21 MARCH 1931, Page 40

Messrs. William Blackwood are publishing this week a highlY characteristic

book, which one would instantly label a Blackwood : and that is praise enough. A Celtic Hulk Burly, by L. Luard (7s. 6d.), is ostensibly the story of the building of a " thoroughbred ocean racer ' and of her racing but it covers much besides. Intending travellers to the Continent, for instance, will profit abundantly by Mr. Luard's description of the napkin trick, and other amiable devices. The test of a book like this is its power to interest the land- lubber. If Mr. Luard can do that (and he has interested a very unpromising specimen of the tribe) his welcome from the initiates should be certain.