15 SEPTEMBER 1928, Page 28

THE PROMISED LAND. By Sir Gilbert Parker. (Cassell. 7s. 6d.)—Sir

Gilbert Parker 'has retold, in fictional form, the Old Testament story - of David. He has obviously studied thoroughly both the period and the scene of David's exploits, and it goes without saying that he has produced a vivid and interesting narrative. But has he added anything really vital to a tale that is matchless in its original form ? It would have been better if he had confined himself to commentary, of which he incidentally gives us a good deal. The attempt to rewrite the actual story is an attempt to refine pure gold.