Christopher Morley in Off the Deep End (Heinemann, 7s. 6d.)
exhibits a Contagious enthusiasm concerning the picturesque diversities of life and letters. Whether he journey bodily on trains or yachts, or drift spiritually in a far-flung reverie, he offers the. intimate confidences of a divining mind: With him you smell the chilly seas that wash round Nova Scotia, see the sunlight- slant through WychwoOd, drink red wine upon .its own enchanted soil, and enjoy a candid impression of Geneva. Soiree wild amusement is wrung from the pages of M. Chaix, compiler of French railway timetables ; and two most engrossing conks are very skilfully distilled from Bataille's Causes Criminelles et Mondaines. Certain little plays distribute a radiant mischief about the volume, casting a few subtle darts like those that fly in Thunder on the Left. As a critic, Mr. Morley in his more casual references occasion- ally exceeds in generosity ; but his considered estimates of authors like C. E. Montague are examples of penetrating. appreciation. A particularly just and delightful page is devoted to the exquisite art of the late Elinor Wylie. This is a friendly, charming book, offering choice. of many refreshing themes, especially to a jaded mood.
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