27 OCTOBER 1923, Page 28

Roman Poetry. By E. E. Sikes, M.A. (Methuen. 8s. 6d.)

The general aim of this very admirable volume is to bring classic poetry into touch with modern criticism—a thing which is not often done. This is the only means by which the present busy generation (in whom the standard of classical culture has fallen rather low) can be brought to reconsider the old great poets as a living part of its heredity. Mr. Sikes has done his work well, with humour and a wealth of reference, so that his book is a pleasure to read and a storehouse of suggestion. Both criticism and translations (of which there are a number) make this the best book of its kind for the general reader which has been produced in recent years.