28 FEBRUARY 1925, Page 19

Mrs. Arnold Bennett has written a study of Arnold Bernell,

" his habits, outlook, and home life " (Philpot), and pleasantly surprises us by her reticence. In this respect she is so exemplary that we are scarcely conscious of having learned anything about Mr. Bennett. The facts that remain most in our minds are that the manuscript of The Old Wives' Tale was written throughout in printed letters and that the dog was taught not to bark even at tramps during the hours when Mr. Bennett was at work. We are given an impression of strong and controlled energy and of sedulous efficiency. The book is neither good nor bad : it was hardly worth writing, but no harm is done. It is certainly better than the opening sentence would suggest :—" Shall I ever forget the day I met him ? "