The Beginnings of Australian Literature. By A. Patchett Martin.. (H.
Sotheran and Co.)—This is a short but very readable and interesting account of the first stages of Australian literature.. Naturally it deals largely with Gordon, a poet whom Mr. Martin may be said to have introduced to the British public. This little pamphlet is critical in the best sense. There is no "blowing," and no rapture or extravagance, but a cool, though Egmpathetic, account of how Australian literature was founded. Fifty years hence, when Australia has as many people as Great Britain can now boast, this brochure will probably be hunted for as a literary rarity,—an early tract on the literature of the Southern Cross. That being so, one is glad to think that Messrs. Sotheran have given it such a worthy presentment. The paper is of excellent quality and the print as good. Altogether the appearance of pamphlet is a credit to the publishers and to Messrs. Constable, the printers.
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