EVERYMAN’S LIBRARY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 17

EVERYMAN’S LIBRARY

(i) Stories, Essays, and Poems. By Aldous Huxley, (ii) Candida and Other Tales. By Voltaire, (iii) English Religious Verse. An Anthology compiled by G. Lacey May. Everyman’s Library, Nos. 935-937. J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd. (2/- net each.) In a brief foreword to this collection of his writings, Mr Huxley says that' it contains “certain fragments of the books . . which I have written because I wanted to, because the wolf was at the door and I had to, because the composition of them was a form of self-exploration and self-education, and because I had things to say which I wanted people to read.” It is interesting to note again how very good his travel writing is, placed among the essays, stories, and poems. The volume of Voltaire —which includes the admirable “Zadig” and three other pieces as well as “Candide” —is introduced in an essay by H. N. Brai-'sford, who thinks Voltaire “perhaps the most accomplished artist in words of any age,” whose art was supported by “incomparable industry and unparalleled daring.” The essay is a fine piece of summary writing. Mr May, who writes his own in troduction, interprets “religious” more liberally than some anthologists—and readers. The result appears in the varied wealth of this collection and in some surprises; and surprise will stimulate a more thoughtful reading of certain fine poems here. Mr May’s work is very well done.