23 NOVEMBER 1912, Page 27

The English Character. By Spencer Leigh Hughes, M.P. (" Sub

Rosa.") (T. N. Foulis. 5s. net.)—In the two dozen essays that make up this volume Mr. Hughes nominally discusses various -characteristics of English life. In reality he gives himself far more latitude, and writes, most pleasantly and colloquially, upon whatever subject promises most enjoyment to the reader. What- ever he touches upon, his outlook is quietly and unaffectedly humorous, and, if his anecdotes are not all new, most of them are worth telling. Those who have enjoyed Mr. Hughes on his less ambitious appearances in the daily press will be glad to renew their acquaintance with him in these pages.