The writing of historical romance requires a surer touch than
is possessed by Mr. Frederiek de Reichenberg, the author of Prince Metternich in Love. and War (Richards Press, as.). Mr. de. Reichenberg has built upon a basis of enormous informa- tion ; his " constant researches were immeasurably facilitated by social contacts and professional affiliations " ; but he SV2S ill-advised to abandon the writing of an " exhaustive reference book" in favour of "a more palatable form." For the result is really far more exhaustive than it is palatable. MG:: than 400 pages only carry the narrative as far as 1815. They. contain a vast and conscientious accumulation of historia facts, flavoured with meticulous accounts of the colour and materials of the clothes worn by, the principal figure3, together with a certain amount of amorous by-play. Princess Bagration is " ravishing in flinty pink lingerie -T .and Metternich is " maculate in brown knickers a sh;de darker than his beige stockings," and their affaire, like many others, is depicted with much frilly detail: It is a pity, because the material was goad.
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