2 NOVEMBER 1912, Page 12

An Artist in Egypt. By Walter Tyndale, R.I. (Hodder and

Stoughton. 20s. net.)—Here we have some charming pictures for which mechanical reproduction seems to have done its best. Of brilliant African sunshine we should pick out "An Arab Wedding Procession " as the best example, while "The Return of the Holy Carpet " gives a good idea of the mystery of the desert in a dins light. But why does Mr. Tyndale, who has studied his art with such good effect, think that he must also write a book ? Surely this is a snare which he might leave to his enemy. His pictures in a small portfolio would form a delightful possession. It may be that the publishers cling to letterpress, but to the reader it is as burdensome to handle as it must have been to the artist to write, for his inspiration comes from his box of watercolour paints, not from the inkpot. He gives us some superficial history, but that can be found better elsewhere. He recounts some anecdotes of

varying interest, and gives bizarre extracts from his diaries which are of very little general interest at all. However, by his pictures ho will succeed in recalling delight to those who know Egypt and stirring up the longings of the less fortunate.