Reviews.

“George VI,” by Hector Bolitho (Eyre & Spottiswoode, London) establishes our celebrated New Zealand author as the leading royal biographer of his day. I should say this latest biography was a most difficult one to write, possibly as difficult as the much discussed “Edward VIII.” To present a sincere portrait of a reigning monarch requires some artistic diplomacy. Bolitho has, with considerable skill, revealed in the present King a very human, rather serious-minded and undoubtedly sincere man. Many new aspects of his character, and stories of his career are told, and we realise that our new King is, in spite of his quiet reserve, a lovable figure”. Every aspect of his personality is discussed. Occasionally the Duke of Windsor appears in the pages as a rather tragic and pathetic figure. Many fine illustrations illuminate the text.

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“Bloomers,” by John Audrey (Angus & Robertson, Sydney) is a collection of faux pas from current journals, signs, posters and letters. Howlers, printers’ errors, etc., may all come under the generic term of faux pas and they are invariably retailed with great relish. Those who wish to add to their stock of unintentional humour will find plenty of new material in this book.

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“Wednesday's Children,” by Robin Hyde (Hurst & Blackett, London) is just the type of fantastic novel that Miss Iris Wilkinson would write. This is really her first novel, for “Passport to Hell” and “Check to Your King” were really not fiction. “Wednesday's Children” is immensely clever, almost absurdly original and has wrapped up in it a fair amount of the atmosphere of New Zealand. Everybody will fall in love with Wednesday.

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“Up To Sixteen,” by Lindsay M. Constable (Handcraft Press, Wellington) is a collection of verse for which the author, in a brief introduction, offers apologies. Apologies accepted.