23 JANUARY 1926, Page 24

CURRENT LITERATURE

THE LOST SWORD OF SHAMYL. By Lewis Stanton Palen. (The Bodley geed. 6s.) Ix The Lost Sword of Shamyl Mr. Lewis Stanton Palen tells the story of the early life and adventures of " The White Devil

of the Black Sea." Those who have read that delightful romance will be eager to read this further tale of fighting and wild horses, and the martial sentiment which all through the ages has given a certain personality to arms. Such a picture of wild youth in a wild country has something tonic in it even for those for whom boyhood is a memory and adventures must be sought in books. Besides, the story of Shamyl, who defied the might of Russia, has the advantage of being true.