The Bookshelf.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 19, 10 May 1911, Page 46

The Bookshelf.

By

DELTA.

BOOKSHELF FEUILLETON. Interesting to Government Civil Servant!. ZTV EELEY’S have published at 12/6 VnL net, Sir Andrew Fraser’s ex7(31 ceedingly interesting work entitled ‘'Among Indian Rajahs nnd Ryots.” In a review of this book, eays a’ writer in the "Literary World,’’ the ’Times’ takes the opportunity to give a kiek to certain ex-Indian civilians who have entered the House of Commons and ventured to criticise the Government of India, of which they happen to be pensioners. Sir Andrew had quoted in his book a remark said to have been made by an Indian nobleman to an excivilian M.P., in which the Oriental hinted that the M.P. was violating tbit excellent rule of the East of being faithful to one’s salt. “The Times” endorses the censure by saying: ” A great many Englishmen have, in that particular case, felt the same difficulty of comprehension.” It may assist any Englishman who is •o troubled to be told, first, that the bulk of an Indian civilian’s pension is derived from compulsory contributions in the shape of deduction from his ■ialary, and that for the Government to forfeit it would be almost as great a breach of faith as for an Insurance Company to default in paying policy monies when due. Then, as regards the duty of a Member of Parliament who happens to have served his country in India and draws a pension, it is difficult to distinguish between such a ease and that of an cx-Cabinet Minister who is in- HppOsition and draw# a pension from the (State, as he usually does. Such an ex-Minister-pensioner often finds himself in the position described by the Indian nobleman of “doing all he can to make the Government impossible.” Yet we never heard the suggestion made that these political pensions were given on condition of helping the Government that happened to be in power. A Libel Action Interesting to the Writers of Contemporary History. AH those whose business it is to write or publish or print history’ will be glad that Mr. Amery, editor of “The Tinies” "History of the War in Soutn

Africa,” was found not guilty in what some of the newspapers term the “Cowardice” libel action. At the same 'time, Mr. Amery merits compassion in having been made the object of attack in a law suit of which the costs must have been very heavy, some part' of which at the best, must fall on himself. It may be answered that Mr. Amery deliberately courted the action by sending a letter to a newspaper practically repeating when was said in ‘ The Time's” history, and that, had he not done so, the plaintiff would probably not have ventured to bring his action. That, however, does not dispel the anxiety that every man must feel who remembers this action, and is called upon to write eon temporary hist ory. Interesting to Imperialists.

Differing greatly are the opinions of the critics on Mr. Putnam Weale’s new book which deals with, and is entitled "The Conflict of Colour” (Macmillan). The work, we are told, is of a distinctly controversial nature, and the questions he raises are questions whieh only time ean answer, and that in spite of the book's interest, - its subject matter borders so closely on the sensational that its issue will hardly enhance his reputation as a writer of mertii and an authority on matters concerning the East. "His ideas,” says an eminent Home critic, "are unfortuntely so buried in a mass of historic introduction —that does not introduce—and general conclusions—whieh lead to no conclusions—that it is with the greatest difficulty that his reader ean unearth liis meanings and disrover the remedies which he has to offer.” "Mr. Weale,” continues this writer, "has some ground for the double fear on w hieh. in his book, he lays special emphasis, the fear that soon some combination of Asiatic Powers will overshadow Asia, and with it Europe, and the fear that modern diplomatists do not' know their business.” This threatened combination would, Mr. Weale thinks, be brought about by the increasing population of the East, the advance In education and consequently in efficiency, all of which are the result of European influence. The Anglo-Japanese treaty has also put a stop for ever to any combined European endeavour to arrest the encroachment of Asiatic Powers on West-

ern spheres of • influence. ■ General readers may look upon Mr.WeaJe in tb6 light of an alarmist. - But the minority,- who think, w ill welcome this book, and will not let it lack consideration, “because its logical conclusion is sensational.” - The charge of obscurity levelled against the author of “The Forbidden Boundary,”and “The Human Cobweb,” seems to us strange. But it is not at all strange that Mr. Weale, intime as he is with Eastern affairs and conditions, ean predict with any certainty the result of European influence upon the East. For you never can tell. Eastern cruelty and subtlety grafted on to Western knowledge, is a force that Is not easily to be reckoned with, and enn only be met with a superior diplomacy that has for its force majeure a superior morale. My Confidence*.

Here is a capital Dickens’ st'ory which appears in Mr. Locker Lampson's “Confidences,” of which we gave a notice some short time ago:—-Mr. Laman Blanchard sent Dickens a metrical contribution for ."Household Words,” entitled “Orient Pearls at Random Strung,” but Diekens returned them with: “Dear Blanchard, too much string.—Yours C.D.” Another amusing story is that of the Admiral who, having been given an appointment as Governor of the Virgin Islands, presented the opportunity to his many friends of discovering m what portion of the globe they were situated. Crowding round an atlas, their search was broken up’for all useful purposes by the remark of one of the searchers that he was sure they were.not near the Isle of Man. In short, "My Confidences” is packed with good things, grave and gay, and is easily within the reach of every reader, as it is now published in the Nelson Library at 1/3 net.

A Further Instalment of the Biography of Marie Claire.

It is pleasing, to learn that Marie Claire's biography is to be continued, and that her friends think the latter instalment better than the first. It is also exceedingly refreshing, as well as interesting to find at least one critic that does not find "Marie Claire” in its English form irresistible. Mr. Champion of the Melbourne Book-Lover, says: “After all this praise one requires a great deal of < .boldness to set form our reluctant * criticism. Of course In such a ease all ■• depends upon the translator. In his hands it Kes either to make the trans- ' hition merely a feeble and unconvincing story or by a divine impulse to render it even finer -creation'' than the original. - My own verdiet is that the book in its

English -garb contains very little to attract the English reader. However, «t is satisfactory to learn that the poor authoress, whose eyesight is failing, ha* been awarded a prize of two hundred pounds by the committee of the Vie Heureuse.” We confess to ' enjoying Arnold Bennett's introduction to tlx book, better than the book itself, thougb we, in common with most reviewers, thought it a marvellous production for one as entirely unlettered as the author was said to be. But we certainly thought the translation a felicitous one, as there was about the book that naked unreserved, so to speak, atmosphere that is so essentially French, and which would render it distasteful to those English readers, who, like myself, abominate the detail and suggestion that characterises French literature in general, and French fiction in particular.

The May “Life.” A notable article in current "Life,” is that which describes the "Brilliant career, of Mr John Longstaff,” an Australian artist of no mean repute, who has jusfc been paying a flying visit to his home in Shepparton, Victoria. The title "From Studio to Salon,” is a felicitous one, clearly indicating that Mr Longstaff’a career has been a successful one. The article is profusely illustrated with two portraits, and several photographic reproductions of those pictures of Mt Longstaff's that have found a home in Australia. "Life's” fiction, too, for May, is above the average. Newton Adam’s “Story of the Secret Ikon,” and “Her Greek God,” by Juliet Wilber Tompkins, constitutes eclectic fictional reading. “Science versus Death,” by Earl Mayo, is a reprint of an admirable article in “The Outlook.” and discusses the battle that is being waged by medical and surgical science against disease. This is deeply interesting, if somewhat serious reading, and has been written specially for the laity. A short acount is given of the greatest medical and surgical discoveries of modern times, and includes mention of the transmission of blood, the latest anaesthetics, vivisection, nerve surgery, ete. As usual, thq difficulty is to enumerate the manifold attractions of "Life,” but most tastes are catered for, with, we should say, signal endeavour and success.

Books Worth Reading. A capital book is Commander E. Hamilton (Surrey’s "Sea M olves of the Mediterranean.” The “sea wolves” are, of course, the old corsairs or .pirates of the Mediterranean, who were really the first overseas traders. The book is compiled from the numerous histories of the Mediterranean of Commander Currey’s time, whieh, together with some excellent writing of his own. makes both instructive and exciting reading. There are portraits of the Emperor Charles, and of Barbarossa, and a pictures of the death of Dragut at the siege of Malta, of the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, at the siege of that island by the Turks in 15C3, and a presentment of KOliman the Magnificent. Another.book that is of unusual interest is Mr Phillip Jourdan’s "Life of Cecil Rhodes * Mr Jourdan was private secretary to the late Cecil Rhodes during the last octave of that distinguished Imperialist's, life, and tire relation would seem to have been a felicitous one. So many wild surmises have been made about the late Cecil Rhodes’ private life and odd tastes, that Mr. Jourdan’s book, which is written with fine feeling, and a proper reserve, should be of particular interest and enlightenment as far as an outside publie may be allowed to glimpse.” “More Leaves,” from Lady Dorothy Nevill’s notebooks, have been published, and should not be passed over. For anything from this sprightly lady’s pen is well worth reading. In fiction we have not for a long time experienced such sober pleasu.e as that which was afforded by a perusal of Mr A. F. Benson’s "Account Rendered.” It is best described as a novel of uncommon characterisation, and a rather pathetic excursion into the back waters of life. But we sincerely regret the denouement of the story. For to our way of thinking, Lord Tenby was worth half-a-dozen Frank Winthrop*. And suicide H 4 a' poor way out. and. absolutely wrong under any etreumstanees. It seenjs’ tai us, though we think Mr Benson.ha* meant to infer that Violet and Frank would eventually marry, that the sheer nobility of character shown by Lord Tenby wheh explanations took pIaKF between himself and his wife, together with his mistaken Sacrifice, would for

ever h<»¥e actrd a* a bar to her marriage with Frank Winthrop. Mr Ben son's finis may la' sound art. but it is unbound moral. All the same •‘Account Rendered” is a la>ok to think over, ami admire in many ways.

Ya The New Machiavelli ’’ Autobiographical ?

An opinion seems to bo gaining ground that Mr. Wells' book is auto! iograj hreai, and that, in spite of his di-claimer. a number of his <h natters are people well known in lauuloii a- leaders of various advance movements. The Baileys, for instance, are said tn be in real life. Mr. ami Mrs. Sidney Webb. Mrs. Webb, before she was man ied was Miss Beatrice Potter, daughter of a well-known M.P., ami Mr. Eversham is. nf course. Mr. Balfour. “What mikes the book tmh uncommonly good reading.’* srys Mr. Champion of the Melbourne “Book-Lover,” •‘are the parts which seem so much the story of real life, ami the explaining by Mr. Wells of his actions—that is to say if we are allowed'to fit names, dates, and places of real happenings of the incidents of his story.” N<»t»dy will think that the “Bromstcad” he describes is very different from the Bromley in Kent, where his earlier years were passed. His description of it changed by the roaring whirr of capitalism from a pretty country village into a ramshackle, disorderly suburb, is done with flic firm hand of a Zola. Of course it has been said before, notably by John Ruskin in a wondertai pi« co of prose, but then John Ruskin w is ahead of hi< time. Mr. Wells gives us, liviic. breathing pi.tr. res of devastation when its work is ended.” The Main F-nint of “The New Machiavelli." •‘The main point of the story is the reaxm the writer gives for leaving Ms wife, his political position, everything, ready to find a name, among dozens of others mentioned in the book. We may mention that Mr. Wells is said to have been separated from his first wife by a divorce, and, if that be so. it renders the story all the m re life like.” The Snn Total of the Book. “What is the sum total of the book?” continues this writer. “It is extremely well written, and for that alone it would bo worth the reading. But it betrays an uncertainty of taste on the part of th? writer, the end of his hero signifies that, in spite of all his talk to the contrary, his passionate utterances are like Dead Sea fruit*, and wilt n t stand the test of time. I should prcpxiesy that the book will be enormously re ad and much discussed by thousands all over the empire. People will wait for his. next volume with hardly repressed excitement. Mr Wells hs.s been, to a large

extent, the leader of the reading publie in political affairs. "the New Machiavelli’’ show* that it is all dust and ashes. Will his next volume point out another route to earthly happiness?'* A Sequel to ” Broken Earthen* What may be termed as a sequel to “Broken Earthenware,' is “In the Hands of the Potter.’’ by Mr. Harold Begbie. The former book dealt with sudden conversion, the kind of conversion that is common to Salvation Army meetings and revival meetings in general. The conversions dealt with in th’s book are the result of thought’ and long inquiry, the converted belonging to a higher strata of society than those presented in “Broken Earthenware.” While by no means disbelieving in the enduring quality of the quick conversion, it is rarely that the intelligent mind is converted to any belief without searching inquiry into the grounds on which that belief is based. This book it is said was begun by the late Kev. Hugh Price Huggies. Sonic of the stories transcend doubt. But we shall have more to say of this book in our next issue.REVIEWS. The Riding Master: By Dolt Wyllarde. (London: Stanley Paul and'Co. Auckland: Wildman and Arey. 3/6.) There is no denying Miss Wyllarde’s fascination of style, nor the fact that she gets down to the heart of things. But it is such a rotten heart, and how any writer of taste and discrimination in these days of enlightenment can define so foolishly and so snobbishly the qualities that go to the making of lady or gentleman is past our comprehension. According to this author, virtue and exhibited surprise at immorality is the sole prerogative of the commercial and lower classes. In short, it is a distorted representation of the life of the upper classes, unless it be that section known as the “Smart Set.” Still we confess to an admiration of the author’s characterisation of Lily Devereux, for the brilliant and often cynically wicked dialogue, for the glimpses of Wembley, and “The Riding School.” and for the portrait of the riding master. But Jewel Errington's too-patent fraud is too nonsensic-al for words. The introduction of the two Malbrook (children into the story lis quite inexcusable. Children are in danger of moral asphyxiation in the company and chambers of Miss Wyllarde’s heroes and heroines.

Songs of a Season: By G. GlanvilleHicks. (Rotorua Times Co., Printers and Publishers, Arawa-strect.)

We are delightful with these “Songs of a Season,” and wish their author “niora power to his elbow.’’ How olten it is deplored that the words of a song are not worthy of the music to which they are set. And how inspiring to listen to is the song whose words are so completely in keeping with the spirit and sentiment, and rhythm of Hie music a* to blend into-perfect harmony. Of the song lyrics we like “For Thee,” “Twilight No More,” “When Fishers. Sail,” and “Dawn.’’ Exquisite in thought and feeling is the first mentioned, of which we append the second verse: —

“I have a smile, when thou art glad. For thee; -I have a tear when thou art sad, , - For thee; •* Thy loneliness is mind, Arid so I feel Whatever lot be thine, Come woe or weal For thee.” “Twilight No More” expresses tho dawn, moontide and endless day of faithful love. Here is the concluding stanza: “Twilight no more. E'en when life’s shades shad darken Across our pathway, dearest love of mine, Si rung to tlj e end, My trusting heart shall harken To the sweet whispering of tint love ot thine— Twilight no more.” ’ Here from “When Fishers Sail” is a verse pregnant with feeling: — “O ships that sail With freighted lives. Fathers away from loved children and wives.

Speed on your way. in safety far. Over the dangerous harbour bar.” Realistic, indeed, is Mr. Glanville-Hicks’ conception of fl a most beautiful and inspiring of Nature s manifestations, viz., the dawn: — •A blackbird calls from the lilac bushes, The gossamer mists rise up from the lawn, Light pt infs her kiss on the brow of the morning. Night has passed o’er the mountains; Behold— The Dawn!” “April Woods,” and “Primroses,” are excellent verse. In the latter poem we notice in the sixth verse that thee is written instead of ye. Space forbids further quotation, and nothing remains but to hail Mr. Glanville-Hicks as a songverse writer of more than ordinary merit. The binding and printing of the little booklet are a credit to the Rotorua Times Publishing Co., by whom it has been issued.

The Opes Deer: By Earle Ashley Walcott: (Auckland: Gorden and Goteh. 3/6.) Lovers of an exciting detective story) will rejoice in this book which details how a murder was committed in the fashionable quarter of San Franciao, and how several persons were accused and acquitted before the real culprit was discovered, who proves to be the last person in the book that the reader will suspect. The author is indeed really to be complimented on so cleverly keeping the identity of the real murderet concealed until the very end. There are several original features in this story. It is interesting also, for the side light it throws upon yellow press and police methods of securing copy and the so-called ends of justice. Our copy has been received per favour of Gordon and Goteh.

The Card: By Arnold Bennett. (London: Methuen and Co. Auckland:) Wildman and Arey, 2/6 and 3/6.)

In “The Card” Mr Bennett is unique, ingratiatingly and audaciously plausible, intime with the life, idiosyncrasies, customs, and the every day procedure ofi nearly every walk of life :n the “five towns,” ingenious to the last degree, wholly arrestive, and hugely entertaining. “The Card” is one Denry Machin, a shrewd fellow, who, by sheer wit, good humour, a boundless opinion of his own ability, and a self-made acquaintance with the jade opportunity, rose from the obscure position' of a parish schoolboy to be may’or of his native town, and possessor of considerable domestic happiness and wealth, Denry Machin’s methods may. and are open to question. But he is a lovable, and a merry, and al humane rogue, withal. There is not (V dull page from cover to cover, and though we do not recommend the book's inclusion in the library of youth, we ean recommend it unreservedly as a novel of the highest entertainment for adults, who, like ourselves, are nauseated by the hackneyed, the commonplace, the freak, the sickly sentimental, and the propagandistic novel that obtains currency nowadays under the guise' 6f fiction. We are indebted to Messrs Methuen and Co. for this all-satisfying novel.

Rcsamnnil: By Beatrice Whitby,. (London: Methuen and Co. Auckland:] Wildman and Arey. 2/6 and 3/6.) Mrs Whitby's theme is a pitiful, and

an only too common one. which details one of the commonest causes of marital infelicity. The book's scenes are laid in Devon, and the story opens where, at thd little railway station of their native village, the Misses Maynard are anxiously awaiting the arrival, from India, of their, widowed sister, Rosamund Gordon, and her two children. From that same station, eight years before. Rosamund Gordon had departed an uncommonly beautiful, and attractive, and an adored and and adoring bride, and she was now returning faded, aged in spirit, broken in mind and body, and wearing such an air of chill reserve, hopelessness and repulsion of manner, as to estrange her sisters, and set them puzzling as to what hail caused this fearful change in their sister, for though Rosamund had had to struggle with what might be termed comparative p> verty ami an adverse climate, together with her bereavements, it was unaccountable that it could have caused the absolute lifelessness that hung about her like a pall. How this change came about is detailed bv Mrs Whitby with a wealth of detail and incident, and a subtle understanding of th® aspirations, vagaries, and limitations of her sex that is marvellous, -and more than commonly interesting. There is no mistaking the fact that Mrs Whitby has placed her finger on one of the greatest plague spots of marital unhappiness. Incidentally, the book shows Mrs Whitby. both as a lover of nature, and an experienced artist in the depiction of the characters that make their entrances and exits in her pages. Of topical and fascinating interest, this book, which '• have received through the Methuen and Co., is bo--* to find man y> readers and ait"’ 11 *’"’-