OCCUPATION, WRITER

A collection of essays and two plays that affords a lively array of topics. From a revision of Lars Porsena which deals with swearing and improper language, to the English Symbols of Col. Blimp and Tommy Atkins, to incest and travel, how mad are hatters, avocado pears, barge life on the Thames, on to charity appeals, feminine endings, tolerance, humor, etc., etc., these pieces, in their concern for derivations, historical backgrounds, personal opinions and bits of life story, literary merit, have an erudition which is tempered by the liveliness of the presentation, by the stylistic excellence. Followers of his recent novels will find this a cordial introduction to his breadth of interests and his exhaustive knowledge of a variety of things, and those who remember his earlier non-fiction works will be glad to enjoy themselves with his enthusiastic absorption in his motley of subjects. For contemplation — and controversy.