3 SEPTEMBER 1927, Page 20

A large but light and well-printed volume which exercises the

imagination without taxing the brain is the Prefaces and Introductions of Anatole France, which the Bodley Head publishes for the modest price of 7s. 6d. Considering the good print and paper, ample margins and attractive title-pages, this is wonderful value. France was Protean in his interests, and not even Dr. Johnson could write a better preface. " Jeunes Mesdames " is really a little masterpiece. This is an excellent book for a hammock and a hot afternoon—if there are to be any this summer.

* * * *