24 JUNE 1922, Page 23

The Outline of H. G. 1Velle. By Sidney Dark. (Parsons.

5s. net.)—A slight but entertaining study. Mr. Dark gives a clear synopsis of each of Mr. Wells's novels, and is very diligent in comparing Mr. Wells with almost every one of his contem- poraries, generally to their disadvantage. It must be admitted that Mr. Dark is at his best when quoting the opinions of brother critics. How closely does the following quotation, culled from Mr. Meneken, fit The Secret Places of the Heart, Mr. Wells's latest novel :- " He (Mr. Wells) seems to respond to all the varying crazes and fallacies of the day ; he swallows them without digesting them ; he tries to substitute mere timeliness for reflection and feeling."

.It might be profitable to read Mr. Dark's book for the quota- tions alone.