19 NOVEMBER 1904, Page 14

• A Backward Glance: the Story of John Ridley, a

Pioneer. By Annie E. Ridley. (J. Clarke and Co. 5s.)—Mr. Ridley was a notable combination of the practical man and the mystic. He invented a reaping machine, which helped largely in promoting the pros- perity of South Australia, the Colony to which he emigrated in early life ; and he was a convinced spiritualist, though not at all the man to be imposed upon by any spurious marvels. The invention brought him nothing but fame ; he seems scarcely to have desired that it should bring him anything. He wished to serve his country, and it satisfied him to be successful in so doing it. The story of John Ridley's public and private life is ex- ceedingly interesting, and it has been told by his daughter with equal loyalty and truthfulness.