11 SEPTEMBER 1926, Page 24

CHRISTIE'S, 1766-1925. By H. C. MARILLIER. (Constable. £2 2s.)—This is

a wholly charming and delightful volume, telling the story of the great auction rooms from the days of James Christie the first, the Specious Orator," whom we see excellently portrayed in colour with white wig, ruff, blue surtout and tortoise-shell spectacles, tiptilt over shaggy brows, to July, 1925, when the Sargent water colours-were sold at prices ' beyond all reason," as ex-King Manoel (himself an admirer of Sargent) said. Yet who will question that the dashing study of Carmencita singing is not worth £5,000, or even a king's ransom ? Lovers of good things will love

this book. . ,