A Literary Page or Two

“Robin Hyde” (Miss Iris Wilkinson) is probably the most industrious and successful writer in New Zealand to-day. Her achievement in being included in Macmillan's Contemporary Poets’ series created a small literary sensation in New Zealand. Initial supplies of the book have been completely sold out in New Zealand and cables have been sent for more. “Bronze Archer,” a New Zealand story, the locale of which is in the South Island, has been accepted by Dennis Archer (London). Other books of “Robin Hyde's” which have been either accepted or are under consideration include “The Unbelievers” (a New Zealand phantasy), “Unicorn Pasture” (under consideration by Macmillan's), “These Poor Old Hands” and “Check To Your King.” The last mentioned is a biography of the Baron de Thierry who once claimed to be King of Nukahiva. He founded a tiny “independent state” in the Hokianga and died in Auckland as a music master.

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The enduring reputation of C. J. Dennis, the Australian poet, will not rest solely on “The Sentimental Bloke.” Recently, through Angus & Robertson, Sydney, he produced “The Singing Garden,” which must add tremendously to his popularity as a poet and writer of prose. In his forest home at Toolangi, where he lives in a small earthly paradise at peace with his birds and trees, he has poured out his love of Nature in this collection of poems and essays. He causes each bird in his forest garden to tell his story to the reader, and, of course, being birds, they sing their story in wonderfully simple melodies. The sweet harmony of it all from “Dawn,”

A sunbeam laughing, trips across the lawn
And smiling day is nigh. to “Dusk,”
Now, as the first star in the zenith burns,

The dear soft darkness comes, the reader journeys hand in hand with joyous Nature through the four seasons.

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I can imagine no more suitable author than James Cowan for such a book as “Hero Stories of New Zealand,” recently published by Harry H. Tombs Ltd. (Wellington). This book has filled one of the several big gaps in our New Zealand library. James Cowan, with his vast store of early adventurings in New Zealand and his graphic power of story telling, is the man for the job. Here we have a book, therefore, that will always live and will be read by young and old. The stories are true and cover over a century of New Zealand history. Wonderful yarns of bravery and 1endeavour.

A fine bookplate, designed for Mr. S. H. Jenkinson, by Mr. R. M. Jenkins, of Wellington.

Pakeha and Maori fighters, heroic pioneers, brave, unselfish missionaries play their parts in about forty wonderful yarns. The book should be taken up by every school in New Zealand.

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The development in the book production activities of Messrs. A. H. & A. W. Reed of Dunedin, has been most marked. Particularly interesting has been the attention they have given to the book collecting interests in the Dominion. Witness their latest book. “Recollections and Reflections of an Old New Zealander,” by E. Maxwell, which, at the remarkably low price of 6/-, has been published in a signed numbered edition. Because of the variety of the recollections and sentiments contained in this book, it makes an intensely human document for the reader. The pioneering period, early impressions of Wellington, days in the old force, shrewd comments on Maori and pakeha, an account of two wrecks (the “Harriet” and the “Lord Worsley”), a touch or two of humour in Maori tales, a number of reflections on human and material progress—all complete a most interesting volume. There are a number of excellently reproduced illustrations to a book that is a credit to its enterprising publishers.

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New Zealand book-lovers will be deeply interested in a booklet recently published by A. H. and A. W. Reed (Dunedin and Wellington) entitled “The Maori and His First Printed Books.” The author is A. W. Reed, who, because of the very business he is engaged in, is almost fanatically interested in his subject. Much valuable information is given and the reader is left with the deep impression as to what a tremendous part the missionary has played in the early printing endeavours of the Dominion. The booklet is admirably illustrated.

“Tui's Annual,” which is produced by “The N.Z. Dairy Exporter,” is the largest issue yet published by that concern. The number consists of over 150 pages of excellent stories, articles, poems and paragraphs, all the work of New Zealand writers. Dominion talent is also well represented on the pictorial side in line illustrations and photographs. All the work is of a high standard. This is one of the few publications in New Zealand giving generous support to Dominion talent so that from this aspect alone its continued progress will be applauded.

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That active little body, The New Zealand Women Writers’ and Artists’ Society recently produced another publication, “The Quill” containing an interesting collection of stories and verse, all the work of its members. In a foreword the secretary (Miss N. E. Donovan) expresses the hope that public interest in the production will be sufficient to justify a monthly or bi-monthly publication. After reading the magazine I will echo Miss Donovan's hope, for the promising material in the publication suggests an early encore.

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Mr. Lindsay Buick has given further evidence of his versatility as a writer in his “Elijah,” which has been published in in chaste booklet form by Thomas Avery & Sons (New Plymouth). Mendelssohn's oratoria is supremely popular the world over and has been produced many times in this country. The story of the work, so interestingly and instructively set forth by Mr. Buick, should find favour with music lovers at home and abroad. The book contains an interesting foreword by Robert Parker who describes the monograph as “Scholarly” and “exhaustive in its completeness.” A feature of the book is its beautifully reproduced illustrations.

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Reviews.