For all that a century and a quarter has passed since Grace Darling and her father attained fame, over the years their story has attracted the interest of a succession of authors. Save for two early works, which were almost blatantly fiction, the resulting books have been biographical. Most showed two features in common: a disposition to adulation, and indifferent reliability.

The latest addition to the sequence is Mr Richard Armstrong's Grace Darling: Maid and Myth (J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd., 305.). In his book the author, on the basis of what he deems the most reliable available evidence, subjects the whole episode to a searching reappraisal; at the outcome of which he reaches conclusions greatly at variance with what hitherto has been widely accepted. For example: he wonders whether overmuch may not have been made of the rescue of the Forfarshire survivors. And his assessment of the effects of the aftermath on Grace herself makes unhappy reading.

To your reviewer some at least of the author's conclusions appeared less than convincing—and indeed here and there he suspected that, all unwittingly, the author had permitted his imagination to take charge of him. In places, too, it must be confessed, your reviewer found the mode of presentation unsympathetic; and there seemed to be discernible a predeliction for the pejorative.

Errors of fact were found. In the main these may not much affect the author's theme, but they could mislead a student in detail of the Grace Darling story. And, surprisingly perhaps, the author seems unaware that Grace received the Institution's silver medal. As did also her father.

The book contains a number of illustrations; some of which, as far as is known, have not been reproduced before.

Your reviewer feels that there is still room for a really definitive biography of Grace Darling. Will it ever now be written ? W. M. P.-H..