Welsh Journals

sufficiently sympathetic, and yet critical. On the whole, 'perhaps, too much is made of the shabby side of Beethoven's career, with no sufficient attempt to bring out its fundamental nobility. With the section devoted to a review of his works we are less satisfied. What is most talking is not technical criticism, but that kind of criticism which will explain to the general reader why Beethoven is ranked, not merely with the greatest musicians, but with the greatest men of all tilme-with Plato, with Dante, with Shakespeare, and with Napoleon. To do this adequately demands very great critical powers, and very broad as well as profound learn- ing; it is the sort of thing that only a man like Sir Henry Hadow, steeped in the best literature, painting, (philosophy, and music of the world can accomplish. Mr Graice certainly fails below the mark. If, however, he is lacking in the highest gifts of the critic, he possesses many valuable ones, and we can recommend this book as an admirable introduction to an inexhaustible subject. W.W.D. Realms of Light and Healing. Mrs Robotton and Mrs Doyle, (Rider; 2/6). This little hook is a blend of Faith Healing, Spiritism and Occultism. There is no -reason to doubt the cure in the one or two given oases, but the reader may be forgiven for ibeing sceptical as to the modus operandi. There is the record of thirty-two visions" strangely lacking in variety and as seen in a state of trance by one lady whilst undergoing ta. cure," and related to another lady who wrote them down. The visions are similar in kind .to descriptions of the Spirit world as given at seances and are as equally unconvincing. A.V.W. Bird Facts and Fallacies. Lewis R. W. Loyd. (Hutchinson; 10/6). As a substantial supplement to such works as Hulme's Natural History Lore and Legend," Swanson's Folk-lore of British Birds;" Phipson's Animal Lore of Shakespeare's Time," Bosworth Smith's Birds and Bird-loTe," this book is invaluable. Mr Loyd has succeeded, in spite of necessary quotations from an extensive Bibliography, in preserving.an individual and attrac- tive style. In dealing with the legend of BTon- rniuddyn (burnt-breast) he omits to refer to Whittier's poem beginning My old Welsh neigh- bour over the way- He gives as one rendering of the rkig-dove's croon: Curr dhoo! curr dhoo! _u Love me and I'll love you." The Cardigan- shore interpretation of the song in my own boy- hood days was—" Cyrch du, du, yn fy nghwd i, Cyrch du, du, yn fy nghwd i"—" Black, black oata in my crop." Altogether a delightful book. J.T.L. The Hound Table, March. Macmillan and Co.; 5/ This Imperial quarterly is always replete with the products of fresh minds upon matters of topical or recurring interest, and the current issue is a superlative instance of careful editing and well co-ordinated staff work. The report of the Imperial Conference is analysed and its psychological value in particular stressed. The writer also calls fox a closer co-operation between the British Common- wealth and the League of Nations in the cause of peace. Although the article on China could not be abreast of the latest developments in the far East it contains much elucidatory matter which gives the reader a better understanding of the causes of the great upheaval. An insight into the in- dustrial workings of the United States of America is given in a long article and can profitably be read side by side with ,a review of the trade outlook in the home country. The currency problems of the Irish Free State come under review and the economic stability of the Western Isle is fairly and frankly discussed. The Colonial articles, as usual, bring us to close grips with realities overseas; Bind such matters as the native question in South- Africa, the revolt against tariffs- in Western AustraiMa, the economic restrictions irt New ZeaJand and the political issues in Canada are explained in all. their important bearings. G.N.P. God and the Absolute. By T. G. Dunning, Ph.D. (3/ Student Christian Movement). This is a meta- physical essay dealing with the (relation between God and the Absolute. The writer refuses to iden- tify God with the Absolute, but defines him as the life of the Absolute. He maintains that the whole or the universe moves in two directions; the one towards a systematic unity in which every detail has its determined place, the other towards persons. In so far as the universe is a systematic unity it is the object of philosophic (contemplation; in so tfar as its meets mankind in a personal way it is the object of religious worship. The book is exceedingly difficult to read and it lacks coherence and logical development; it reads like a series of notes rather than a sustained piece of philosophical reasoning. E.E.T. PERIODICALS. Yr Efrydydd," Mawrth, 1927 (Hughes a'i Fab; 6d). "Cymru," Mawrth, 1927 (Hughes a'i Faib; 6d). "Y Cerddor Newydd," March, 1927 (Hughes and Son; 6d). Cymru'r Plant," Mawrth, 1927 (Hughes a'i Fab; 6d). Pax," Winter, 1927 (Benedictines of Oaldey; 1/6). Y Dysgedydd," Mawrth, 1927 (Hughes Bros. Dolgellau; 4d). Y Drysorfa," Mawrth, 1927 (Caernarfon; 4d). "Secren Gomer," Mawrth, 1927 (William Jones, Barmouth). International Labour Review," February, 1927 (George Allen and Unwin; 2/6). THE SCOTTISH LECTURE AGENCY, 1, INDIA BUILDINGS, EDINBURCH. WILL WELSH LECTURERS or SOCIETIES wishing Engagements next Season with SCOTTISH SOCIETIES or LECTURERS, please write the above, with Subjects, approxi- mate dates, whether Slides, etc. Usual Fees from 1 to 7 guineas plus expenses. Moderate commission on Fees obtained.