B 0 0 K S
83
H.D. has always been strong on white space, and she uses here the
distich-stanza (a form, rarely handled well except by Wallace Stevens,
in which you get the most attention for the least effort), so that there
is not much of it. There is not much to it either, unless I am greatly mis–
taken. The reference is Egyptian and vaguely Christian, instead of Greek;
there is said to be a story; "it explains symbols of the past / in to-day's
imagery" she wrote in the first part, but I doubt if it does. In a poem
sequence even 2500 lines long, one feels, a good deal ought to happen.
I preferred the second part
(Tribute to the Angels)
to the others. (The
English price, printed on the back of my copy, is instructive: 3/ 6 or 70
cents, against two dollars American.)
The collection of Janet Lewis' poems is more rewarding, though
it will disappoint readers who remember
Twelve Poets of the Pacific.
A
new tone is tried only in
Country Burial,
unsuccessfully. Her best work
is still small and elegiac. It is more real and more skilful than some bet–
ter-known women's, and not devoid (as some critics think Mr. Winters'
theories produce poetry devoid) of emotion-
0 g012e forever, while joy mounts my stair
With staggering feet and high uncertain voice,
I remember your death.
GEORGES BERNANOS
J
0
y
Translated
by
Louise V arese
Bernanos, one of the most powerful and original writers of
our time, treats in this novel his recurrent theme: the saint in
the modem world. Unparalleled in his insight into psycholog–
ical complexities and gifted with magnificent eloquence, he
arrives at describing the indescribable-mystical experience.
$3.00
PANTHEON BOOKS INC.
41 Washington Square
New York 12, N. Y.
