PUBLICATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 23 May 1912, Page 45

PUBLICATIONS

The Geography of New Zealand. By P. Marshall, M.A., D.Sc., F.G.S., F.R.G.S., Professor of Geology, Otago University. Whitcombe and Tombs, Limited. According to a late definition, ‘ Geography is the science that deals with the forms of relief of the earth’s surface and with the influence that these forms exercise on the action of all other phenomena ’ ; and Dr. Marshall’s work, written in the spirit of the new Geography, gives a full and comprehensive account of the historical, physical, political, and commercial features and factors which make New Zealand what it is. The book is, in our judgment, much too learned and solid to be suitable for pupils—even the most advanced '•in our primary or even in our secondary schools; but it will be found invaluable as a hand-book for students and teachers; and geography lessons should no longer be dull or profitless when the teaching profession have such a work as this to draw from. The - book is replete with maps and illustrations of the most varied kind, and contains also a special chapter on the Geysers by Professor Gregory, another on Earthquakes by G. Hogben, M.A., and a third on The Maoris, by Mr. A. Hamilton. The work has been brought out in the high-class fashion which we have learned to expect from Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, though an occasional misprint—such as the misplacement of lines at , the foot of p. 388 —is met with, to serve as a reminder that there are still spots on the sun. Price, 4s 6d. Right and Might . By Sophie Maude. London: R. and T. Washbourne. This is a historical novel covering the times of the Tudors, and dealing in particular with the stirring period of the second Catholic rising in the North known as the ‘Pilgrimage of Grace.’ In its general method it follows, broadly speaking, the lines made familiar to us by Father Benson’s well-known woijks, with the exception that it is written more particularly for children, and the narrative is, above all, framed to catch and . keep # the interest of the young reader. All is pleasant about the volume handsome binding and tasteful get-up, the freshness and clearness of the literary style, the sure and confident handling of historic scenes and incidents, the sweetness and lovableness of most of the characters, and, above all, the manner in which the authoress has succeeded in throwing the vast amount of historical matter dealt with into such an interesting and attractive form. In order to make her picture of the customs and usages of the time in all respects a faithful one, the authoress has made her characters speak in the phrase and idiom of nearly four centuries ago; and this may occasionally prove a stumbling block to the young reader. In most doubtful cases, however, the context will make the'. meaning sufficiently clear. The history in the book is thoroughly reliable, , the historical facts having been taken from original documents at the British Museum. The general comment of reviewers on the work is that it would be very useful as a school prize. We endorse this verdict; and advise those responsible for the selection of prizes for the current year to at once put this interesting volume on their list. 282 pp. cloth, price 3s 6d. The Holy Mass Popularly Explained. By the “Very Rev. v Eugene Vandeur, 0.5.8. ’ Translated from the French by the Rev.' Vincent Gilbertson; 0.5.8. R. and T. Washbourne, Ltd.

There are already a number of excellent manuals on the Mass available for the faithful, and there cannot be too many of them. This latest volume is a welcome addition to the list. It is at once clear and full, every detail from start to finish of the Mass being carefully and reverently explained. Some of the information given ill be new to the generality of lay people. For example, the writer points out that, contrary to the almost universal custom, it is fitting to look at the Sacred Host at the moment of ; the Elevation, and that his Holiness Pius X. has granted an indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines to the faithful each time they devoutly look upon the Sacred Host, at the moment of the elevation, and say My Lord and My God (June 12, 1907). We cordially wish the work a wide circulation. Price, naper Is net • cloth Is 6d net. * ‘ ’ Roman Documents and Decrees. Edited by Rev. David Dunford. January. London: R. and T. Washi bourne. { V. This is a useful monthly publication which gives the Latin original and an English translation of all the official documents of general interest issued from Rome. Letters and decrees not of general interest are merely summarised in English. Some idea of the interest and importance of the matter which finds a place in Father Dunford’s publication may be gathered from the fact that the January number contains the Apostolic Constitution on the new arrangement of the Hierarchy in England, the Motu Pr^vrio- concerning those who arraign clerics before the Civil Courts,, and three cases with the decisions given by the tribunal of . the Kota respecting nullity of marriage. Subscription, 7s per annum.