23 AUGUST 1930, Page 29

Mr. John Brophy is a notable writer : he brings

to the con- sideration of the subjects he has chosen in Fanfare (Partridge, 7s. 6d.) more than a mere dexterity in words : he sees into the heart of things : he is strong and sudden : he illuminates and enchants : he has seen and suffered and travelled : above all he has thought for himself. We like particularly the essay entitled " The Age of Miracles," in which Mr. Brophy casti- gates the maudlin morality of some recent plays and novels. All the papers, however, are so vivid and varied that they are sure to be kept by those who know good writing when they see it.