5 JANUARY 1929, Page 25

* * * * A useful and refreshing book is

The Real Men in Public Life, by Mr. A. P. Nicholson (Coffins, 12s. 6d.). Mr. Nicholson is very fair to Labour, and almost too kind to semi-revolu- tionaries like Mr. Wheatley. One of the happiest of his essays is that on Mr. J. H. Thomas. But the bulk of the book is concerned very naturally with the present Cabinet. He aims at no epigrammatic appraisals, no cynicism, brilliance; or disclosures ; but at fair judgment and plain speaking. There is here no gossip and innuendo, but many an interesting fact about the men who are governing us now, or may be doing so in the future. We can thoroughly recommend this book.