THE COMEDIANS. By Louis Couperus. Translated by J. Menzies Wilson.
(Cape. 7s. 6d. net.)—Tales of ancient days, unleis they be tales of adventure purely, often read -tediously or are too obviously erudite. Mr. Couperus in The Comedians has avoided both these faults brilliantly in a story of a band of actors in Ancient Rome. He gives a magnificent description of a theatrical performance before the Emperor Domitian, Roman dignitaries, and a seething concourse of people. Interest throughout is concentrated .on the actors themselves, that proud little band of exquisitely trained slaves. Most endearing of them all are the twins, Cecilius and Cecilianus, who play the " women's parts." The escapades of these adventurous and gifted rogues introduce them to men of renown like Tacitus and Suetomus, and the book altogether, without seeming consciously to do so, paints in the most lively way imaginable a brilliant perspective of the past. The translator is to be congratulated on his management of this likeable and engaging book.
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