12 APRIL 1940, Page 30

THis admirable quarto is one of the best of the

Phaidon Editions. All its illustrations are of fine quality, but what gives it its peculiar value are the clear detail reproductions, in particular those of the Sistine chapel frescoes. These are quite superb, enabling one to appreciate the quality of the brushwork with remarkable exactness. The volume contains useful notes on the paintings reproduced, a chronological summary of the painter's life, a select bibliography, and an interesting introduction by Ludwig Goldscheider. How it can all be done, in war-time, for half a guinea is a mystery.