2 JUNE 1923, Page 20

THE ARTS.

Decorations and Absurdities. By Bohun Lynch and Reginald

Berkeley. (W. Collins. 6s. net.)

In the humble dedication of this book, Mr. Max Beerbohm

is thus invoked by Mr. Berkeley " Be tolerant of these Choice decorations made by Lynch And my absurdities."

That is disarming. If Mr. Beerbohm is to be tolerant—and can he be other after the flattery of that dedication ?—it is not for vs to be harsh. But that word " choice " is unhappy. Had Mr. Lynch's work been chosen more carefully it would have shown better. Fine insight and excellent drawing is interspersed with feeble observation and total lack of design. The absurdities are well feathered and lightly penetrating, but Mr. Berkeley is not a first-class shot.