12 MAY 1928, Page 42

Lord Edward Gleichen writes a very useful and practical introduction

to his book on London's Open-Air Statuary (Longmans, 21s.), pointing out, among many things, how-the smoke-polluted atmosphere of London destroys to a great extent the beauty. of our statuary, except in the case t:4 Portland stone, that' most English of all mediums. Perhaps this accounts for the ignorance Of the average Englishman on the subject of sculpture : Lord Edward's book should do much to dissipate it. Four hundred London statues are

described in detail and their historical background is also-

. _ given. *