"THE Oxford Companion" is perhaps the most useable book of reference that has appeared in modern times. For anyone studying English literature, or, in fact, any literature, it is practically indispensable; for anyone merely interested in it, the book will prove a guide, an aid, a companion.

Beside listing every writer in English down to the present time, "The Oxford Companion" includes information about all authors, ancient or modern, that have in any way affected or influenced English literature, even those who might be alluded to. Under the name of each author a short account of his life and writings is given with special attention to dates; under the titles of particular works, there is a description of something of their contents and general nature. Summaries of the plots of important works of fiction--not long enough, to be sure, to keep Professors like Greenough from recommending it in their courses. Characters are discussed at length: and phrases used in the language are defined.

There is nothing, in fact, that is not touched on from historical events to the discoveries of science. Undoubtedly mistakes occur, undoubtedly there are omissions, most frequent perhaps among the works of contemporary writers whom Sir Paul Harvey has not thought of sufficient importance. But the book contains an inestimable wealth of information in a form so handy few can afford not to use it. Particularly it should be of advantage to men preparing for divisional examinations in any moderns language Department, but most especially in English. R. M. M.

The first novel of George Weller '29, "Not to Eat, Not for Love," will be published on April 20th by Harrison Smith and Robert Haas. The story is built around the life of a Harvard Junior, and is a brilliant satire of modern college life. Weller was an editor of the CRIMSON, he played football and baseball, and wrote the 1929 Hasty Pudding play. Since leaving college, he has worked his way around the world, and is now covering the Insull case in Athens for the New York Times. Already critics have acclaimed it the best novel of the year.

Paul Hoffman '32 will have his first novel published by Harpers in September.

"The Brass Cannon," the second-novel of Charles Allen Smart '26 has just been published by W. W. Norton and Company. It will be reviewed in the CRIMSON in the near future.

E. E. Cummings '15's latest novel "Elmi," Covici-Friede, will be reviewed soon.