1 OCTOBER 1927, Page 19

Once more Mr. Lucas takes us travelling, whether we will

or no. It is to Jamaica this time, and on numerous little journeys as well. • Although the excursions to A Fronded Isle (Methuen, 6s.) are not quite so delightful as others have been, Mr. Lucas is still the perfect tourist, looking through his rose-coloured spectacles at a world that never fails to entrance him. He remembers the days of his youth so vividly that he makes us remember our own, and (herein lies his charm) he writes so personally that we feel that we are the recipients of cherished confidences and the sharers of his meticulously hhosen meals. He is really at his best when discussing food— inn luncheons, Jamaican breakfasts, stolen fruit, and—most delicious of all—Le Pudding de Rumpsteak as prepared by a Frenchman who supposes that the British housewife is lavish with her cooking brandy. When_ the author does stray off the map or out of the restaurant he writes letters to animals, discOufses on humorous poetry, or tells of strange coincidences.

The chapter on " Murders and Motives " should be a boon

to the hostess who does not know how to entertain her guests. We are thoroughly grateful to Mr. Lucas, and it would be

churlish to say he has written better, although it would be true. * * * *