The Comedy of Progress. By Reginald Turner. (Greening and Co.
6s.)—Problems and politics are dealt with by Mr. Reginald Turner in The Comedy of Progress, and both are to a certain extent successfully treated. The plain man (or woman) will find the beautiful and powerful Lady Sothern rather difficult to believe in, for the day is surely past in most professions when a clever woman can push a mediocre man to celebrity. The language of the smart world is, according to Mr. Turner, unblushingly frank, for he makes his hero say to Lady Sothern on being introduced, "I have heard her his mother; speak of the beautiful girl she loved and admired so much," to which compliment the lady answers frankly, "My dear Mr. Yorke, you are very handsome," which reminds one of nothing but the rhyme about "butter ladled from alternate tubs." In accordance with the present fashion, current events and actual political parties are alluded to under a thin disguise. Indeed, the publisher says in a most appreciative little notice of the book which he is kind enough to print on the paper cover that readers will recognise some of the minor characters in the book. The story is readable, and the pictures of society are not badly drawn.
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