30 AUGUST 1930, Page 29

In Russian Poems (C. W. Daniel. 12s. 6d.), Mr. C.

Fillingliam Coxwell gives us verse translations from fifty Russian poets, ranging from the eighteenth century to the present day. It is the most comprehensive anthology, we have seen of translations from Russian poetry, and has obviously been a labour of love. Mr. Coxwell is a careful, but not an inspired, translator. His versions reproduce with accuracy the form and content of the original, but the reader will—alas 1—gener- ally have to take the poetry for granted. It is a pity that the few translations from contemporary Soviet poetry are the least happy of his efforts. There are some useful notes, and a short preface by Prince •Mirsicy.