24 MAY 1924, Page 22

THE ANNUAL REGISTER FOR 1923. Edited by Dr. M. Epstein.

(Longmans. 30s. net.) An inefficient index detracts from the usefulness of this lucid and, in other respects, admirable summary of domestic and foreign history during the past year. The chronicler is, of course, obliged to present a dispassionate survey—no easy matter for a writer following so closely the events he describes—and the narrative is supremely cautious and sometimes colourless. On the other hand, the signed reviews of art, music and the theatre are written by well-known writers on these subjects, who venture at times into personal and even debatable expressions of opinion. However, when all is said, the Annual Register in its 165th year remains a com- pilation of undeniable value.