15 SEPTEMBER 1928, Page 31

Although Robert Burns undoubtedly returned at times to debauchery, "

like a sow that is washed to her wallowing in the mire," Mr. Brimley Johnson is indisputably right in saying that his spirit is enshriried' in the heart of the world. The Letters of Robert .Burns (Bodley Head, 6s.) which he selects and introduces would hardly justify their publication except

for the fact of Burns' genius, yet many will enjoy them.