Duncan came over to-night, and he asked my advice about books.
"What books would you advise a teacher to buy?" he asked.
"There are scores of good books," I replied, "but no teacher can afford
to buy them."
"I know," he said crossly; "I've had a row with the Income Tax people. I
asked for a rebate of ten pounds for necessary school books, and they
wouldn't allow it, although I'm told that if a London merchant buys a
London Directory he gets a rebate for the amount."
"I agree that it is unjust," I said, "but the new Income Tax proposals
allow twenty pounds a year for teachers' books."
"Just tell us what you would advise a teacher to spend his twenty quid
on," said Macdonald.
"It depends on his tastes," I said. "If his subject is History he will
buy history books; if his subject is behaviour, he'll buy psychology
books."
"Give us an idea of your own library," said Duncan.