28 APRIL 1928, Page 19

A preface by Mr. Winston Churchill, describing The Secret . Battle,

by Mr. A. P. Herbert (Methuen, 8s. 6d.), as "a soldier's tale cut in stone to melt all hearts," admirably describes this remarkable novel founded on fact. It is the story—we arc quoting Mr. Churchill again—of " a gallant soldier, borne down by stresses incredible to those who have not endured them." The author himself has " passed not unscathed, but, undaunted, through much and some of the worst of what he describes," and develops his tale with the measure of faithful- ness of a Greek tragedy. The book was first published in 1919: this cheaper reprint should find it many new readers.

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