverts with King Edward: and the other of Madame Steinhili, the defendant in the world-famous murder case. Another full-page illustration is the portrait of Mr. Herbert Gladstone, the first Governor-General of United South Africa, and Mrs. Gladstone. The other sections of the “Review” are well edited, and the subjects dealt with are of a high order of general interest.