30 JANUARY 1932, Page 26

Current Literature

A HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND By William Martin TicElic are several good reasons for commending A Ilistory of Switzerland, by William Martin (Grant Richards, 10s. 6d.). The author is the distinguished •Genevese journalist whose articles on international affairs attract attention throughout Europe and are not unknown to readers of the Spectator. The subject is both interesting and complicated, and the long story from Roman times to the present day is most lucidly and attractively told. What is even more important, M. Martin has written the book to show how Switzerland, divided in race, language, creed and economic interests, has attained political unity in a confederation, and how she thus serves as a working model for the development of the League of Nations into something much fuller and firmer. The Swiss Confederation, seen in the light of its troubled history, is a political miracle, and M. Martin hints that other miracles may happen if the lessons of Swiss history are taken to heart.