19 FEBRUARY 1927, Page 21

Mr. Edward Hutton has written a very charmin g book on

The Valley of Arno (Constable, 21s.), illustrated with a number of reproductions of old prints. From the Apennines to the sea throughout its whole course, this is one of the most historic and entrancing tracts of country to be found any- where. The pages on La Verna, whence St. Francis rode away for the last time on Count Orlando's ass (since he could not walk owing to the wounds of the stigmata) are very vivid and simple and beautiful. Mr. Hutton never strains an adjective or twists a sentence. He writes from the heart and with full knowledge ; the result is a book that all who' love Tuscany will want to keep.