16 OCTOBER 1920, Page 21

Diamonds. By F. E. Penny. (Hodder and Stoughton. 7s. 6d.

net.)—Mrs. Penny in her new book gives a most interesting account of India in the late seventeenth century. The scene is laid in Fort St. George—the governor, Elihu Yale, being, of course, a historical personage. The fascinating Mrs. Nicks will decidedly remind playgoers of the charming company of ladies now to be seen at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. Though Mrs. Nicks is a perfectly decorous personage she has a great many features of the Mrs. Coaxer and Mrs. Vixen who have lately won the hearts of all spectators. The striking account of life in Fort St. George will be appreciated by all readers who are interested in the affairs of our Indian Empire. The book is well worth reading both as a work of fiction and as an historical document.