Spanish Galicia. By Aubrey F. G. Bell. (Lane. 7s. 6d.
net.) This charming little book by an accomplished Spanish scholar and traveller fulfils its purpose by making the reader desire eagerly to visit Galicia. Mr. Bell has a good word for the people whom the Castilians and Basques despise as slow-witted, but who are at any rate industrious farmers and who excel in lyrio poetry. The motor-'bus has penetrated into Galicia, but has not spoiled the picturesque and little known towns like Lugo or Orense or Pontevedra, familiar by name to students of the Peninsular campaigns. There is a particularly attractive chapter on La Corufia, which bygone English seamen used to call The Groyne," and on Santiago, where the pilgrimages, once so famous, are showing signs of revival. Mr. Bell translates a number of the old Galician songs and some modern poems and quatrains (cantigas), and gives several examples of the musical settings at the end of his entertaining book.
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