22 JUNE 1918, Page 20

Recollections of Calcutta for over Half a Century. By Montague

Massey. (Calcutta : Thacker, Spink. London : W. Thacker. 5 rupees.) .—Former residents in Calcutta will be interested in Mr. Massey's reminiscences, which go hack beyond the great cyclone of 1864, and deal not only with social changes, but also with the transformation and extension of the city during the past half-century. Living was simple and inexpensive in the Calcutta that Mr. Massey knew in his youth ; there was not even a theatre, and Mr. Massey could feel himself passing rich on 250 rupees a month. He says that of all the Viceroys whom he has seen, Lord Mayo was in every way the most popular. The book is well illustrated, and the profits on it will go to the Red Cross funds.