BOOK
Page
HONG KONG DAILY PRESS TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1936.
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REVIEWS
SECURITY'
NEW FICTIONS
Never very startling, and a trifte unreul in parts, “Out for a Million," by Y. Krymov (Allen & Unwin, London, 7/6) is a translation from the Russian by Malcolm Burr from one of the works of a long-estab- lished author whose writings. in- clude four books that are now out of print and one that was con- Uscated. Krymoy's bonk deals with the adventures of Arseny, a poverty-stricken student who swears to make a million and thus
be even with his wealthy com- rades. The scene is Russia before the Revolution, and although the
author seems addièied to the somewhat common habit of mat ing his plot subversive to his gif: for pen portraiture, a very clear picture of Hfe in those days is pre- sented. To foreign eyes, some of his main characters are extreme- I odd people, although it may be that they had their counterparts In real life.
One becomes some- what weary, however, of Sidor, for instance, who speaks in pars.. Graphs such as the following:
should allow this character to be, un irascible Sir Roger de Coyerley or a capable Minister of Education:
nas one son, at least one to the best of his knowledge. Another one shows tip, thus making "brother for Richard." he also succeeds in making a lot of bother for Richard" who eventually stalks out of the ancestral home in high dudgeon, meets the usual fair lady who is over-shadowed by the usual dark past though she is entirely knocent, and eventually everyone becomes good friends in the last chapter. The said fair lady is somewhat coldly beautiful, but a the
same time she is the best character in the book: convincing too is the manner in which the legitimate son is brought inte contact with his father without undue use of coincidence. Such
phrases as this, however, tend to rnnoy: "Richard was happy; so was not Maria." It is a little dif- cult to see why the authors wrote that instead of simply "Mario was not."--H.C.F.
FASCINATING DATES
A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Annals of English Literature 1475-Understanding Yourself The Men
1925.
The principal publica- tions of each year together with an. Alphabetical Index of Authors with their Works. Clarendon Press, Oxford. 8/8. Thus useful Index of authors
gives remarkable information in readily accessible form to the student of Hterature. From It he can obtain at a glance, the main hierary output of any year or series of years. He can see what books people were likely to be reading at any time and with what rivals candidates for literary fame had to reckon. Although it is a chronological index its perusal gives the reader a real sense of enjoyment, as if he were reading a planned literary treatise. The compiler's aim has been to include s1 books of major authors and a
selection of the more influential "Yesterday's Roses" by John publications of the minors. Neces Kennedy (Hutchinson, London sarily he has had to be arbitrary Good fame 'stands, but bad | 7,6) is almost sure to be classed as in his choice. There are omissions name runs, for the iron, if it's
to be detected as well as perhaps twelve pound stuff, well. It's
unnecessary admissions. But "he has been most successful in keep- in the work in focus, in econo- nising space and in avoiding itera- tion. One of the fascinating dis
twelve pound stuff. Going ahead and looking back, Now for this, ironwork, what you thought of that's lawful and right and pro- per, and there's this paragraph and that paragraph, taking one Instead of the other, ke a fashionable advocate, one saying "this clause." and another say- ing "that clause," and that's
ruvertes in the book is facilitated by, the practice of putting the birth of the author against his
best seller, because, for some un- accountable reason, readers of light fiction appear to appreciate books that depict the undiscip lined and uncontrolled wantonness of the modern wayward youth Eve Hermitage. the central figure of this story, is the epitome of this restlessness. ever groping after pleasure, excliement and thrils. name. Thus in turning to the with no thought for anything ex-i cept the selfish enjoyment of the the law.
moment. Experience. fe's great,' This may be clear writing, but 1] teacher, grim, and sordid. follows is poor reading, and the book re- In the wake of her wholesale sow.
reader.
-
quires too much effort and mentalings of wild oats, and out of the concentration for the ordinary chaos she has created, at length It is a book for the cor emerges a woman's soul, capable of noisseur, and not for the man loving, and of giving instead of; with more general tastes.-E.G. A "taking. Yet in spite of all one pan mete out a certain amount of sympathy, realizing that it is the 13ulty upbringing that is to blame more than the individual concern. Af The book is well and amus- Ingly written. the description of hotel life in the South of France excellent, and all the characters are exceedingly well drawn.--M.T.
"A Brother for Richard,” by A. R. "und R.K. Weekes Ward Lock, London, 3/6) is just another book and the publishers will be lucky if the first edition is ever sold out. Sir Esher Delamains though the authors never succeed in making u their minds whether they
EFFECT OF GEAR! RATIO ON PETROL CONSUMPTION
The Flowmeter
10
usually
mounted in a position where its yauge and the speedometer can be observed at the same time, Tests have shown the effects on hill of using different guar rallos, and whether it is more econom.ca iTu S.Oxy 7 Lap
a
gear with a Wale throttle open.g or faster on a lower Eear w.th legs throttle.
our the presence o
'Motor
Transport" observe proved mos. interesting, and, as with seen, some of the results. are rather surprising.
year 1876 It is immediately found that George Eliot was 57 when she wrote "Daniel Deronda," and Thomas Hardy was 36 when he rote "Hand of Ethelberta." Lewis Carroll was 44 when he wrote "The Hunting of the Snark." Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton was 31 when he wrote "The Last Days of Pom- pell Each of the years carries relevant information of the births and deaths of authors oublication of newspapers. periodicals and translations; in short, the index brines a clear picture of the lifer-
ary atmosphere of each year which
tal Hygiene of Personality- By Emest R, Groves, Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina, U.S.A. Alten and Unwin, London. 7/6
waste
;
the adolescent, and the adult is stated, and explanation given whereby to differentiate the "brain us the structural headquarters and the mind as the function focus of
the self "the strategic centre of the personality.”
A study of the emotions as ener gizers of the psychic life is given In parallel with the working of the endocrine glands on the life of the body. Freud and Adler are intro-
cuced with reference to the un- conscious mind--the hidden self- their work is not too though elaborately dwelt upon.
In earlier years Professor Groves. as a teacher of English, had it as part of his duty to correct themes written by his college students. He came to a point when believed that uttle value came to the student
"The Windows of the Mind" is from either the writing or the cor- recting of these themes." A the title of a chapter on the sen- bundle of the students" papers dis-sory experiences, und so reminds one of "The Five Windows of the appeared, and after search were found in a
paper basket | Soul" in which E. H. Aitken, the where he had absent-mindedly Bombay writer of forty years ago, thrown them and covered over sets forth his view of "that won- with other intentionally discarded 1derful faculty by which each sen-
tient creature papers. The attitude of mind to
apprehends the his work thus disclosed to the fects of its environment." teacher brought him to a decision to enter a different type of teach ing." Hence his study of personal and social mental problems which have resulted in this book and others on the mental aspects of personality, partly or wholly of
the same authorship
Yourself"
Is
*** Understanding offered is a practical' guide in "the human quest for happiness. It states in plain language with a minimum of technicality the scien- tlfc facts in the long history of the growth of human personality. It recounts the development of the physical basis of the mind, the upbuilding of the skeleton frame. work, the chemical action and re- action by which physiological res- ponses are made to external im- pulses, apprehended by the mind." and translated into thought and action,
The need for care and method In body-management of the child,
н.
of research and the general reader will derive from it much enligh- covers. The teacher of English tenment on the development of Literature will find it most English literature from the ff handy accessory to his instruments teenth century onwards.---E.H.
MOTOR JOTTINGS
A “JAUNDICED" VIEW
Yellow Lamp Bulbs: Filters For Reducing Dazzle:
Better Vision In Fog
BY E. C. LAFONE
1
bulbs. If they contemplate that step also, they will secure a reduc tion of dazzle, but at the expense of the driving light.
|
The book closes with a study of the sex life as providing what the author names "the Supreme Fel- lowship," giving valuable practical counsel towards success in the achievement of happiness in the marriage life.
An extensive classified biblio- graphy is appended for further study of human personality, Pro- fessor Groves' book is well worth a reading and a re-reading by 207- one who desires to follow out the present day scientific view of the problein set by the poet Pope, in his "Essay on Man:" "Know then thyself."-H.C.P.
A little boy recently lost "inis grandfather to whom he was greatly devoted and whom he had always looked up to as quite the most important person- in the world.
"When he was told that King George, of whom also he was an enthusiastic admirer, was dead, and that the Prince of Wales was now King Edward VIII., he said to his mother. "Mummie, the Prince of Wales can't be the real King. My real King was a grandpa and the Prince of Wales is only an uncle."
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THE FINEST TYRES MADE
INDIA
RANGE OF GIANT TYRES
GIANT HIGH PRESSURE (Ribbed) (illustration to right).
To my way of thinking, the son lution of the dazle problem lles in the direction not of specifying the colour of the beam but of requii For Heavy Service Vehicles and Buses.
This type
Ing the light to be thrown where gives "exceptionally long mileage combined with It is wanted-on to the road-and, nonskid properties. not into the eyes of other people. Real strides have been made in this direction by means of the flat-
top
GIANT LOW & MEDIUM PRESSURE (Ribbed) (bottom right illustration)
+
beam; but, 19 a rule, the For Heavy Service Vehicles and Buses, Maximum amount of light given by lamps mileage; maximum safety for, loads, maximum com- so designed compares
unfavour-fort for passengers. ably with that from an ordinary circular-beam lamp When I use the word "unfavourably. I mean
simply that from a bulb of, say, 36 For use On Buses and Luxury Coaches watts we get more driving light cushioned comfort, combined with safety when it is in a normal lamp than economy, is the paramount consideration,: when it is in a flat-top-beat lamp.
CHOICES IN ANTI-DAZZLE LIGHTS
Quite a litle fluttering of the pit creates less dazzle for the dri dove-cots has resulted from our ver behind it, since it does not A series of short tests carried announcement that the French tura the inlst globules into a blind-
authorities are thinking of making ingly white yell motorist, show a yellow light from But I also hold that the afore- their head lamps. Obviously, the | said advantages of the yellow light maiter is one of considerable im- |-other than the benefit it gives in portance to those who make or¦ fog-would be very much reduced In the first place. was d's- sell head lamps in our own coun- if the inensity of no beam, mea- cevered that by using the mix-try, because our Mr. Hore-Belisha sured at any point ahead of the may at any monent take it into lamp glass, were the same with his head to follow sult.
the yellow as with the white light. Now, in connection with LIS
And where does this award leave question of "jaundiced" light. the us? It seems to suggest, that, in lamp makers-naturally enougn order to secure the advantages of group themselves in two opposing a yellow light, we must be content camps. One side is all in favour with a degree of illumination less of tour anti-dazzle driving lights- At the moment we have a choice
of carrying on as we are, and 'the than that to which we are accus-' apart from any question of a col- other-which is financially inter-
tomed with our white lights. The oar filter--the flattop beam, the ested in yellow bulbs or Alters-13 exponents of the normal, white-out-of-focus beam, the dip-and- equally sure that it is backing the beam head lamps take us a step switch, and the hooded or "cellu- right horse. It looks as though the farther, though they do not pro-, far-front" lamp. Of the last-named inatter will have to go to arbitra- duce actual proof of their con- ! I have had no personal experience, tion, and I have. with my custom- tention, when they say that pre- but I have heard it very well spo- ary modesty, appointed myself cisely the same degree of dazzle ken, of. For absolute absence of arbitrator An arbitrator's award,
reduction as is secured with the dazzle give me a properly adjusted being almost always a compromise, normal yellow beam can be ob-dip-and-switch; for a better driv is seldom entirely acceptable, to
tained with a white one 1Fits pe- ing light that is reasonably non- either party. Mine will be no ex-wer is reduced to inst or its yel- dazzling I prefer the flat-top beam. ception to the rule:
In view of the difficulty. with the
ture contro: whan tiling, to enrich the mixie. the Flaw meter showed an extra consump tion of one p.nt per hour above the normal, even though the speed of the engine decreased- appréciaby. On a slight'y rising road readings were taken at a given spat. the speed of the car being 15 m.p.h. On top gear the Flowmeter showed a reading, of 10.25 pints per hour (11.7 m.p.g.); this figure was increased to 11 pints per hour (11 m.p.g.) on third gear. 10 13.5 pints per hour (9 m.p.g.) un second gear, and to 23.5 pints per hour (5.25 m.p.g.). on first gear,
was
A level stretch of road taken on, top. gear, at 20 m.p.h.. 30 mph. and 40 mph., the re- spective readings being 5.5 pints Der hour (29 m.p.g.). 10 pints per hour (24 m.pg.), and 18 pints per hour (18 m.p.g.);
The difference on smooth and rough surfaces were most marked, for at 20. m.ph. on the smooto surface the consumption
WAJ
28.75 m.p.g., while op the rough road both were eve the figure dropped to 18 mpg. Again, on the smooth road, dropping down into second gear and revv'ng up o 20 m.ph showed an increare in petrol consumption, front, 24.75 m.p.g- to 14.5 m.p.g. On
the
other hand, un a' alight davin grade in top gear at 20 mph. the petrol consumption was 46 mp.g.
FOUR FACTS ABOUT YELLOW
LIGHTS
I hold (a) that the average yel or leht one meets on the road: 18 Icss dazzling than the normal white light; (b) that the yellow light is the more "restful” to drive behind; (c) that it is seldom po- werful enough for any but very, moderate speed; (d) that. In fog It is better than a white light, not, Fecause it pentrates further-1 does not but for the reason inat
Thus it will be seen that with car having an average con sumption of 17.5.mp.g the rate at which fuel, was used varled' between 5.25 mpg. and 46 m.p.g.
t.
low competitor.
L
I am not prepared to follow them i normal dip-and-switch. of picking quite so far as that. What I would out cyclists.at night, I would like like to see is an official trial, which to see a modified mechanisin could be carried out by the tech which, when operated, would keep nical department of the RA.C., both head lamps alight and dip of the exact amount of dazzle both beams just enough to ensure created by yellow and white beads. that they could not dazzle other of, equal intensity when measured people outside the lamp.
1 The person, who, if I were dicta-
It seems to be considered tor, would find himself of the road this country that the French pro- in the twinkling of an eye la the posal represents merely an attempt driver who blinds me with one to reduce dazzle by diminishing head amp trained straight down. the effective power of head lamps, the road when it is not set a trife doubt that, for I have not seen over to the right-and then ex- any suggestion that, the French pects me to use my really effective are to combine with their require dip-and-switch for his benefit,
ment of a yellow light a prohibi-Yes, his disappearance would be tton or the use of extra powerful simply magica) in its abruptness!.
P
GIANT EXTRA LOW PRESSURE " (Super Bus Type) bottom left illustration"
where and
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