In the Hope of His Coming is a series of essays put together by the Abbot of Niederalteich (Fowler Wright, 40s.: tr. by Otto M. Kilab) to further the excellent ecumenical work which is centred
on his abbey. •
Rather after the manner of Chevetogne in Belgium or Taiz4 in France, Niederaheich in Bavaria has been dedicated to the cause of that ecumenism which, since Vatican Council II, has a recognised place in the Church.
The present studies were all written before the opening of the Council. It says much for their content and quality that they cart still be read with profit-no doubt because they are written by those who have had long experience in ecumenism, including Fr. Yves Congar, and who accordingly are well aware of its true character and its difficulties, A substantial portion of the book (three essays out of nine) goes 10 the Eastern Churches. This is as it should be, for the widespread ignorance of Western Catholics needs to be overcome, and scholars and theologians should be stimulated to search for spiritual treasures which are quite as likely to be found in the I •Ist as in the West.
Margot Hiemerer's essay on Cardinal Newman and the Unity of the Criurch is a good thumbnail sketch of Newman's life and thought. She reflects what is perhaps a typically Continental enthusiasm when she writes: "His main works from both his Catholic and Anglican periods are known all over the world".
It may well he that Newman is more read and better known today on the Continent than here. Still it is true that "one cannot escape the feeling that they (Newman's writings) were written precisely for our present time", ROLAND POTTER, O.P.
Fontana Books publish an anthology of the Writings of Baron IF-Hedrick von Huge) compiled by Mr. Chambers who writes a short introduction. Only recently there appeared an anthology of his spiritual counsels-evidence of the growing interest in the baron's work. It is significant that in each case the editor is not a Catholic.
The present anthology falls into three sections personal, philosophical and religious and gives only quite short extracts. The introduction gives an admirable character sketch of the baron. but is less happy in the analysis of his thought and gives a slight impression that his membership of the Catholic church was 'naive lui.
And one need not be a devotee of Chesterton's to regret some passing rather ill-natured shafts directed against him. They are too incidental to be justified.
C.R.
COURAGE
OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES, by Lore Segal (Go(lancr, 25s.).
LORE SEGAL gives a moving and amusing account of a little Jewish girl's pilgrimage from Hitler's Vienna through English and Latin American cities to New York and womanhood. It reveals the strength of Jewry by being most moving when it is being most funny. The author touches the heart when unselfconsciously she confesses fear and by doing so transmutes fear to courage, Now that I have children and am about the age my mother was when Hitler came, I walk gingerly and in astonishment upon this island of my comforts, knowhrg that it is surrounded on all sides by calamity. lier book is great fun. beautiful, and appallingly sane.
W. J. IGOE