27 JUNE 1914, Page 14

• Clay and Fire. By Layton Crippen. (Grant Richards. 3s.

64. net.)—In this agreeably discursive and well-written essay Mr. Crippen dissects the elements of "what is called Progress," and asks us to consider how far we have fallen from the bright estate of ancient days. He really does it very well; but he leaves us on a more cheerful note, as he does not despair of "a future in which what we have lost will be regained."