Reviews
The Romance of an Old Manor House (1909)
'The Romance of an Old Manor House' has for its opening and closing scenes an ancient family home in the West Riding, which has a family ghost, and a secret room, and legends that infect and inspire the imagination of the boy who tells the tale, and who, after experience of school and in a merchant's office in London, comes back to rescue the place from the hands of greedy creditors. The story is told by Mr. Rowland Walker, and published by Mr. R. Culley, London (3s 6d). (The Scotsman, 29th November, 1909)
'It is almost unfair to class Mr. Rowland Walker's book "The Romance of an Old Manor House" (Robert Culley ), among the novels, since it reads more like an autobiography, so vital and simple is this story of a Yorkshire lad, who - bent upon paying off the mortgage on his ancestral house and acres - goes to London, and with infinite toil and patience, and no small suffering, and self-denial, accomplishes his voluntary task. In a sympathetic and homely fashion, Rowland Walker tells the story of the young fellows career, and it is very possible that some readers may recognise and identify some of the actors in the homely drama'. (Yorkshire Post, 6th April, 1910)
The Treasure Galleon: A tale of the Sea-Dog Days. (1912)
'This spirited volume deals with the ever fascinating theme of the Spanish main in the days of the sea-rovers. It is a typical tale of "the sea-dog days" although the author Mr. Rowland Walker, has a skill of his own. There are eight full-page plates by Mr. Edward Handley Read, and a map of the Spanish main by Mr. Tom S. Hough'. (The Scotsman, 5th December, 1912)
'Robert Louis Stevenson has many apt pupils; one of them is Mr. Rowland Walker, who in "The Treasure Galleon: A Tale of the Sea-Dog Days", has provided us with a romance of high quality. We never yet met the boy who is not fascinated with sailors' yarns. Many a lad has found to his sorrow that the reality was immeasurably short of his dreams of the sea! But in the meantime, the healthy appetite for boys for stories of adventure must be appeased, and they will find their heart's desire in this pulse-quickening book. (Queensland Times, 15th February, 1913)
Buckle of Submarine V2. (1916)
'A story where Mr. Rowland Walker writes vividly of adventures under the sea and on the surface. Buckle, a skilful and resourceful Commander, is a terror to the enemy, whose ships great and small, he unfailingly puts down. Nor do the airships altogether escape him, and there is a graphic account of a fight between the submarine and a Zeppelin, which is brought down in flames'. (The Birmingham Daily Post, 13th December, 1916). [The story where a submarine dives under a row of mines is based on an actual event, performed by Norman Holbrook, who was awarded the V.C., and to whom the author dedicated his book].
Dastral of the Flying Corps. (1918) (Reviews of a reprinted edition)
'The youth of today who find fight an irrestible attraction will find enough adventure in "Dastral of the Flying Corps" by Rowland Walker, to satisfy them. Nothing can equal in thrills the experience of the fighting pilots in the Great War, and the central figure in this story, Dastral, grips the imagination from the start'. (The Northern Whig and Belfast Post, 23rd August, 1930)
'A story designed to appeal to the taste of healthy, air minded Britons, is found in "Dastral of the Flying Corps" by Mr. Rowland Walker, who presents a war-time airman. Dastral's flying career is followed from the time he qualifies as a pilot until he brings down the invincible German "ace", Himmelman", a fitting conclusion to a yarn crowded with incident and abounding in thrills. Mr. Walker in his excellent description of aerial fighting and bombing raids, holds the readers attention from start to finish'. (The Scotsman, 11th December, 1930) See also 'The Phantom Airman', reviewed at the same time.
Deville McKeene, the British Ace. (1919)
'Exciting and illuminating, the book gives an admirable insight into the self-sacrificing work of the airmen on the front during the Great War, and from start to finish holds the close attention of the reader. The work is feelingly dedicated to the author's late Commanding Officer, Maj. E.J. Bannatyne, D.S.O, R.F.C., whos deed of amazing gallantry and skill cost him his life, remains, in the opinion of Mr. Walker, who witnessed it, one of the bravest of the war. Boys particularly will follow the astonishing exploits of the redoubtable McKeene with ecstasy, and elders who remained at home, as well as the men folk who watched from the trenches the Homeric contests above their heads, will treasure the stories of how "I bombed his bridges, his billets, and dumps, I showed him that Britain held the Ace and the Trumps". And all who appreciated the masterly work of our own Intelligence Department will relish the adventures ascribed to McKeene'. (The Western Morning News. 12th December, 1919)
'A great number of fiction lovers will welcome a book such as "Deville McKeene". The hero of the story is a mystery airman whose masked identity leads the reader over the Hun lines in the cause of the British Secret Service. To those who know war flying from experience, the book will have a special interest, as many of the "parts of the line" will at once appear familiar. Not only does the author look at the war in the air from our side but also takes the reader into the camp of Baron Von Richtofen, and those who have at any time run into his famous "circus" will easily follow the tactics employed by the German "ace" and his fellow pilots. When reading the book one can almost imagine the feelings of Richtofen as he realises how he has been checkmated time and again by Deville McKeene. One of the most interesting of many absorbing chapters, perhaps, is the one where Deville McKeene lands behind the German lines to pick up a Secret Service Agent in the middle of the night, to discover the "secret of Cambrai". His machine is discovered and captured by Huns, whilst the two men are awaiting the return of another Agent with the required news. The inginuity used to extricate themselves from an extremely awkward position, right under the nose of Richtofen himself is the source of many thrills. The final battle in the air between Richtofen and Deville McKeene will demonstrate the many anxious moments and thrills war pilots have had in the course of their duty. The volume is written by Rowland Walker, and published by S.W. Partridge and Co., London'. (Western Daily Press. 5th January, 1920)
The Phantom Airman. (1920) (Review of a reprinted edition)
'The Phantom Airman' by Rowland Walker, describes a wonderful aeroplane designed by a German proffessor and flown by an enemy "irreconcilable" who, rather than submit to the peace terms enforced by the allies, becomes an aerial brigand. How the "British Aerial Police" succeed in bringing the raider and his confederators to heel furnishes the author with a theme for a sparkling narrative of adventure, which, like the book already mentioned (Dastral of the Flying Corps), will doubtless be responsible for many demonstrations of concentration on the written word on the part of youthful admirers of Mr. Walker's skill as a first-class storyteller' (The Scotsman, 11th December, 1930
By Airship to the Tropics (1923)
'A remarkably thrilling narrative' (Edinburgh Evening News)
'Bound to delight the heart of the boy who thirsts for adventure'. (Glasgow Evening Citizen)
'A full-blooded adventure story for boys is given in 'By Airship to the Tropics' by Rowland Walker. The two school-boy heroes set out from Plymouth in an airship chartered by a party of big-game hunters, with Central Africa as the objective. It is hardly necessary to say that the story or the subsequent adventure is full of thrills as a cartridge is of deadliness: elephants, pigmies, desert, jungle, hidden-treasure - these are the materials out of which the author has fabricated a breathless story which boys will find to be after their hearts' desire. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 11th december, 1923)
The Fifth Form Detective. (1923)
'A good school story has been written by Mr. Rowland Walker. It is quite away from the ordinary run of books, but while full of incident which is necessary awaken and keep the interest of boys there is also included a wholesome lesson that life is not all play, and that it is essential to devote time to serious study. The keen schoolboy cricketer will, however, be rather severe on the author. An umpire does not call play when the last ball is being tossed up, but that "last ball" was a wonder, "it was a shy from square leg". The youthful critic will be filled with amazement'. (Western Daily Press, 6th November, 1923)
'In Partridge's Boy's Empire series is included a lively school story 'The Fifth Form Detective' by Rowland Walker, in which "good old Pickles" and his companions have many an exiting time in conflict with the sixth form and other more serious antagonists. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 11th December, 1923)
'Mr. Rowland Walker in "The Fifth Form Detective" continues the adventures of "Pickles of the Lower Fifth". Pickles has many escapades, even to masquerading as the village idiot in a cricket match, in which he beats the school'. (The Scotsman, 13th December, 1923)
Shandy of Ringmere School. (1924)
"Shandy of Ringmere School", by Rowland Walker, which concerns a school with Elizabethan and Armada traditions, is naturally sporting and manly'. (The Western Morning News and Mercury, 5th December, 1924)
'A fine theme is developed by Mr. Rowland Walker in his school story entitled "Shandy of Ringmere". He shows the inspiriting influence of tradition in bringing a school up to its best level. Ringmere has become slack especially with regard to sport, and finds that a charter which had been granted to it by Queen Elizabeth is being claimed as the right of a neighbouring school. This arouses the sleeping loyalty of the boys, who under the hero Shandy set about to win back a name which their own slackness has allowed to be tarnished. In the end Ringmere school has no need to be ashamed at its modern occupents. It is a vigorous , healthy story'. (The Scotsman, 11th December, 1924)
The Lost Expedition. (1923)
'Messrs Sampson Low and Marston publish a new story "The Lost Expedition" by Rowland Walker. The heroes, Tom MacRivers and Jack Willoughby, schoolboys in their teens, had always looked for adventure, and Mr. Walker tells how it came to them. The father of MacRivers was the head of an exploration which was formed to explore the mysterious jungles in the region of the Amazon, and incidentally to prospect for precious metals and the lost treasure of the Incas. A report of the explorers capture by Indians led to the organisation of a relief expedition, which the two boys joined. They find the missing Colonel - and made other amazing discoveries. A great treasure was brought home to England, but those with regard to its nature and value must seek enlightenment in Mr. Walker's exiting pages'. (The Northern Whig and Belfast Post, 22nd december, 1923)
The Rival Schools (1924)
'We follow the complex fortunes of the rival academies with unflagging zest and regret the moment when the final paragraph is reached. This romance will make a splendid present from fathers to sons, though we fear the latter will have to wait until father has read it himself. Well done, Mr. Walker'. (Harrogate Advertiser)
'A thrilling school story off the beaten track, and will delight the average healthy British boy'. (Court Journal)
Sleepy Saunders. (1927)
'The heroism of a young schoolboy while on an aerial trip forms the most exiting of the numerous adventures which make up "Sleepy Saunders" by Rowland Walker. Shoolboys up to the age of 14 or so will thoroughly enjoy reading about this young imp's numerous scrapes'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 1st December, 1927)
Stories of British History (1928)
'The twenty-four short story lives in this volume cover nearly nineteen centuries beginning with Queen Boadicea and ending with David Livingstone; in between come other royal figures - Canute, Harold, Coer-de-Lion, Prince Charlie; other Empire-builders -Raleigh, Clive and Captain Cook. Famous sailors and soldiers - Drake, Nelson, Wolfe and Wellington: and with them march Bede, Cromwell, Newton, Grace Darling and Florence Nightingale. They make a goodly company. Mr.Walker knows better than to produce a disguised textbook, and the manner in which he has told these stories gives them a sort of catholocity of youthful appeal; being brief and simple and vivid they should be intelligible to any child of seven while in older children they will kindle enthusiasm for the deeds of heroism and devotion to duty that they tell'. (Times Literary Supplement, 22nd November, 1928)
Hon Master Jinx. (1928)
"The Hon. Master Jinx" by Rowland Walker is a real, live boy's school story. Master jinx is the son of "the greatest showman, James Earl Bakewell, whose great Olympic circus was without a rival upon the five continents". The young fellow knew a good deal about the world and animals, and he was full of devilment accompanied by a large amount of pluck. He was sent to a large West of England school to improve his educational abilities, and he arrived at the establishment on the back of an elephant! How he made his way into the hearts of his schoolfellows - and, incidentally, startled the school staff is well told. This is a book boys will revel in and laugh over until their sides ache'. (Devon and Exeter Gazette, 4th December, 1928)
'Hon Master Jinx' by Rowland Walker, in which the son of a circus owner is mistaken for an Earl's son and receives due deference'. (Leeds Mercury, 10th December, 1928)
The Blue Ridge Patrol. (1928)
'Children, who last year got Rowland Walker's "Sleepy Saunders" on Christmas morning are still turning for laughter to its pages. Lit by humour, too, but a story full of sterner adventure is this author's "The Blue Ridge Patrol", telling the story of Angus McQuinlan and his pals in the Canadian Mounted Police. There is a Fenimore Cooper flavour in the tale of Indians, bad men, and hair-breadth escapes from death'. (Dundee Courier and Advertiser, 6th December, 1928)
'Just the very book to buy now and to keep for a Christmas present for your son. The author has written a thrilling story of the Royal North-West Mounted Police of Canada. It is one which will appeal to the lad seeking adventure; it is one which adults will read, and by doing so derive the greatest pleasure. A fine youth leaves school to seek the wilds. A school chum is in the North-West Mounted Police, a force which has earned the highest reputation for work where the law has to be enforced for the protection of peaceable traders and tribesmen. The motto "The Mounted Police never leave a Trail" is always religiously followed, the men never heed difficulties and dangers. The story tells about the holding up of the Transcontinental by masked men. The guard of the train is killed, and the driver wounded, passengers robbed of fifty thousand dollars and jewellery, and the bandits make a get-away. How they are tracked and eventually run down is the story Mr. Rowland Walker tells in a graphic manner. It is a fine book, and will be a great success'. (The Devon and Exeter Gazette, 4th December, 1928)
Master Valentine Bucket. (1928)
'Master Valentine Bucket in the story of that name by Rowland Walker, might have looked a lout when a strange new boy but he was a spirited youngster and surprised everybody, including the school bully'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 13th December, 1928)
The Prairie Wagon Trail (1931)
'A fresh spirited tale of the old Wild West, based upon reality, ranks among the pick of the boys' adventure books of this season'. (The Times, 10th December, 1931). The book was based on the reminiscences of the author's Grandfather, one of the forty-niners.
The Cruise of the Air Yacht Silver Cloud (1931)
'The Times' which reviewed this book on the same page as the previous title were not so enthusiastic. 'Mr. Walker is not so convincing in his other book 'The Cruise of the Air Yacht silver cloud' (Nelson 5s), an up-to-date version of the treasure-hunting story, with the inevitable island, rival expedition, and parchment clue'.
The Flying Schoolgirl (1931)
'Not content with permitting Patsy, his heroine, to join in a flight to the Mountains of the Moon, in the heart of Africa, the author throws in an incredible quest for long-lost treasure - said to have been buried by the last survivors of vanished Atlantis'. (The Times, 11th December, 1931).
Rags and his Friends: the story of a Mongrel. (1933)
'This is an engaging little story by one who understands children as well as dogs. It describes how Micky Trenchard and his sister Dinah, bored during a holiday visit to a maiden aunt, acquired a poacher's dog. This was Rags, who brightened their lives considerably. He caused consternation at a garden party by disturbing the rectors' lives, but retrieved his reputation by attacking an angry bull and saving the lives of two ladies, and his crowning achievement was when he discovered the spot in which a jewel thief had hidden a haul. It all makes a pleasant, and sometimes exiting, tale, and should be read with enjoyment by any children between seven and fourteen'. (Times Literary Supplement, 11th January, 1934)
When Spy meets Spy. (1935)
'An excellent story of the activities of the British Secret Service during the war is contained in Mr. Rowland Walker's book "When Spy Meets Spy". For obvious reasons the inner history of the Service during this period can never be fully revealed, but the author tells a little of one of its most dramatic phases. The courage and resourcefulness of those me who dared so much without hope or reward is well portrayed as is much of what happened on the Western Front'. (New Zealand Herald, 9th November, 1935)
'In this story of the Western Front during the War the daring and resourcefulness of members of the secret service are utilised to convey a vivid picture of the demands made on spies both British and German. The exploits of the mysterious 'Z' on the one side and of No. 7 on the other are portrayed with realism and skill, and the book compels attention from the first page to the last. (Chronicle, Adelaide, 14th November, 1935)
'When Spy meets Spy, by Mr. Rowland Walker is another book for senior boys - a dramatic story of the British Secret Service behind the German lines on the Western front, revealing something of the inner history of the pigeon post'. (The Times, 4th December, 1935)
'Here we see two master spies at grips, the Britisher behind the German lines, the German in London. They move and counter-move against each other, with the Britisher coming out on top in the end, but ready to shake hands with a very gallant foe. Rowland Walker adds interest to his story by introducing carrier pigeons - birds that brought home very valuable information from our secret agents'. (Dundee Courier and Advertiser, 2nd January, 1936)
Great British Sea Stories. (1936)
'A great deal of argument has taken place about the proper way of writing history. Some suggest that a point of view cannot be avoided, others contend that history should be a pure science. It would not be altogether fair to make Rowland Walker's "Great British Sea Stories" (A.& C. Black 5s) a topic in this debate. Not even the author would suggest that it is an important contribution to the records of our maritime history. In the main it is a paraphase of Halkluyt, taken out of what the author calls "quaint and old fashioned" English of the original and presented in modern form for the consumption of British youth. This is an excellent idea, since it is regrettably true that most British schoolboys would turn asside from the massed detail of Halkluyt, and so miss some very fine tales, besides a great deal of unconscious poetry. Mr. Walker has chosen his stories well, and his work is an admirable art of dramatic concentration. But he has a decided point of view. He begins with the indomitable English sea-dog as an axiom, and makes his stories so, frequently omitting that which might discredit. For instance, he does not disclose that the cargo John Hawkins carried to the New World consisted of negro slaves. Nor does he repeat the allegation that the ship Minion ran away from the slaughter at St. Juan de Ulua, and that Hawkins abandoned half his company to the risk of Spanish capture. There was good reason for both of these occurencies, but not enough entirely to cancel them out of history. Then he condemns the Pope's division of the New world between Spain and Portugal, though it is fairly well known that this was a partly domestic arrangement, made by an independant arbiter in response to an application by parties with certain rights by discovery and annexation. All this may be explained by a point of view, but how can Mr. Walker attribute to Richard Chancellor the "great hope" that on his way to Muscovy he would discover the North-West Passage?. This could hardly be done by sailing north-east, which is what Chancellor was doing. (Hull Daily Mail, 5th September, 1936)
'Westcountry youngsters have every reason to be interested in the sea, and most boys who receive "Great British Sea Stories" by Rowland Walker, for a present this Christmas should feel lucky'. (The Western Morning News and Daily Gazette, 12th December, 1936)
Death Flies High. (1936)
'This is a thrilling story of two air aces, one on the British side and the other on the German side, who from the first clash in the air instinctively recognise that there is a personal rivalry involved. The German has his machine decorated with a death's head, to which the British ace responds with a challenge by identifying his machine with a hawk. The encounters between the two are very vividly related. There comes a special mission for the British airman to drop a secret service agent behind the enemy lines and to pick him up again: the adventures of the two when the aeroplane has to be abandoned and they have to elude the German search parties, and the "borrowing" of the German's own machine for the airman's escape. The inevitable final duel is staged and told with thrilling reality, and the denoument is but another illustration of the horrors of war - for the pair recognise each other. The story is devoid of a "love" interest, for it deals almost exclusively with these "mere boys" who did such wonderful things in the air. It is a war incident that might easily have happened - perhaps it did - and no man or boy will read it without associating it with that gallant force which figuratively and actively rose to the occasion'. (Burnley Express and News, 16th May, 1936)
'Here we have a combination of air and secret service work in the Great War. The hero of the story, Dick Shannon, provides thrills and exitement in his duels with the Black Ace, who turns out to be his cousin, and in his adventures with No.13, the genius of the British Intelligence Service. While returning to enemy territory to bring back the agent, Dick's plane is brought down, and he and No.13 are stranded. Their adventures and hairbreadth escapes keep the reader interested. The airman ultimately returns to his own side of the lines, and there is a dramatic climax when he shoots down the Black Ace in an air duel'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 26th May, 1936)
My Best Story for Boys. (1937)
'Those who appreciate a compendium of fiction will find 'My Best Story for Boys' (Faber & Faber 5s) to their taste. The 20 stories have been chosen by their authors, among them Richmal Crompton, "Taffrail", Rowland Walker, and Richard Bird, and the subjects include school, smuggling, fishing, cow-boys, and adventures at sea an in the air'. (The Times)
The Woman in Whitehall. (1937)
'In the annals of the Great War the names of Carl Lody, Sir Roger Casement and Mata Hari are a grim reminder of the war's sinister under-current - the spy menace. The memory is revived in this thrilling tale of a female spy, Fraulein von Bahn, who embarks on her secret service career in revenge for the death of her three brothers. The year is 1917, excitement is at fever-heat and every stranger is a potential spy. On a dark night a U-boat lands the Fraulein disguised as a British war nurse, somewhere on the East Coast, running the gauntlet of the coast defence. She experiences some engaging adventures in the course of which a British secret service agent unwittingly befriends her. Ultimately they meet again in Germany where she is able to repay the kindness, and she and Boyd Chancey become the principles in a pretty after-war romance'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 22nd September, 1937)
Covenant With Death. (1939)
'A brief outline of authentic incidents in the Great War is the background of an exiting story concerning notable activities in the Royal Flying Corps and the Intelligence Service. The hero, an intrepid American youth who succeeds in getting an officership in the British Air Force, came into conflict with von Spitz, an enemy arch-spy of super-daring. The climax is reached when a British machine, with the Yankee as pilot, is detailed to proceed on a hush-hush mission to land a supposed British secret Service man in German territory. The mysterious passenger was anything but what he seemed and intensely dramatic happenings ensued. So skilfully is the tale unfolded that it is hard to say just how much is fact and how much fiction. But all-in-all it is a most thrilling, breath taking narrative'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 29th March, 1939)
Daphne Takes A Farm. (1940)
'An amusingly written but quite incredible tale of two London girls, one of them a typist, who takes a small farm in Sussex with the idea of raising pigs, poultry, etc. Naturally their scheme soon collapses; but a fortunate find of an almost priceless miniature hidden beneath the staircase of the farm saves the situation, and Daphne and her friend Fabia become persons of consequence'. (West Australian, 5th October, 1940)
'Two young London girls take a farm and thereby strive to "do their bit". But farms are like the cows on them, "queer". Much happens before they "learn". Rather naive romance, quite lightly written'. (Liverpool Evening Express, 25th November, 1940)
Spitfires Up!. (1942)
'A vivid yarn of the adventures of a fighter-squadron during the Battle of Britain. Dog-fights over the channel, the routing of enemy bomber formations, raids on Nazi 'dromes, such is the material of the tale, with a climax in the rescue of one of the pilots after he had made a forced landing in France'. (The Scotsman, 26th November, 1942)
Commando Captain. (1942)
'In "Commando Captain" the young reader follows the indomitable lads of Captain Jim's unit upon sundry perilous sorties: a raid on a Norwegian coast town; later an expedition from Malta and an attack on an enemy camp in North Africa; finally, the destruction of an aeroplane factory in occupied France. The Captain, Scarfe, Murphy, Jamaica, Hank, and the others make up a tough but entertaining and likeable human bunch, alert too, for the lighter moments in their arduous commando training'. (The Scotsman, 26th November, 1942) [The story is based on actual commando experiences]
M.T.B. Captain. (1943)
'The wide taste for war and adventure will be satisfied by M.T.B. Captain by Rowland Walker'. (Newcastle Journal, 27th November, 1943)
'As his previous books show, Rowland Walker has a fine talent for telling stories of vivid action in wartime. In his latest yarn, "M.T.B. Captain" the note of exitement is struck early, for the two lads who are its principle characters find as their cutter sails home from a holiday cruise, that they have been crossing a minefield, this is just before war breaks out; soon after these two enterprising yachtsmen are in the Navy. Their early enterprises on a motor torpedo boat include dashing attacks on enemy mine-layers and convoys, and they have a part also in the Dunkirk epic; but many other exiting events follow'. (The Scotsman, 25th November, 1943)
'A highly imaginative picture of the work of our light naval forces, culminating in the presence of a U-boat wolf pack in the Thames estuary'. (Birmingham Post, 7th December, 1943)
Spitfires over Malta. (1944)
'In 'Spitfires over Malta' (5s Black), Rowland Walker makes effective use of the theme of Malta's heroic resistance. There are excitement and adventure in full measure in the story of the Blue-Blitz Squadron and its dramatic operation against the massed formation of the enemy bombers'. (The Scotsman, 1st December, 1944)
Wings Over the Atlantic. (1945)
'Rowland Walker's "Wings over the Atlantic" tells of fights against U-boats and Focke-Wulfs, of experiences in prison camps, and of ultimate rescue. This fine story is based on two log books, one a British airman's, the other that of a merchant ship'. (The Scotsman, 6th December, 1945)
Hurricane Pilot (1947)
'Wartime adventure is the esssential ingredient in the narrative of Rowland Walker's "Hurricane Pilot" (5s A.& C. Black), with breathless combats in the air and dramatic contests of wills in enemy occupied country'. (The Scotsman, 20th November, 1947)
'A story of heroism and action such as all boys love (and one which, incidentally will keep young students in touch with French phrases!). (The Telegraph (Brisbane) 20th December, 1947)
Twenty Tales of the Sea (1949?)
' Rowland Walker's vivid story of how a British submarine uncovered the departure from harbour of the German fleet, is an inspiring memory' (The Times)
'A remarkably thrilling narrative' (Edinburgh Evening News)
'Bound to delight the heart of the boy who thirsts for adventure'. (Glasgow Evening Citizen)
'A full-blooded adventure story for boys is given in 'By Airship to the Tropics' by Rowland Walker. The two school-boy heroes set out from Plymouth in an airship chartered by a party of big-game hunters, with Central Africa as the objective. It is hardly necessary to say that the story or the subsequent adventure is full of thrills as a cartridge is of deadliness: elephants, pigmies, desert, jungle, hidden-treasure - these are the materials out of which the author has fabricated a breathless story which boys will find to be after their hearts' desire. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 11th december, 1923)
The Fifth Form Detective. (1923)
'A good school story has been written by Mr. Rowland Walker. It is quite away from the ordinary run of books, but while full of incident which is necessary awaken and keep the interest of boys there is also included a wholesome lesson that life is not all play, and that it is essential to devote time to serious study. The keen schoolboy cricketer will, however, be rather severe on the author. An umpire does not call play when the last ball is being tossed up, but that "last ball" was a wonder, "it was a shy from square leg". The youthful critic will be filled with amazement'. (Western Daily Press, 6th November, 1923)
'In Partridge's Boy's Empire series is included a lively school story 'The Fifth Form Detective' by Rowland Walker, in which "good old Pickles" and his companions have many an exiting time in conflict with the sixth form and other more serious antagonists. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 11th December, 1923)
'Mr. Rowland Walker in "The Fifth Form Detective" continues the adventures of "Pickles of the Lower Fifth". Pickles has many escapades, even to masquerading as the village idiot in a cricket match, in which he beats the school'. (The Scotsman, 13th December, 1923)
Shandy of Ringmere School. (1924)
"Shandy of Ringmere School", by Rowland Walker, which concerns a school with Elizabethan and Armada traditions, is naturally sporting and manly'. (The Western Morning News and Mercury, 5th December, 1924)
'A fine theme is developed by Mr. Rowland Walker in his school story entitled "Shandy of Ringmere". He shows the inspiriting influence of tradition in bringing a school up to its best level. Ringmere has become slack especially with regard to sport, and finds that a charter which had been granted to it by Queen Elizabeth is being claimed as the right of a neighbouring school. This arouses the sleeping loyalty of the boys, who under the hero Shandy set about to win back a name which their own slackness has allowed to be tarnished. In the end Ringmere school has no need to be ashamed at its modern occupents. It is a vigorous , healthy story'. (The Scotsman, 11th December, 1924)
The Lost Expedition. (1923)
'Messrs Sampson Low and Marston publish a new story "The Lost Expedition" by Rowland Walker. The heroes, Tom MacRivers and Jack Willoughby, schoolboys in their teens, had always looked for adventure, and Mr. Walker tells how it came to them. The father of MacRivers was the head of an exploration which was formed to explore the mysterious jungles in the region of the Amazon, and incidentally to prospect for precious metals and the lost treasure of the Incas. A report of the explorers capture by Indians led to the organisation of a relief expedition, which the two boys joined. They find the missing Colonel - and made other amazing discoveries. A great treasure was brought home to England, but those with regard to its nature and value must seek enlightenment in Mr. Walker's exiting pages'. (The Northern Whig and Belfast Post, 22nd december, 1923)
The Rival Schools (1924)
'We follow the complex fortunes of the rival academies with unflagging zest and regret the moment when the final paragraph is reached. This romance will make a splendid present from fathers to sons, though we fear the latter will have to wait until father has read it himself. Well done, Mr. Walker'. (Harrogate Advertiser)
'A thrilling school story off the beaten track, and will delight the average healthy British boy'. (Court Journal)
Sleepy Saunders. (1927)
'The heroism of a young schoolboy while on an aerial trip forms the most exiting of the numerous adventures which make up "Sleepy Saunders" by Rowland Walker. Shoolboys up to the age of 14 or so will thoroughly enjoy reading about this young imp's numerous scrapes'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 1st December, 1927)
Stories of British History (1928)
'The twenty-four short story lives in this volume cover nearly nineteen centuries beginning with Queen Boadicea and ending with David Livingstone; in between come other royal figures - Canute, Harold, Coer-de-Lion, Prince Charlie; other Empire-builders -Raleigh, Clive and Captain Cook. Famous sailors and soldiers - Drake, Nelson, Wolfe and Wellington: and with them march Bede, Cromwell, Newton, Grace Darling and Florence Nightingale. They make a goodly company. Mr.Walker knows better than to produce a disguised textbook, and the manner in which he has told these stories gives them a sort of catholocity of youthful appeal; being brief and simple and vivid they should be intelligible to any child of seven while in older children they will kindle enthusiasm for the deeds of heroism and devotion to duty that they tell'. (Times Literary Supplement, 22nd November, 1928)
Hon Master Jinx. (1928)
"The Hon. Master Jinx" by Rowland Walker is a real, live boy's school story. Master jinx is the son of "the greatest showman, James Earl Bakewell, whose great Olympic circus was without a rival upon the five continents". The young fellow knew a good deal about the world and animals, and he was full of devilment accompanied by a large amount of pluck. He was sent to a large West of England school to improve his educational abilities, and he arrived at the establishment on the back of an elephant! How he made his way into the hearts of his schoolfellows - and, incidentally, startled the school staff is well told. This is a book boys will revel in and laugh over until their sides ache'. (Devon and Exeter Gazette, 4th December, 1928)
'Hon Master Jinx' by Rowland Walker, in which the son of a circus owner is mistaken for an Earl's son and receives due deference'. (Leeds Mercury, 10th December, 1928)
The Blue Ridge Patrol. (1928)
'Children, who last year got Rowland Walker's "Sleepy Saunders" on Christmas morning are still turning for laughter to its pages. Lit by humour, too, but a story full of sterner adventure is this author's "The Blue Ridge Patrol", telling the story of Angus McQuinlan and his pals in the Canadian Mounted Police. There is a Fenimore Cooper flavour in the tale of Indians, bad men, and hair-breadth escapes from death'. (Dundee Courier and Advertiser, 6th December, 1928)
'Just the very book to buy now and to keep for a Christmas present for your son. The author has written a thrilling story of the Royal North-West Mounted Police of Canada. It is one which will appeal to the lad seeking adventure; it is one which adults will read, and by doing so derive the greatest pleasure. A fine youth leaves school to seek the wilds. A school chum is in the North-West Mounted Police, a force which has earned the highest reputation for work where the law has to be enforced for the protection of peaceable traders and tribesmen. The motto "The Mounted Police never leave a Trail" is always religiously followed, the men never heed difficulties and dangers. The story tells about the holding up of the Transcontinental by masked men. The guard of the train is killed, and the driver wounded, passengers robbed of fifty thousand dollars and jewellery, and the bandits make a get-away. How they are tracked and eventually run down is the story Mr. Rowland Walker tells in a graphic manner. It is a fine book, and will be a great success'. (The Devon and Exeter Gazette, 4th December, 1928)
Master Valentine Bucket. (1928)
'Master Valentine Bucket in the story of that name by Rowland Walker, might have looked a lout when a strange new boy but he was a spirited youngster and surprised everybody, including the school bully'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 13th December, 1928)
The Prairie Wagon Trail (1931)
'A fresh spirited tale of the old Wild West, based upon reality, ranks among the pick of the boys' adventure books of this season'. (The Times, 10th December, 1931). The book was based on the reminiscences of the author's Grandfather, one of the forty-niners.
The Cruise of the Air Yacht Silver Cloud (1931)
'The Times' which reviewed this book on the same page as the previous title were not so enthusiastic. 'Mr. Walker is not so convincing in his other book 'The Cruise of the Air Yacht silver cloud' (Nelson 5s), an up-to-date version of the treasure-hunting story, with the inevitable island, rival expedition, and parchment clue'.
The Flying Schoolgirl (1931)
'Not content with permitting Patsy, his heroine, to join in a flight to the Mountains of the Moon, in the heart of Africa, the author throws in an incredible quest for long-lost treasure - said to have been buried by the last survivors of vanished Atlantis'. (The Times, 11th December, 1931).
Rags and his Friends: the story of a Mongrel. (1933)
'This is an engaging little story by one who understands children as well as dogs. It describes how Micky Trenchard and his sister Dinah, bored during a holiday visit to a maiden aunt, acquired a poacher's dog. This was Rags, who brightened their lives considerably. He caused consternation at a garden party by disturbing the rectors' lives, but retrieved his reputation by attacking an angry bull and saving the lives of two ladies, and his crowning achievement was when he discovered the spot in which a jewel thief had hidden a haul. It all makes a pleasant, and sometimes exiting, tale, and should be read with enjoyment by any children between seven and fourteen'. (Times Literary Supplement, 11th January, 1934)
When Spy meets Spy. (1935)
'An excellent story of the activities of the British Secret Service during the war is contained in Mr. Rowland Walker's book "When Spy Meets Spy". For obvious reasons the inner history of the Service during this period can never be fully revealed, but the author tells a little of one of its most dramatic phases. The courage and resourcefulness of those me who dared so much without hope or reward is well portrayed as is much of what happened on the Western Front'. (New Zealand Herald, 9th November, 1935)
'In this story of the Western Front during the War the daring and resourcefulness of members of the secret service are utilised to convey a vivid picture of the demands made on spies both British and German. The exploits of the mysterious 'Z' on the one side and of No. 7 on the other are portrayed with realism and skill, and the book compels attention from the first page to the last. (Chronicle, Adelaide, 14th November, 1935)
'When Spy meets Spy, by Mr. Rowland Walker is another book for senior boys - a dramatic story of the British Secret Service behind the German lines on the Western front, revealing something of the inner history of the pigeon post'. (The Times, 4th December, 1935)
'Here we see two master spies at grips, the Britisher behind the German lines, the German in London. They move and counter-move against each other, with the Britisher coming out on top in the end, but ready to shake hands with a very gallant foe. Rowland Walker adds interest to his story by introducing carrier pigeons - birds that brought home very valuable information from our secret agents'. (Dundee Courier and Advertiser, 2nd January, 1936)
Great British Sea Stories. (1936)
'A great deal of argument has taken place about the proper way of writing history. Some suggest that a point of view cannot be avoided, others contend that history should be a pure science. It would not be altogether fair to make Rowland Walker's "Great British Sea Stories" (A.& C. Black 5s) a topic in this debate. Not even the author would suggest that it is an important contribution to the records of our maritime history. In the main it is a paraphase of Halkluyt, taken out of what the author calls "quaint and old fashioned" English of the original and presented in modern form for the consumption of British youth. This is an excellent idea, since it is regrettably true that most British schoolboys would turn asside from the massed detail of Halkluyt, and so miss some very fine tales, besides a great deal of unconscious poetry. Mr. Walker has chosen his stories well, and his work is an admirable art of dramatic concentration. But he has a decided point of view. He begins with the indomitable English sea-dog as an axiom, and makes his stories so, frequently omitting that which might discredit. For instance, he does not disclose that the cargo John Hawkins carried to the New World consisted of negro slaves. Nor does he repeat the allegation that the ship Minion ran away from the slaughter at St. Juan de Ulua, and that Hawkins abandoned half his company to the risk of Spanish capture. There was good reason for both of these occurencies, but not enough entirely to cancel them out of history. Then he condemns the Pope's division of the New world between Spain and Portugal, though it is fairly well known that this was a partly domestic arrangement, made by an independant arbiter in response to an application by parties with certain rights by discovery and annexation. All this may be explained by a point of view, but how can Mr. Walker attribute to Richard Chancellor the "great hope" that on his way to Muscovy he would discover the North-West Passage?. This could hardly be done by sailing north-east, which is what Chancellor was doing. (Hull Daily Mail, 5th September, 1936)
'Westcountry youngsters have every reason to be interested in the sea, and most boys who receive "Great British Sea Stories" by Rowland Walker, for a present this Christmas should feel lucky'. (The Western Morning News and Daily Gazette, 12th December, 1936)
Death Flies High. (1936)
'This is a thrilling story of two air aces, one on the British side and the other on the German side, who from the first clash in the air instinctively recognise that there is a personal rivalry involved. The German has his machine decorated with a death's head, to which the British ace responds with a challenge by identifying his machine with a hawk. The encounters between the two are very vividly related. There comes a special mission for the British airman to drop a secret service agent behind the enemy lines and to pick him up again: the adventures of the two when the aeroplane has to be abandoned and they have to elude the German search parties, and the "borrowing" of the German's own machine for the airman's escape. The inevitable final duel is staged and told with thrilling reality, and the denoument is but another illustration of the horrors of war - for the pair recognise each other. The story is devoid of a "love" interest, for it deals almost exclusively with these "mere boys" who did such wonderful things in the air. It is a war incident that might easily have happened - perhaps it did - and no man or boy will read it without associating it with that gallant force which figuratively and actively rose to the occasion'. (Burnley Express and News, 16th May, 1936)
'Here we have a combination of air and secret service work in the Great War. The hero of the story, Dick Shannon, provides thrills and exitement in his duels with the Black Ace, who turns out to be his cousin, and in his adventures with No.13, the genius of the British Intelligence Service. While returning to enemy territory to bring back the agent, Dick's plane is brought down, and he and No.13 are stranded. Their adventures and hairbreadth escapes keep the reader interested. The airman ultimately returns to his own side of the lines, and there is a dramatic climax when he shoots down the Black Ace in an air duel'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 26th May, 1936)
My Best Story for Boys. (1937)
'Those who appreciate a compendium of fiction will find 'My Best Story for Boys' (Faber & Faber 5s) to their taste. The 20 stories have been chosen by their authors, among them Richmal Crompton, "Taffrail", Rowland Walker, and Richard Bird, and the subjects include school, smuggling, fishing, cow-boys, and adventures at sea an in the air'. (The Times)
The Woman in Whitehall. (1937)
'In the annals of the Great War the names of Carl Lody, Sir Roger Casement and Mata Hari are a grim reminder of the war's sinister under-current - the spy menace. The memory is revived in this thrilling tale of a female spy, Fraulein von Bahn, who embarks on her secret service career in revenge for the death of her three brothers. The year is 1917, excitement is at fever-heat and every stranger is a potential spy. On a dark night a U-boat lands the Fraulein disguised as a British war nurse, somewhere on the East Coast, running the gauntlet of the coast defence. She experiences some engaging adventures in the course of which a British secret service agent unwittingly befriends her. Ultimately they meet again in Germany where she is able to repay the kindness, and she and Boyd Chancey become the principles in a pretty after-war romance'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 22nd September, 1937)
Covenant With Death. (1939)
'A brief outline of authentic incidents in the Great War is the background of an exiting story concerning notable activities in the Royal Flying Corps and the Intelligence Service. The hero, an intrepid American youth who succeeds in getting an officership in the British Air Force, came into conflict with von Spitz, an enemy arch-spy of super-daring. The climax is reached when a British machine, with the Yankee as pilot, is detailed to proceed on a hush-hush mission to land a supposed British secret Service man in German territory. The mysterious passenger was anything but what he seemed and intensely dramatic happenings ensued. So skilfully is the tale unfolded that it is hard to say just how much is fact and how much fiction. But all-in-all it is a most thrilling, breath taking narrative'. (Aberdeen Press and Journal, 29th March, 1939)
Daphne Takes A Farm. (1940)
'An amusingly written but quite incredible tale of two London girls, one of them a typist, who takes a small farm in Sussex with the idea of raising pigs, poultry, etc. Naturally their scheme soon collapses; but a fortunate find of an almost priceless miniature hidden beneath the staircase of the farm saves the situation, and Daphne and her friend Fabia become persons of consequence'. (West Australian, 5th October, 1940)
'Two young London girls take a farm and thereby strive to "do their bit". But farms are like the cows on them, "queer". Much happens before they "learn". Rather naive romance, quite lightly written'. (Liverpool Evening Express, 25th November, 1940)
Spitfires Up!. (1942)
'A vivid yarn of the adventures of a fighter-squadron during the Battle of Britain. Dog-fights over the channel, the routing of enemy bomber formations, raids on Nazi 'dromes, such is the material of the tale, with a climax in the rescue of one of the pilots after he had made a forced landing in France'. (The Scotsman, 26th November, 1942)
Commando Captain. (1942)
'In "Commando Captain" the young reader follows the indomitable lads of Captain Jim's unit upon sundry perilous sorties: a raid on a Norwegian coast town; later an expedition from Malta and an attack on an enemy camp in North Africa; finally, the destruction of an aeroplane factory in occupied France. The Captain, Scarfe, Murphy, Jamaica, Hank, and the others make up a tough but entertaining and likeable human bunch, alert too, for the lighter moments in their arduous commando training'. (The Scotsman, 26th November, 1942) [The story is based on actual commando experiences]
M.T.B. Captain. (1943)
'The wide taste for war and adventure will be satisfied by M.T.B. Captain by Rowland Walker'. (Newcastle Journal, 27th November, 1943)
'As his previous books show, Rowland Walker has a fine talent for telling stories of vivid action in wartime. In his latest yarn, "M.T.B. Captain" the note of exitement is struck early, for the two lads who are its principle characters find as their cutter sails home from a holiday cruise, that they have been crossing a minefield, this is just before war breaks out; soon after these two enterprising yachtsmen are in the Navy. Their early enterprises on a motor torpedo boat include dashing attacks on enemy mine-layers and convoys, and they have a part also in the Dunkirk epic; but many other exiting events follow'. (The Scotsman, 25th November, 1943)
'A highly imaginative picture of the work of our light naval forces, culminating in the presence of a U-boat wolf pack in the Thames estuary'. (Birmingham Post, 7th December, 1943)
Spitfires over Malta. (1944)
'In 'Spitfires over Malta' (5s Black), Rowland Walker makes effective use of the theme of Malta's heroic resistance. There are excitement and adventure in full measure in the story of the Blue-Blitz Squadron and its dramatic operation against the massed formation of the enemy bombers'. (The Scotsman, 1st December, 1944)
Wings Over the Atlantic. (1945)
'Rowland Walker's "Wings over the Atlantic" tells of fights against U-boats and Focke-Wulfs, of experiences in prison camps, and of ultimate rescue. This fine story is based on two log books, one a British airman's, the other that of a merchant ship'. (The Scotsman, 6th December, 1945)
Hurricane Pilot (1947)
'Wartime adventure is the esssential ingredient in the narrative of Rowland Walker's "Hurricane Pilot" (5s A.& C. Black), with breathless combats in the air and dramatic contests of wills in enemy occupied country'. (The Scotsman, 20th November, 1947)
'A story of heroism and action such as all boys love (and one which, incidentally will keep young students in touch with French phrases!). (The Telegraph (Brisbane) 20th December, 1947)
Twenty Tales of the Sea (1949?)
' Rowland Walker's vivid story of how a British submarine uncovered the departure from harbour of the German fleet, is an inspiring memory' (The Times)