"It Can't Happen Here."

By Sinclair Lewis.

This book is described by the publishers as being the result of Sinclair Lewis becoming politidcally conscious. The result is a fine indictment of Fascism.

The criticism levelled against Sinclair Lewis's recent novels is that he concerns himself too greatly with the technical details of his subject-penology in "Ann Vickers," and hotels in "Work o Art"—at the expense of careful character delineation. The literary critic will be able to fine the same fault in this book, but those people interested in the present social trends will find that its material outweighs such shortcomings.

A comparatively enlightened small town editor provides the common background to illustrate the effects of Fascism in U.S.A. The description of this man's down-fall, his imprisonment, his sufferings and his escape epitomise those of thousands, and some readers will exclaim, "There is nothing new in this book, it is just a rehashed descripton of Nazi terrorism." Such readers will be uttering the truth, for the whole aim of the book is to illustrate to Americans who say, "It can't happen here, there where Tammany methods have been so successful. Lewis portrays the rise of a dictator, a man of no moral or political sensibilities, definitely dull, but cunning. Aided by a clever and ruthless secretary, and also by storm troopers he becomes supreme. Then follow the torturings, the beatings, the concentration, camps, in short all the inevitable concomitants of Fascism. The only refuge is Canada and thousands endeavour to escape to find that only starvation awaits them there.

The conclusion of the books, however, is unconvincing. It shows the gradual decay of the Fascist system through assassination, in ternal schisms and foreign wars; the party is swept out and gradually democracy is successfully and happily built up. Such events are unlikely, for once established no-thing short of a violent revolution will overthrow Fascism and to restore a capitalistic democracy is to resow the seeds of Fascism. After readig the book it is interesting to recall that the filming of it was prohibited recently on the ground that it might offend the susceptibilities of other countries -It would appear that Fascism already has its sympathisers American official circles.—H.

Planned Reading

One word more. Plan your reading. And the best way to plan your reading is to go to the few great writers in any subject and note whate they recommend. Most scholarly books have a bibliography at the end. If you read a thundering good book, look for the bibliography and make a short list. You will find good bibliographies the Encyclopaedia Britannia. Perhaps you will suffer one word of advice. The golden rule is surely: Not many but much! Browse among the multitude of books, dip into many, but really get to know a few (not text-books) and think and argue about them freely. "If I read as many books as my neighbours," said John Locke, "I should be as ignorant as they are."