On internal evidence I had set down _Root and Branch_ (ALLEN AND UNWIN), by R. ALLATINI, as the very clever first book of a very clever and observant writer of the (alleged) weaker sex. But I find the title-page gives two previous novels to her pen--I still guess a woman's hand. And I by no means withdraw the "clever." The characterisation of the various members of the _Arenski_ family--the branches are better done than the root, old _Paul Arenski, K.C._, idealist and orator--is uncannily good. There's wit and humour and diversity of gifts. What suggested the "first book" idea was an uncertainty of method, a hesitation between the new realism and the older romanticism. In both moods the author is successful, but the joints show something clumsily. This, however, is technical merely. I commend the book to all who are interested, approvingly or critically, in the Jew. A dramatic theme runs through the book, the ethical question as to whether a man may be justified in killing, at her passionate request, a woman dearly loved who is slowly dying of a terrible disease. * * * * * [Illustration] _Angry Customer (who has been induced by an advertisement to purchase a portrait enlargement)._ "YOUR ADVERTISEMENT SAYS, 'MONEY RETURNED IF NOT SATISFIED.' I'M _NOT_ SATISFIED, AND I WANT MY MONEY BACK." _The Eureka Portrait Company (placidly)_ "I'M SORRY YOU DON'T LIKE IT, MADAM; BUT IF YOU WILL READ THE ADVERTISEMENT CAREFULLY YOU WILL NOTE THAT IT DOES NOT SPECIFY _WHO_ IS TO BE SATISFIED--AND I ASSURE YOU I _AM_."