Most books on India 'arc or either by' Government
officials, by native politicians, or by tourists who judge hastily of what they do not understand. India an Trial, by J. E. Woolacott (Macmillan, 10s.), is exceptional in that it is the- work of an experienced Anglo-Indian journalist, .who has spent twenty years in India—latterly as editor of that great journal the Piimeer of Allahabad--and who is independent of . the bureaucracy and the politicians alike. Mr. Woolaeott knows the .questions that the average English reader would put to him about India, and answers them in this very lucid and instructive book. ..He- begins by destroying once again the fantastic • falsehood of a- prosperous . India reduced to poverty by British rule—a falsehood of which even Mr. Gandhi makes frequent use. We found India- in .poverty and chaos and have made her peaceful and relatively pro- sperous ; the peasant's conservatism and extravagance; dictated by custom, remain obstacles_ to his advancement. Mr. Woolacott deals yery_plainly with the Swanijists, whom he accuses of reckless mendacity. Religious fanaticism; leading to incessant conflicts ,between Hindu and MoSleni. he regards, as India's gravest problem. He takes a serious view of the Bolshevik menace to peace 'in India. The maintenance of our connexion with India is essential, lie believes, to her
progress and her prosperity. - •
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