QUICK LIST

Francois Villon. By D. B. Wyndham Lewis (Shoed and Ward, 12s. 6d.).
There is hardly a more worthy book due for reprinting than Wyndham Lewis's study of Vinon. Although he lived a dissolute life, although he lived way back in the Middle Ages, there is a strange typicalness about the cbarader of this lovable poet and rogue that makes him a key to almost every French character, dead or living. Read or re-read this lively study of Vii Ion and you have a guide through contemporary France.
The Soul's Betrothal-gift. By Hugh of St. Victor, translated by F. Sherwood Taylor (More Press, 3s,).
The translator tells us that this little treatise, " simple and beautiful as it is, contains the distillation of the author's psychology, profound philosophy, lifelong prayer and contemplation. Eight centurice have scarcely aged it, for in it there is nothing corruptible," We would agree with this, and add that the translation has been made into simple English so that the book is available to all interested in the spiritual life and not to hardened mystics alone.
Messrs. Gill and Son have collected in Ireland's Stand (is. 6d.) a number of the more important statements during the war made by Mr. do Valera: This is a valuable collection of material illustrating and explaining Ireland's attitude to the world conflict, and includes Mr. Chirchill's attack on the morrow of victory together with Mr. de Valera's statesmanlike and dignified reply.
The High Barburce. By Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall. (Faber. 7s. 6d.) The authors have specialised in books about the sea and it is difficult for this reader not to believe that they are rather like the lovable seafaring uncle who tells his tales to the little boy who becomes the main character of the High Barbaree. This is an account of what happens after that youth's Catalina crashes after a battle with a Japanese submarine near an island Uncle Thad bad told Alex about in boyhood days in Iowa. Pad sea adventure, part childish reverie, part fantasy, each part fusing into an admirable and modest story which can he read by all members of the family. A most enjoyable and cleverly made novel.