The weak point in the story (but it annoys publishers
if you say so) is that there was no reason at all why Mr. William Heinemann should not have had his way. I can think of many people who would be delighted to receive a fee for lunching out repeatedly and for turning the con- versation on to the more recent books published by Mr. William Heinemann. I admit, however, that there was much truth in what Mr. Heinemann said. I am often impelled to visit my bookseller because I hear a book discussed which I know will interest me. I forget to inquire the name of the author or the title of his work. The book thus floats away from my attention like a patch of seaweed passed upon some summer Solent day. Some months ago, for instance, I heard a distinguished General describe a book about William II and the defeat of the Germans. It seemed to me a fascinating book, but I forgot to ascertain the title. Yet chance has so willed it that this particular piece of seaweed has drifted back to me. I have got the book. I have read it. It was even more interesting and opportune than I bad supposed. I therefore pass it on. It is called Der Konig ; it is written by Karl Rosner, and for those who (very sensibly) dislike reading books in German, there is an excel- lent French translation published, under the same German title, by the Librairie Plon.
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