Page 20 Advertisements Column 2

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22491, 27 August 1938, Page 20

THE STORY OF DENMARK Denmark in History. By J. H. S. Birch. John Murray. 444 pp. (22/6) In his preface, Mr Birch explains that he has "endeavoured to present in readable form the story of Denmark from prehistoric times to the present age." Its four parts deal with prehistoric and medieval times, the era of nobility, absolute monarchy, and the constitutional era. The most important of the old sagas are told. They include the very blood-thirsty one- of Hamlet, which was telescoped, compressed, and generally made more meaningful by Shakespeare. Rolf Krake, Roar and Helge, and Skjold are other sagas that set the tone for Mr Birch's history of Denmark's vigorous life through the centuries. Among the tales of bloodshed, battle, and conquests are references to the domestic and cultural life of the Danes; and here and there the author pauses in his narrative to give extracts from a king's journal. In describing the character of King Christian IV he says: Owing to his simplicity of mind, he was wont to lose himself in the smaller things of life. Entries of the following kind would appear in his diary: "The lamplighter's wife, who is 22, has just had twins. He is 88. I intend investigating the matter. An elephant arrived in town which could dance, fight, and kneel. Also two Dutch ambassadors, who could do nothing. Must see that the nurse I have dismissed does not scratch the face of the new There are maps and illustrations and genealogical tables to add to the usefulness of Mr Birch's book.