The many friends of the late Col . Aubrey Herbert
will welcome a new edition of Mons, Anzac and Kut (Hutchinson, 7s: 6d.), with a preface by Mr. Desmond MacCarthy. The latter pays tribute to the wonderful charity and courtesy of the author and to that deep, instinctive democracy of his that broke down all barriers between nations as well as classes. Everyone trusted Herbert : he was a Christian gentleman ; his influence was, and still is, a precious asset making for good will in countries where age-old hatreds and suspicions are unfor- tunitely rife. Perhaps Mr. MacCarthy under-rates the part that Herbert played in politics. True, he was " a light- weight debater." He never cared for the twists and turns of party intrigue, but the House filled up when he was on his feet, not only because he was known to be absolutely sincere, but because beneath his airy manner he had a very real knowledge of Eastern affairs. Others might spout Balkan statistics': Herbert could tell us of the heart of the Turks and the Albanians. Also his blindness may have added to his power of extempore speaking : apt and well- turned phrases came easily to him, and influenced his hearers. He was loved wherever he went, and respected as he respected others. Mr. Augustine Birrell calls this book " a master- piece," and Mr. Compton Mackenzie " one of the very best books about the War." We agree. It is full of his courage,
his kindness, and the sparkle of his faithful spirit. • go • •
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