Because of the phenomenal demand for Hector Bolitho's “Edward VIII,” initial supplies of the book were sold out in a few hours in the New Zealand bookshops that had placed first orders. It was only a few weeks ago, therefore, that I managed to secure a copy, and the legend on the jacket was “40th Thousand—Seventh Impression,” probably the first time that any New Zealand author has reached such a huge sale. For this reason alone Bolitho may smile serenely at the storm of criticism and abuse that his book has provoked in some quarters. In the opinion of this critic Bolitho may smile also in the secure knowledge that he has written a notable book with singular sincerity and the restraint that decency would command in writing on such a delicate subject. I know Bolitho possibly more intimately than many people in this part of the world, but although I know him I have not allowed friendship to obscure my vision. I can, however, understand more clearly his point of view. I believe in his sincerity, and I believe also that any intelligent unbiassed reader of the book will admit this sincerity.

Eyre and Spottiswoode, of London, are the publishers.

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It is not necessary to be an artist to be an expert in showcard and ticket writing. Actually, many artists are by no means proficient at lettering; even when they are, they prefer to leave the lettering side of it to the underlings or hacks. For these reasons “The Key Lettering Book” just published by Angus & Robertson should have a very wide appeal. In most branches of commercial life, even in domestic life, the man or woman who shows an aptitude for lettering will find many opportunities for doing useful work. The book by Herbert Newell (it has a foreword by Walter Jardine) instructs in this useful art in a plain practical manner. Having read it, I am now revelling in one of the most interesting hobbies I have taken up for a long time.

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I must confess that I always view with some distrust and distaste any book purporting to provide the key to personality for success in the business or social world. I am particularly sceptical when the “personality book” is of American origin. I must admit, however, that “Charm,” by Margery Wilson, an Australian edition of which has been published by Angus and Robertson, has completely captured my interest and sympathy, although it was published first in the States. This book is going to do a tremendous amount of good among those who read it in this part of the world. It is sound, practical, sincere and well-written. In short, the author tells us how to create or to increase the charming personality that extracts the best out of others and out of ourselves. It is a good book, too, for it preaches in the most “unpulpit-like” fashion that greatest of all virtues, charity. Actually charity is a synonym for charm. A most helpful book this. Appropriately, the publishers have printed “Charm” in a most charming manner.

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Do any of my readers know anything about a magazine entitled “The Forerunner,” which was printed in Havelock North about a quarter of a century ago? The other day I came across No. 18 of this publication, and was deeply interested in its excellent verse and prose, and its artistic format. Among its contributors was Dick Harris, the New Zealand poet.

An interesting item during a recent auction sale of books in Wellington was the manuscript of Lieut.-Col. Porter's diary, dating from 1869 to 1871. Lieut.-Col. Porter was author of “The Life and Times of Major Ropata Wahawa.” The bidding commenced at 5/- (whereat the auctioneer smiled broadly), and rose to £3/15/-, when the MSS. was knocked down to the Turnbull Library.

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It was only the other day that I discovered that Ernest Dowson the tragic poet of the ‘nineties, who in many characteristics reminds me of our own poet, the late Dick Harris, was related to Alfred Domett, one time Prime Minister of New Zealand and author of “Ranolf and Amohia” and other poems.

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Copies of New Zealand books signed by the authors are being keenly sought after by collectors. In their latest catalogue of New Zealand and Australian books, Kealy's Ltd., the well known Auckland bookshop, a section is devoted to books autographed by New Zealand writers.

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A German translation of James Cowan's book of South Sea stories and sketches, “Suwarrow Gold,” published by Jonathan Cape last year, is to be issued shortly. The London publishers have sold the German rights to a publishing house in Leipzig on the author's behalf.