* * * * I commented last week on the
remarkable fact that the first edition of the new los. 6d. Bible-25,000 copies—was sold out in the first week. Little less surprising is the success achieved by the Religious Book Club just inaugurated by the Student Christian Movement Press. Though the first volume (by Canon F. R. Barry ; there could be no better choice) does not appear till next week, the Club, has already enrolled io,000 members, which it is interesting to observe is considerably more than the famous Left Book Club mustered at a corresponding stage in its career. The Religious Book Club is less lavish in its offers than its forerunner. It does not profess to give 18s. for 2s. 6d., but 6s. or 5s. or 4s. 6d. for 2s. And it only intends at present to provide its members with six books a year. With all deference to the Student Movement I see in this not so much successful business enterprise (though no doubt it is that) as another evidence, one of many I could cite, of a widespread desire to learn more of what religion means without being forced into premature professions. Reading books labels no one. Going to Church may.
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