BOOK OF THE ESKIMOS by
Peter Freuchen (Arthur Barker. 25s.).
DETER FREUCHEN gives us a I deep insight into the Eskimo way of life, principally by interesting stories about their day-to-day behaviour.
Missionaries who have lived among the Eskimos for half a century have found them. as Freuchen did, hard to understand. Like the Indians they are simple and shy, and treat the white man with suspicion. What one misses in this wellwritten book is an account of the effect that Christianity has had on their lives. One might conclude from it that the Eskimo had a morality all his own, due to the climatic conditions and the fight for survival. This may be true to a degree but these people must be guided by the Natural Law common to all men.
Again, the work of missionaries must have had a great influence on the lives of these people. How else can one explain the fact that sonic of the Eskimos have adopted the religious life? It would have been interesting to read the author's analysis of the slow and difficult process that has brought this about.
H. E. Tunney, O.M.I.