14 MARCH 1952, Page 34

Speaking of Switzerland. By G. R. De Beer, F.R.S. (Eyre

and Spottiswoode. 21s.) DR. DE BEER'S latest book on Switzerland is a distinguished piece of work. In twenty separate essays, some of which have appeared in print before, he has sought to distil the nature of the appeal which that country makes to himself and others. One of the secrets is, of course, its romantic history; scenery by itself is not enough. Switzerland is peopled by famous ghosts, and its passes have been made more memorable in almost every great inter- national crisis since the time of Hannibal. Accounts are given of many celebrated Alpine travellers, and there is a very full bibliography. It is a little strange that this does not include the tour which Dorothy Wordsworth made with her poet brother in