23 JUNE 1923, Page 19

Lass of the Sword. By C. E. Lawrence. (Murray. 7s.

6d.)

It is extraordinary that a living writer should be able to escape from his twentieth century environment of intellectual scepticism, moral cynicism, and nervous unrest ; yet the author of this romance has done so. His story might be a newly discovered palatine lay of old France, an " Amis and Amile," an " Aucassin and Nicolette," for it is inspired by the same spirit of amity and wistfulness that informs them. That spirit is a " folk " quality which began with Mother Eve, and is to be found in quiet, green places. It is not a popular quality, but the author will not object to being praised for possessing it, knowing that he has thereby the secret of joy, of youth and of generosity.