5 AUGUST 1938, Page 28

In this collection of what appear to be journalistic papers

(Dent, 8s. Ed.), the distinguishcd author of the Pasquier Chronicles discusses many of the topics that relate to his pro- fession. M. Duhamel is a publisher as well as an author, and he has therefore a closer insight into the actual machinery of literature. Censorship, the export of books, royalties on library circulation, the competition of radio and cinema, and the difficulties of the bookseller, are some of the themes that M. Duhamel embroiders with his good sense and feeling for professional dignity. It is all good " shop " talk, enlivened with personal anecdotes and delivered by a man who is at once informed and decided in his opinions. Those who enjoy a bookish conversation with a man of considerable charm will find much to please them in In Defence of Letters.