One of the finest features that have appeared in the pages of this Magazine was James Cowan's “Famous New Zealandsers.” Included in that grand portrait gallery of the elect was Dr. Peter Buck, D.S.O., whose latest book “Vikings of the Sunrise,” is the subject of this notice. My reference, however, must be tinged with a note of regret that the author of this noteworthy book should now be lost to this country. He was appointed a few years ago to the faculty of Yale University as Professor of Anthropology, and detached for service as Director of the Bishop Museum, at Honolulu. Over three years ago James Cowan expressed the hope that “New Zealanders would see this great, scholarly and gallant figure at the head of Pacific Anthropological studies in his own homeland.” Although achievement appears to have carried him further away from us it is gratifyingly evident from his latest book that Dr. Buck's heart and interest are still largely with us. Although Dr. Buck tells in this book of the peopling of the scattered islands of the Pacific, as embraced by the borders of Polynesia, there are introduced many facts and memories closely linked to his own country. It is the mingling in him of the blood of the pakeha and Maori, added to his immense research work on the Polynesian people and their settlement of the many islands of the central Pacific, that imparts to this work the great value and interest it will have to students the world over. To New Zealand people in particular, however, the book must have an immediate appeal and no New Zealand library will be complete without it.

It is impossible for me in the space I have at my disposal to give anything but a brief sketch of the vast field covered in this book. It is not a weighty, involved tome for the delectation of the ethnologist, but one for the full enjoyment of the general reader. Here we have history in its most appealing from—the romance and adventure of the marvellous voyages of the early Polynesians, some of the journeys traversing over 2,000 miles in “double canoes.” The meticulous care taken in the preparation for these voyages, and the romance and the danger of it all, are fascinatingly described. We learn of the traditions and the sagas of these early people, and of the native origins and relationships that have such a deep interest for us.

The book is splendidly printed and illustrated (fifty-eight pictures from photographs), Frederick and Stokes, of New York, being the publishers, and Angus and Robertson the Australian and New Zealand distributors.

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While some may disagree with the extent of his “order of reference” the Bibliographical Brochure of New Zealand Literature by L. J. B. Chapple, B.A. (A. H. and A. W. Reed), is a valuable supplement to the existing New Zealand bibliographies. Mr. Chapple's introduction is interesting to students of bibliography. The brochure contains much valuable information. Very thoughtfully, the publishers have adhered closely to the format of the Hocken and Johnstone bibliographies.

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A love for his country—the clean, fresh breath of life—sometimes a pensive pondering over life's mysteries; trees, birds and beautiful skies and waters; all these inspire Arnold Cork in his very satisfying book of verse, “Green Wood—White Wood.” Arnold Cork has a true poet's vision and a splendid sense of the symphony of words. One of his poems “World Music,” is one of the finest things yet written in New Zealand, while his ambitious orchestration of words in “Timber Mill” has given us New Zealand's most musical poem. I was pleased to see “Tapestry” included in the collection. I referred to the quality of this poem some time ago. There are thirty poems included, and it would be too much to expect that all were to attain the high standard of the ones referred to. Messrs. A. W. and A. H. Reed have the satisfaction of publishing this notable addition to New Zealand verse.

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Reviews.

“Free and Easy Land,” by Frank Clune (Angus and Robertson, Sydney) is one of the best Australian travel books I have read. The author has evidently enjoyed writing this book; it is as full of his own personality as it is as full of his own personality as it is of his quality for presenting interesting facts in a most appealing manner. The reader is therefore a joyful participant in the news gathering peregrinations of the author. He rambles from Brisbane to page 46

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Cloncurry, to the Gulf round Cape York and down the east coast. He works his passage over one part of the journey, at others travels as a tourist, and then with his wife. Every town he visits takes on a special interest for the reader, for Frank Clune has a great eye for purple patches or for those slender news items that become so interesting when presented by a practised hand. We meet cattle duffers, gold discoverers, explorers, convicts, squatters and heads of industry. They are all sketched colourfully. Ever and anon the author dips into history and tells of wrecks, of old sea navigators and explorers. His style is inimitable and he has a rare touch of humour. In reading this book you realise that Frank Clune is holding the stage—and he fills it ably.

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“The Bone Is Pointed,” by Arthur W. Upfield (Angus and Robertson, Sydney) is a gripping Australian detective story in which we meet once more our old friend Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. Again Mr. Up-field gives us a complete break from the big city atmosphere of the average detective thriller. No dinner-jacket-smart-society-detective-story here. Instead, we have a thrilling tale of the Australian bush with “Bony,” a potential victim of the uncanny bone-pointing powers of the Australian aboriginal. Excitement piles on excitement as “Bony” grows pathetically weaker under the baneful influence of the pointed bone of the aborigines who seek to prevent him discovering the secret of the disappearance of a missing bushman. A graphic account of a remarkable rabbit migration adds to the interest of the novel. Truly a welcome change from the well-worn path of modern detective fiction.

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“Australian Inland Wonders,” by Charles Barrett, C.M.Z.S. (Robertson and Mullens, Melbourne) is an artistically produced booklet telling in picture and letterpress of the natural wonders of the Great Continent across the Tasman. Such subjects as barking lizards, and barking spiders, the great bower-bird, an underground world, the marvellous kingdom of ants, the ways of the aboriginal, make intensely interesting reading. Some fine pictures face the letterpress.

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“Out of the Mountains,” by Miss I. E. Dickens, M.A. (A. H. and A. W. Reed) is a tribute written with characteristic feminine charm about the Southern Lakes District, the Milford Track and Milford Sound. The book is evidently the result of a tour undertaken by a small party in February, 1938. The word pictures of the writer are easy and natural, but because of this do not lack anything of their vividness. Here and there are interspersed practical suggestions which should assist to keep the book in steady demand by tourists and trampers. The illustrations fit in nicely with the letterpress.

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“Railway and Tramway Enthusiasts’ Magazine” (Sydney, 6d. monthly). This well-illustrated magazine will be of interest to those railway and tramway enthusiasts who “recognise and appreciate the great work performed by the railways, tramways and their complementary services in the development and expansion of Australia and New Zealand.” In format, appearance and quality of contents, the magazine attains a high standard, and should prove a useful addition to every railwayman's library.

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“Tui's Annual.”—I have a great admiration for this Annual (published by the “New Zealand Exporter”) because of the practical help and encouragement it gives to New Zealand writers, artists and photographers. No “syndicated stuff” for “Tui's Annual”—everything is paid for. The latest issue is of high artistic merit.

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“First With The Sun” is the title of a collection of essays by Alan Mulgan due here shortly from Dents. Black and white illustrations from the Canterbury artist Olive Spencer-Bower will be included.

Due from A. and R. next month is a novel by Kenneth Roberts entitled “Rabble In Arms.” A. and R. run to big figures these days and confidently expect to sell 20,000 copies of Roberts’ book.

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