14 AUGUST 1926, Page 18

" Every table laid for a meal is a confession

of character," says Clarisse or The Old Cook (Methuen. 5s.). He is dead against second helpings—" the flavour of a stew or grill will not last "—and he quotes Brillat-Savarin, " mutual (sic) appreciation of good food has a more marked influence on happiness than anything else in married life." Mr. A. B. Walkley presents us with a lordly dish of laughter by way of preface.