13 DECEMBER 1924, Page 34

OTHER CHRISTMAS BOOKS

BOOKS FOR BOYS JOHN OF THE FENS. By Bernard Gilbert. (Oxford Univer- sity Press. 6s.) A vigorous tale of the Civil War, in which Cromwell—every boy's heib—rewards John, for the fine part he played in a Fen fight against the Royalists, by commissioning him to raise and command a troop of Fenmen. Blood is spilled like water and all the honours eventually fall where theyare due. Should be a favourite;