MR LANSBURY AND HIS TIMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22742, 30 November 1935, Page 4

MR LANSBURY AND HIS TIMES

" Looking Backwards —and Forwards.” By Georgs Lansbury, M.P. Illustrated. London: Blackle, 12s 6d-

George Lansbury has a pleasant chat with one in his new book. It ig not his autobiography, but an “ unco-ordinated series of reminiscences.” He gives sketches of the rude London of hia boyhood 70 years ago. and of London to-day; games, schools, festivals, localities, Sundays and gambling are discussed and compared interestingly in the easy conversational style of this well-known, kindly old man. He comments upon the improvements in the conditions of his main interest. the working class, but notes also that its hag not completed its Odyssey to Socialism. “ Looking Backwards—and Forwards ” gives one a lively insight into the life of a politician—lauded and derogated, beaten and victorious, bedridden and active, always mentally virile, mindful of the necessities and shortcomings of his fellows. Mr Lansbury’s accounts of the people he has known provide equal variety. Liberals, Single Taxers, parsons, agitators, Tories, bishops who recognised the position of workers and the desperate poor, suffragists. Communists and trade union pioneers all come within the scope of his review. There is affirmed throughout the book the author's hope and faith in the power of society to work out its destiny to a classless establishment and the emancipation of humanity, hut Mr Lansbury’s pen is never diverted to propaganda. For members of the older generation especially, and those who know London, “Looking Backwards —and Forwards ” should provide most pleasant readjjg - R. H. S.