World's News (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 1955), Saturday 28 March 1914, page 29


The Wanderer's Necklace (H. Rider Hag-

gard).

A right royal welcome will be given to this

book, in which Sir Rider Haggard returns to

the fierce life of the ninth-century Baltic, which he has previously depicted in one of his earlier

romances. There is a touch of mystery about his hero, Olaf, who is the reincarnation of a Wanderer of old time, in whose tomb at Aar Olaf sees his former body and take up the task

left incomplete a thousand years before. The

fulfilment of this long-interrupted duty leads

Olaf southward with the half of a strange neck-lace and a sword—for in a dream he learns that his destiny lies in some southern land—and he becomes a Varangian in Constantinople. By- zantine Court life is painted boldly and vigor- ously. A well-fought fight is described, one of men against a multitude, and the noise and dust and the salt smell of blood leap from the page. Olaf was personally very attractive, the Empress fell in love with him, so did Martura, so did Heliodore; but Olaf loved only the latter. Despite the terrible revenge of the Empress he eventually wins through. A real live, palpitating romance, which makes a man feel young again, and makes the young feel vigorous and brave. Published by Cassell's,

who send us a copy from their Sydney house; and we also have a copy from Angus and Robertson, Sydney.