7 JUNE 1968, Page 21

Shorter notice

A Nest of Tigers John Lehmann (Macmillan 50s). The Sitwells' particular blend of enfant- terrible exhibitioniSm and aristocratic pride, belligerence- and scorn is difficult to grasp, as is their so often moving away from the cen- tral preoccupations of most writers in favour of satire, fantasy and aesthetic extravaganza. One is grateful, where so much is uneven, for some fine poems, a superb autobiography and a number of useful and seminal reassessments in the arts. Mr Lehmann has not improved the situation with this superficially entertain- ing but basically empty book. Too often it reads like the work of a family clerk silo is anxious not to offend the formidable figures looking over his shoulder.