Brought to Heel. By Kent Carr. (W. and R. Chambers.
5s.) —This is a school story, in which a somewhat doubtful subject, the jealousy between the Classical Side and the newly established Modern Side, is made the turning-point. The situation, as set forth in the opening chapter, is scarcely probable. A certain Powell is described as a boy who "could turn out Greek iambics which the Doctor would read aloud with solemn pride to the whole school (!)" Yet he is on the Modern Side, which was established, we are told, "when he had reached the Sixth Form." To transfer so brilliant a scholar seems a little odd. What could he learn of Modern Side subjects in the brief time which remained to him of school life? In chap. 2 we are told of the appointment of a new • Head-Master, a most extraordinary scene in the Master's room, and a scene still more extraordinary in the school when the appointment is announced. It must be conceded that it was a little odd to put in a scientist, even though he had a European reputation, who had not "had the advantage of a University education."—In the next book on our list, By a Schoolboy's Hand, by Andrew Home (A. nude. Black, 3s. 6d.), there are improbabilities, but of a less irritating kind. It is as well, indeed, that the average boy should not have the agitating experiences which befell Dick Norman. His father mysteriously disappears when he is about to return to school after his Christmas holidays, and a villainous guardian hints to him that he is little better than a pauper. After this adventures by land and sea, and escapes from smugglers and other men of violence, are almost a relief. Anyhow, we have a brisk and readable story. —Jefferson Junior, by Meredith Fletcher (Blackie and Son, 38. 6d.), keeps within more usual lines of incident. It is of the customary kind of school story, with practical jokes and fun of various kinds; in fact, almost any- thing but books. This should be quite true to life.—It is, perhaps, equally true to life that in Mrs. Pritchard's School, by Mrs. L. T. Meade (W. and R. Chambers, 6s.), there should be a great deal about books. Rhoda Mangerton, the favourite of every one in the school, wishes to add to her successes the dis- tinction of winning the first prize for an essay on Voltaire, though unfortunately she cannot write French. (Is it a feminine touch that another competitor desires the medal in order that she may coax out of her father a gold chain to hang it on ?) From , Rhoda's ambition come Mae lacrymae, very abundant and very bitter. Mrs. Meade knows how to work a subject of this kind.
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