(_The following communication has been submitted to our own Special
Censor, who takes the responsibility of contradicting it in every
particular. Subject to this, he has no objection to publication._)
Paternoster Row.
In spite of the drastic regulations against dealing with the enemy it is
to be feared that books from British publishing houses continue to find
their way into German hands. During the early days of the invasion of
Belgium an unprecedented demand for _How to Collect Old Furniture_ arose
in neutral countries, accompanied by enquiries for similar works dealing
with silver plate, pictures and bijoutry. Suspicion respecting the
ultimate destination of these books is strengthened by the fact that of
late the demand has given place to urgent requests for stilts,
wading-boots, and "water-wings"--a class of goods in which Paternoster
Row is not keenly interested.
* * *
The esteemed _Berliner Tageblatt_ has recently set itself to discover
the most suitable reading for civilians during the war. One of its
correspondents recommends _Gulliver's Travels_, "in order to learn to
know the English." That weighty point may therefore be regarded as
finally settled. Meanwhile from other sources no less authentic some
interesting particulars have come to light of the literary relaxations
prevailing among our enemy in the field. From these it would appear that
early in September General VON KLUCK received, apparently from an
anonymous admirer, a copy of _The Mysteries of Paris_, in which he has
been thoughtfully absorbed ever since. His Imperial master's
pocket-companion takes the form of a copy of Mr. FRANK RICHARDSON'S
_There and Back_, which we learn is already beginning to show signs of
hard wear. Many of the gunners stationed about French and Belgian
cathedral cities are reported as being seriously interested in MAX
MUeLLER'S _Chips from a German Workshop_, while Mr. H. G. WELLS' _Twelve
Stories and a Dream_ has become almost a book of reference to the
officials disseminating German wireless news.
* * *
A work of timely importance, especially to Londoners during the present
lighting regulations, is promised in the course of the next few weeks.
The novelty is to take the form of a brochure from the pen of Dean INGE,
and will court popularity under the arresting title, _How to be Cheerful
though Gloomy_.
* * * * *