CALIBAN V. BRAIN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22419, 4 June 1938, Page 18

CALIBAN V. BRAIN

Question Time: An Omnibus of Problems for a Brainy Day. By Hubert Phillips. J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd. 265 pp. (5s net.) When this book was opened at random, the reviewer’s eye met this astonishing statement: “We can either have a solicitor who is practically dumb or a gentlemanly accountant who drinks.” In it, apparently, is to be found a Hidden Wild Flower. The answer may be found alternatively on an indicated page at the back of the book, for Mr Hubert Phillips (known to readers of the “New Statesman” as “Caliban”) has been kind enough to supply answers to all his problems, from the simplest to the most complicated. There is certainly plenty of fun here. Some of the problems are amusing enough just to read, even when they completely baffle any attempt to solve them: .“Ring me up this afternoon,” said Gladstone. “0.K.,” said Disraeli. “What’s your number?” “Why,” said Gladltone, “I’m very properly on the Gladstone Exchange. Gladstone 7121, the number is.” “Gladstone 7121,” repeated Disraeli. “Hold on a minute, I’ll make a note of it.” “Nonsense,” said Gladstone scornfully. “You don’t have to make a note of that number. Just think a minute

and see that it itThis one is really rather a mean trick; but it is typical of the cheerful stories in which Mr Phillips clothes his puzzles. The book is altogether cheerful, including the apt line illustrations by’ Yvonne Bendell.