18 MARCH 1899, Page 23

Letter and Spirit: Dramatic Sonnets of Inward Life. By A.

M. Richards. Illustrated by Anna Richards. (G. Allen. 215.)- A column devoted to art books is not the place to discuss a series of metaphysical- and theological sonnets. The illustra- tions show considerable decorative instinct and power of sug- gestion. But the treatment of the human figure is hardly adequate. If figures are introduced into a design they should not be less well done than the surrounding patterns. With

care, no doubt, the.artist.wili :be able to avoid this- defect, - .