24 FEBRUARY 1906, Page 25

The Pity of War. By V. Norreys Connell. (H. J.

Glaisher. 4s. 6d. net.)—This is a collection of short war stories, of which the most modern concerns the last Egyptian campaign. The most striking is the first, "My Friend Yoshomai," in which the point of view of a Japanese officer is clearly brought out. It is unfor- tunately somewhat difficult to take any very vivid interest in stories of the Crimea, though the sketch called "For the Czar" is certainly moving. But next to the first story, "The Calling up of the Hard Drinkers" is the cleverest in the book. Though none of the narratives are marked by any great literary distinc- tion, readers who like seldier stories will find the collection quite entertaining.