The Red Pagan. By A. G. Stephens. (Bulletin Newspaper Company,
Sydney.)—Why "Red Pagan"? The blind man de- scribed scarlet by saying it was like a trumpet, and there is certainly not a little "blare" about these essays. As for "Pagan," we are told that Christianity is losing its hold on Australia. That is a pity. For at least it softens manners. Does it account for the pugnacity and doubtful taste of this volume ? Mr. Stephens is a vigorous writer, but he uses a freedom—we might say a license—in speaking of things and persons to which we are not accustomed here. If such license is used, there ought to be at least a scrupulous exactitude of statement. Mr. Stephens gives a chapter to an account of a well-known lady who has gone through some remarkable changes of faith, and makes a serious statement (on p. 16) of which we venture to doubt the truth. His best work is literary criticism, but he mingles so much personality that he frequently offends. Whenever we get a page or so where the light is "dry" we enjoy it much. And he writes some vigorous verse.
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