25 MARCH 1955, Page 28

The Story of England. By William McElwee. (Faber, 15s.)

THE intention of this new series. The Story of . . , is to relate the histories of selected countries 'for the general reader and for the younger generation. If Major McElwee's, the first of the series, is representative, they should prove valuable, though it might be argued that the approach is slightly old-fashioned. Begin- ning with Alfred the Great and ending in 'England's Finest Hour,' the book sets out to establish the continuity of English history in a manner more likely to appeal to the English than to the alien—or even the British—reader. Still, within those• limits the judgements on events and individuals are sound; and the book

consistently readable. ivoR tittlEN