Some Books of the Week
Jim as Mr. Cyril Maude says in his preface that it is " a real joy to me to review my past," so it is equally a joy to write this short notice of his autobiographical Behind the Scenes with Cyril Maude (Murray, 16s.). He need not be nervous about its success either, as he confessed he always was on his first nights, for it is a kindly and generous book and contains not a single hard word about any one, save perhaps a theatrical shark in America, who hired Mr. Maude at 'a salary of fifteen dollars a week, the hireling to find his own wigs and tights. Son and brother of distinguished soldiers, Mr. Maude will always be remembered as the producer of the most successful military and naval plays of his day, The Second in Command and The Flag Lieutenant—and who that has seen it will ever forget his Eccles in Caste ? And how nobly (as he is quick to acknowledge) was he aided by his wife, that charming actress, Winifred Emery ? A letter in the book presents Mr. Bernard Shaw in a somewhat unusual light of almost modesty, as writing to Mr. Maude " you and all can do without me." Behind the Scenes is the kind of book which, with the addition of tobacco, a comfortable chair, and a cheery fire, will create
the perfect evening.
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