22 JUNE 1929, Page 21

Some Books of the Week

IN the early part of the fifteenth century five noblemen were living together with their wives in the Castle of Entringen IN the early part of the fifteenth century five noblemen were living together with their wives in the Castle of Entringen near Rothenburg. They dwelt there, we learn, in peace and friendship together, and a hundred children were born to them. Young Jorg von Ehingen was one of the nineteen whom his father Rudolf contributed to thi's large family. There- is perhaps little need for wonder that when he grew up he left home and tried his fortunes at the ends of the world. He journeyed to Jerusalem, he fought with great honour and heroism against infidels in Africa, he visited the main Courts of Europe, and even got as far as Scotland. The account he wrote of his travels has been translated by Mr. Malcolm Letts and ptiblished, with very useful notes, as The Diary of Jorg von Ehingen (Oxford University Press, 15s.). His greatest exploit came when he was chosen by the Portuguese Com- mander at Ceuta to accept a challenge to single combat issued by a mighty min from the hosts of the King of Fez. The value of this edition is greatly increased by excellent repro: ductions of the paintings set at the end of the manuscript. These are portraits of nine monarchs of Christendom, including Henry VI. of England and James II. of Scotland, executed from the descriptions Ehingen gave and the sketches he obtained at the Courts he visited.