3 JANUARY 1931, Page 30

The publishers observe about Mr. S. Guy Endore's Casanova (Routledge,

15s.) that it is " the first biography " of that interesting rogue and amorist " for a considerable time." In American it may be ; but in English our feeling is that a life of him appears, broadly speaking, about once a quarter. Still this biography must surely add to our stock of Casanova knowledge (if that is desirable or desired), for the sub-title announces that the book discusses ` his known and unknown life." We take the liberty of italicising two words in the

announcement. * * * *