16 JUNE 1923, Page 20

The Mysticism of Saint Francis of Assisi. Illustrated from etchings

by Laurenzio Laurenzi. By D. H. S. Nicholson. (Jonathan Cape. 12s. 6d. net.) The story of St. Francis has already been told so learnedly, so beautifully, so foolishly, and so many times that Mr: Nicholson is rarely wise to have avoided it. But the considera- tion of him as mystic has only received passing notice, and by his scholarly and well-written treatment of this aspect Mr. Nicholson has made an important addition to Franciscan literature. The book is beautifully produced, delightful to read and handle, but unimproved by the illustrations.