16 DECEMBER 1955, Page 8

THE BEST thing to say about the fourth Bedside Guardian

(Collins, 12s. 6d.) is that while all the pieces are equal in their excellence, some are more equal than others. But some people are foolish enough to keep on supposing that 'journalism' is somehow or other not 'writing.' The Manchester Guardian's- practice of publishing an annual selection of articles from its columns may eventually muffle them; for in fact there is little better plain English prose being written today than in the pages which light tomorrow's fire or wrap up the fish. • * *