REMINISCENCES OF THE EDITOR OF . THE " FIELD "
The Sunlit Hours ; a Record -of :Slcirt and Life. By Theodore Andrea Cook, Editor of the Field; • (Nisbet. 18s.) THE great difficulty in any biography is deciding what to leave out. Sir Theodore -Cook has simplified his task by settling in advance that his retrospect; which goes back to the late 'seventies, should- recall only what was jolly. Naturally, he warns his readers against concluding that every writer on sport has a splendid time all the time ; but most of- us will wish we -had had his chances—none the less becauSe he Made:Most of them for himself. Nobody gets into the OXford- eight except by hard- slogging ; but to have got there is one of the best passports to life—especially when the Blue is also a scholar, a horseman, and a fine all-round athlete. To judge by this book, rowing remained for Sir Theodore the dominant interest, though the most brilliant of his passages have to do with horses-.4 subject which lends itself better to literature. But it would be unjust and ungrateful to suggest that this is a book only for athletes and sportsmen. For example, Sir -Theodore COok was lucky enough to run into the arms of Dumas firs at Mont St. Michel, and French scholar enough to tempt him to describe how Dumas pt re was brought (after the hilarious celebration of a dramatic success) before the authorities-at-Rouen—he, his leading lady, and all the company. -Asked his name and quality, " Dumas," said he, " Alexandre, and if--I were not in the town Where Corneille was tiOrn, I should call' myself ituteur dramatiyue." The leading lady came next; " Dejazet," said she, " Mick, and if I were not in 'the' town where Joan of Arc was burnt, je me dirais pucelle should- tall myself a Maid)." There are heaps of such -Stories- and the book ends with a whole bouquet' of them. Highly commended, and recommended.
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