My Discovery of England
by . New York: Dodd, Mead & Co. 1922. 12mo. viii+264 pp. $1.50.
THE popularity of the work of Stephen Leacock is far more than an appreciation of humorous badinage; it is a portent, foretelling the revival of satire as a force in the English-speaking world. We have been dangerously long without it. Stifled by the prevalent pollyanna-ism, whose rose glasses it was heresy to toss aside, powerless against a dozen different superstitions of progress, the wise spirit of irony and ridicule could do naught but leave us to our fates. Gentle digs we have had, and many a sly jest, but no cleansing scourge fora world uncommonly well-stocked with quackeries and rascals.
The muse of satire whom Mr. Leacock leads from her retirement is not, however, the austere figure of the moralists. The world is as yet quite unprepared for so imposing a figure, and Mr. Leacock is too completely a North American to be able to abandon certain tricks and figures of humor which would upset the lady s dignity. Mr. Leacock s muse has borrowed a garment or two from the world’s old friend of the cap and bauble, and is not averse, now and then, from shaking the bells. Woe to him, however, who makes a confusion of identity, for he will find that a touch of the bauble will send him home a-howling!
Mr. Leacock has never used his peculiar and very personal method with greater success than in this present volume devoted to observations made in England. The chapters are much varied, both in subject matter and its treatment. ‘ Impressions of London’ is one of the merriest of chapters; and the pages on the British and the Ameriean press once again reveal the author’s special gifts as a parodist. ‘ We have with us tonight’ is a chronicle for all who have given lectures and suffered introductions to read with silent and understanding sympathy.
Mr. Leacock has never used his peculiar and very personal method with greater success than in this present volume devoted to observations made in England. The chapters are much varied, both in subject matter and its treatment. ‘ Impressions of London’ is one of the merriest of chapters; and the pages on the British and the Ameriean press once again reveal the author’s special gifts as a parodist. ‘ We have with us tonight’ is a chronicle for all who have given lectures and suffered introductions to read with silent and understanding sympathy.
The best of the book, however, is the study called ‘Oxford As I See It,’a study which should be read by everyone interested in the freedom of higher learning in America. Not only is the field of comparison between British and American Universities a matter on which Mr. Leacock can talk with authority, but also the chapter is one which gives him every opportunity to place his satiric wit at the service of his faculties of observation and shrewd judgment.
My Discovery of England is a book for both nations. Reading it will help many to discover Amarica . HENRY BESTON.