CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN NOVELISTS, 1900-1920. By Casl Van Doren. (Macmillan. 7s.
net.)
In this book, Dr. Van Doren has brought his study of the American novel up to date. His categories are slightly academic, but when taken in connexion with Waldo Frank's historical perspective in The New America, they become really significant, and afford a much-needed guide to the excellent new work now coming from the United States. If Dr. Van Doren's absolute critical standards seem to be a little broader than we should permit ourselves, still he is judicious and his relative standards are trustworthy. Whether one has read the books which Dr. Van Doren discusses or not, his criticism is very pleasant reading, and its sincere enthusiasm is infectious. The reader wants to read the many novels mentioned, not because Dr. Van Doren makes them seem deceptively attractive, but because his carefully con- sidered analyses prove that the books are worth reading. Moreover, with Dr. Van Doren and Mr. Frank to supply an interpretive background for them, these books will now take on an added significance for us on this side of the ocean. If only it were not so difficult to get these works in our book- shops ! It is discouraging to have to wait the usual fortnight or three weeks for most of them.
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