26 DECEMBER 1931, Page 28

The world is growing full of Rivieras, each with its

special virtue. Dalmatia, the New Riviera (by Geoffrey Rhodes ; Stanley Paul, 18s.) has a good many claims. An English pedestrian lately spent over four weeks there and failed to expend more than £10. The coast is a paradise for woodcock, and fishermen have enjoyed themselves there. But it is not of such travellers that Mr. Rhodes writes. He is almost wholly concerned with what one may call the professional holiday makers, ready to spend a fair sum of money in a well-defined holiday period. He is a good advocate and makes out his case. Perhaps nowhere (if it be not in Madeira), is there more attractive bathing than off some of the little islands along the coast or, indeed, on some of the coast resorts, and you can find your winter sports as well as the lazier pastimes of spring and autumn. But the attraction of Dalmatia for travellers of any artistic or archaeological interest is the succession of old and wonderful towns. These are well described, in word and photograph ; and the pleasure of reading the book as we sit at home, comes from the account of these towns and the ways of the people ; but the meaning and purpose of it all is to persuade the tourist to make the venture ; and the practical advice is not only well-selected : it is honest too. If you are to see the Dalmatian Riviera adequately you must make careful arrangements (unless you go by an organized steamer trip) and be prepared to spend a certain amount of money on guides. An impulsive dash is not to be recommended. The information devised specially for motorists (who will find many good roads) is particularly

precise and sensible. *