A Slim . IN THE PARK. By William Plomer. (Cape, 7s.
6d.) A Slim. IN THE PARK. By William Plomer. (Cape, 7s. 6d.) THIS small collection of Mr. Plomer's novelties reveals a most pleasing development in his verse, away from the harsh and macabre to- wards a blander and more elaborate fantasy. A Victorian anecdote, a memory of Edwardian pomp, or the gnomes and bird-baths of the bungaloid fringe set going a talent quick to guy absurdities, which is at the same time captivated by the richness of association that lies in the oddest things.
A loving parody of Thomas Hardy, a series of variations on the theme of Victorian sea- bathing, and a touching apotheosis of an elderly refugee lady into a heaven of edible
fungi are three triumphs in contrasted styles. M r. Plomer's mastery of language, of near- parody and of metre keep him always on the move. At moments he seems the Thomas Hood of today, though shy of puns; at others he is a social commentator to be classed with Clough; and there are times, too, when he is a grotesque genre-painter, the equal of Sir Osbert Sitwell. It is only at his serious moments that his success is doubtful. The curious ending of 'The Bungalows,' with a comparison of their low-pitched roofs to those of the stable at Bethlehem, is too abrupt in its change of level to be convincing. But his final ballad for two voices. 'Bamboo,' floats smoothly just above the sentimentality line. Mr. Plomer asks to be read aloud. He deserves to be.
J. M. COHEN
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