Shorter notices
A Soldier's Diary Yael Dayan (Weidenfeld and Nicolson 25s). Racy first-hand account of the June war—Not war to kill but war in order not to be killed.' Nevertheless, it is a jingoistic document and Lieutenant Dayan is not unduly disturbed at the sight of her first dead Egyptian.
The Penguin Book of Comics George Perry and Alan Aldridge (Penguin 25s). From paleo- lithic reindeer and the Bayeux tapestry to Bar- barella and Andy Capp—superbly illustrated and documented history of strip cartoons and comic books. All the old favourites from both sides of the Atlantic: the Yellow Kid. Batman and Peanuts, Jane, Flook and Modesty Blaise.
The Florentine Renaissance Vincent Cronin (Collins 45s). Falls into the category of history as literature: a fascinating story eloquently told and packed with recondite detail. Very poor reproductions, otherwise a model history for the general reader.
Between Maule and Amazon Arnold J. Toynbee (out) 25s). An oddly dim little travel book on Latin America: gives the impression of a rather hasty journey and a haphazard itinerary. What we do get is, as always, good, but the want,of curiosity is often felt.
ldanre and other poems Wale Soyinka (Methuen I6s). First collection of poems from the jailed Nigerian playwright. A highly indi- vidual voice, sometimes pretentious, often clumsy, never dull, and particularly striking for its alien nature imagery.
Medieval Irish Lyrics selected and translated by James Carney (Dolmen Press/our' 30s). In- teresting introductory anthology, including poems in Latin as well as Gaelic. Some singu- larly allusive and gnomic shorter lyrics:
Critic he, Tender lad, daire 036, a darling this, dein é, grove of nuts, p6can worth a kiss.
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