The Adventures of Akbar. By F. A. Steele. (William Heinemann.
6s. net.)—The great Babas, founder of the so-called Moghul Empire, was Mrs. Steele's hero in a lately published book,- compiled chiefly from that Emperor's own diaries. Babas left his throne to his son, Humayon, father of the mighty Akbar, whose childhood is here described. Humilyon had to fly, an outcast before his disloyal brothers, and the child had strange and exciting adventures. There is historical foundation for these events in Cabul and Kandahar. The rest of the story is made suitable for children, and the details come from the fertile imagination of Mrs. Steele, based upon her great knowledge of the East. In a half-serious, half-humorous manner she describes the almost idolatrous loyalty of the few men and women who attended the lovable little prince through his dangers. She also introduces the most delightful dog and cat, who are of frequent service. The illustrations by Mr. Byam Shaw are, of course, extremely clever and admirably drawn; fashion has dictated that he should also struggle to make his pictures satisfactory when reproduced in colour.
Previous page
