Since Fifty

THIS handsome volume is one more reminder of the interesting fact that as a rule painters write uncommonly well. The reason may be that the basic problems of painting and writing are much the same. Composing a book is quite like composing a picture. It calls for a similar editorial skill with difficulties of organization and with the management of detail, of color, of light and shade. Sir William Rothenstein writes as well as he paints. In this book he covers the period from 1922, his fiftieth year, down to the present. As in his Men and Memories, he deals largely with his friendships, most of which are holdovers from the political, artistic, and literary pre-war world. The rest of the book is made up of wise reflections on the current practice of the arts. The work is illustrated with well-chosen drawings by the author, and the publishers deserve praise for the excellence of the reproductions, as also tor the typography and presswork. One seldom sees a volume done in better taste throughout.