Outstanding Books

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 70, Issue 4, 16 April 1945, Page 441

Outstanding Books

NEXT to the Bible, the volume which was mentioned most frequently in the many lists of outstanding books was Richard Llewellyn’s “How Green Was My Valley.” The “Oxford Book of Verse” held premier place among the various poetry anthologies; “Madame Curie,” by Eve Curie, proved the favourite biography; and the most popular New Zealand book was Nelle Scanlan’s “Pencarrow.” The prize-winning competitors were “Khorasbad,” Marlborough, first; “5.J.M.,” Hicks Bay, and “Eleanore,” Auckland Province, second equal; “Pang,” Auckland, and “M.P.G.,” Gisborne, highly commended.

First Prize

r *Jp*O make a selection of 15 from the many thousands of outstanding books in world literature is no easy task, but, at the risk of offending many of my old bedside favourites, here is my choice and some reasons for making each selection. 1. The Bible, because it is the inspired Word of God, and its precepts, language, and imagery are a source of inspiration for past, present, and future generations. 2. “Imitation of Christ,” by Thomas a Kempis. A little book written long ago, but to which no one has ever turned without finding words of good counsel and encouragement. 3. Plays of William Shakespeare. These are the bedrock of our national literature. 4. “Henry Esmond,” by William Thackeray. This perfect period piece of Queen Anne’s day deserves prominent place among the great novels of the nineteenth century. 5. “The Oxford Book of English Verse.” Between its covers is a treasure trove of the loveliest lyrics in our language.

6. “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” by T. E. Lawrence. A volume which has already become a classic. 7. “The Ballad of the White Horse,” by G. K. Chesterton. A stirring ballad in book form of the time when “the sea folk broke about our land, a Christless chivalry,” and “there was not English armour left, nor any English thing, when Alfred came to Athelney to be an English king.” 8. “The Worst Journey in the World,” by Apsley Cherry-Garrad. This graphic, . sensitively written account of Captain Scott’s last expedition, told by one of his party, is more than a travel book, it is literature. 9. “Tarka the Otter,” by Henry Williamson.' Simply the life story of an otter, “his joyful water life and his death in the country of the Two Rivers,” but distinguished by superb descriptions of Nature. 10. “Sparkenbroke,” by Charles Morgan. A novel in the grand tradition: a modern classic, perfect in construction and style.

11. “The Flax of Dream,” by Henry Williamson. Four-part novel describing a poet, Shelley-like in his life and tragic death. 12. “Winged Victory,” by Victor Yeates. In the opinion of T. E. Lawrence this is the finest novel about the R.F.C. (1914-18 war) to be written. 13. and 14. “Kristin Lavernsdatter” and “The Master of Hestviken,” by

Sigrid Undset. Two brilliantlywritten, dramatic sagas in novel form of life in thirteenth century Norway. 15. “The Road to En-Dor,” by E. Jones. Truth which' reads more strangely than fiction comprises this exciting story of two soldiers in a Turkish prison camp. “Khorasbad,” Marlborough.

Second Prize (Equal) IF it is a' truism that “the world grows smaller every day,” it is imperative ■ that one half of the world should know how the other half lives. Many of the outstanding books of recent years provide excellent and varied fare suited to our needs in this respect. Detailed knowledge is served in digestible form. ' Of this type is “Scorched Earth,” written by Edgar Snow-—a graphic, intensely exciting book depicting the everyday life of Chinese peasants in their unceasing struggle against the Japanese and their heroic efforts towards the reconstruction of their desecrated countryside. Cedric Belfrage - is another powerful writer whose novels contain an urgent social message. “Let My People Go” deals with economic, religious, and racial conflicts in U.S.A. The reader is jubilant or depressed according to the success or failure of the minister’s varied projects to alleviate misery. Another interesting book, though of a different type, is Webb Miller’s “I Found No Peace.” It tells of a journalist’s travels after the Great War.

It is full of dramatic adventure and describes the Spanish conflict, also the war in China, and elsewhere. Nor is peace to be found in George Orwell’s “Down and Out in Paris and London,” which is a gripping account of tragedy, poverty, and human misery in the two great cities. 1 ~ “The Grey Wolf,” by H. C. Armstrong, is an outstanding biography, Mustapha Kemal is the strong, ruthless dictator of modern Turkey, and his biography is as forcible as the man who inspired it. For quieter moods Daniel Vare and Ernest Bramah are delightful. Vare, as the “Laughing Diplomat,” takes us on a rollicking pre-war tour of half the gay capitals of Europe. “Kai Lung’s Golden Hours” and other Kai Lung volumes are Bramah’s contribution, written in quaint language and gently satiric in tone. New Zealand books are also worthy of inclusion, particularly “Islands of Danger,” by Ernest Beaglehole, a book recently published in this country. It is a review of social life and marital customs among the Pacific Islanders. There are many fine descriptive passages and much quiet humour. “A Man and His Wife” is a collection of. short stories mostly concerned with everyday life in New Zealand. It was written by the versatile Frank Sargeson. F. L. Combs is a capable essayist and his new book, “Half Lengths,” is also of outstanding merit. “Notes from a Backblocks Hospital,” in which Dr. Smith, of Rawene, conveys a great deal of knowledge on medical topics, provides laymen with much food for thought. Another important medical book is “War Against Disease,” which explains in simple language the most remarkable discoveries in the scientific world during the past decade. Two plays conclude this list: “Waiting for Lefty,” by Clifford Odets, which is extremely well done, . but tends to leave the reader feeling depressed, and “Distant Point,” the famous Soviet pIay. “S.J.M.,” Hicks Bay. Second Prize (Equal) MADAME Curie” (Eve Curie). The story of a genius and a life of unselfish devotion to the cause of medical science. “The Life of Ellen Terry”— autobiography. The story of a gifted and lovable woman. “Reaching for the Stars” (Nora Wain). A book written about Germany before the war. A sincere and unprejudiced account. “So Perish the Roses” (Neil Bell). The life of Charles and Mary Lamb in story form. A faithful record of

the gentle “Elia,” who was patient in adversity. “ Haworth Parsonage ” (Isabel Clarke). A moving and understanding study of the Bronte sisters. “Red Surgeon” (George Borodin). A picture of a Russian surgeon’s work amidst the inhumanity of war. Well written, without bitterness. “Precious Bane” (Mary Webb). A book I can read again and again and yet always find in it something more in which to delight. “The Yearling” (Margaret Rawlings). In addition to the tale of the boy and his pet, the descriptions of pioneering days in America are full of interest. “The Little Karoo” (Pauline Smith). South African stories beautifully told. “Winter Solstice,” which tells of a young girl who, because of an unhappy childhood and an accident, remains an invalid for nine years. The setting is bleak, but realistic, and her recovery and subsequent problems are a piece of real life. “The Splendid Fairing” (Constance Holme). Like her other novels, this story concerns that stretch of Westmorland which runs from the Pennines to the sea. It is also a story of one woman’s hatred of another just hatred, but one which ends in tragedy. , “Quietly My Captain Waits” (Evelyn Eaton). Based on historical facts and depicting the people of Novia Scotia during the time it was a French possession. “Musk and Amber” (A. E. W. Mason). Thrills and adventure, written with a romantic flavour. ; “Combined Operations” (the official story of the Commandos). An unemotional record of heroism, humour, and skill, telling of • failures as well as successes. “The Golden Treasury of Songs and Lyrics.” What treasures books are. I feel that if you like a book specially, you should be able to give other booklovers an idea of the quality of the contents reason why it is one you love. “ Eleanore,” Auckland Province. “Thanks be to God for Books. Blest silent company Of varied friendliness And peace-filled constancy. From North, East, South, and West they come In myriad type and tongue. Of every book deemed good—there should A Praise to God be sung.” One 'of our greatest poets, Milton, has said: “A Good Book is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit.” , A

Competitions MAY Don’t forget that entries for the “PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST” close on May 15. Negatives to accompany each print if possible, also a description of the subject up to 100 words, and a stamped addressed envelope for return of photos.

JUNE

I was tidying my bookshelves the other day and I came across a volume which was one of my childhood favourites. The tale concerned three children and a tall stranger who wore flowing oriental robes and owned a Persian carpet. It looked very much like any other Persian rug in colouring and design, but it had one remarkable differenceit could fly over land and sea like a bird. You had only to sit down upon it, close your eyes, and wish, and hey presto! you were immediately transported through the air wherever you desired As I turned the pages with their lavish illustrations of that much-travelled family exploring the bazaars of Baghdad, or learning how to paddle an Eskimo kayak, or walking beside the great wall of China, I began to ponder which part of the world I would most like to visit if I were fortunate enought to possess such a unique means of transport. I wonder what destination you would choose if the stranger suddenly appeared and offered you a trip on his magic carpet. “IF I HAD A MAGIC CARPET—” First prize 10/-, second prize 5/-. Closing date, June 15. “MARY,” C/o “Journal of Agriculture,” Box 3004, Wellington.

—“Pan,”

King Country.