31 OCTOBER 1925, Page 47

TYPES AND CHARACTERS. By Walter Sian!, M.A.

(Hutchinson. 18s. net.) •

IN amusing fable; fantasy and satirical sketch, Mr. Walter Sichel has sought to find .worthy morals for the age, to note the permarient type and ,its. passing embodiment, to measure all that is new and superficial by what is old and sound. In his reliance on a sound conservatism and hearty dislike of

fads and fashions he is perhaps inclined to underestimate the significance of modern restlessness. It is curious to note that, although his metrical satires are light and Gilbertian, his prose is too ponderous and slow to capture fantastic politician or futuristic artist. A historian, Mr. . Sichel is too philosophic and kindly to be ,an exciting satirist.