“THE ART OF LIVING”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24409, 21 September 1940, Page 4

“THE ART OF LIVING”

MAUROIS A LA MONTAIGNE The Art of Living. By Andre Maurois (English Univeisity Press) 11s 6d. Of the eight essays contained in this book that on “ Th° Art of Leadership” is the most relevant to the mortiem “ ‘ Nothing.’ wrote Colonel de Gaulle, ’ strengthens authority so much as silence,’ ” declared Andre Maurois in a day when the name of de Gaulle connoted nothing to the English civilian. M. Maurois cites Marshal Fayolle as observing; ‘ It has not been sufficiently, recognised that many in the High Command during the last war were former professors in the Ecole de Guerre: Foch. Petain. myself and many others. . ... It was the first time professors had become generals, and it resulted from the essentially practical instruction offered at the Ecole.” The essays are interdependent. What- M. Maurois writes of leadership has a bearing on what he writes of old age, and what he writes of old age amplifies what he writes of the art of love. These essays are rich both in Quotation and citation, and it would be inconceivable that Montaigne could have been overlooked. Joseph. Conrad is brought ■under contribution when the essayist refers to the “shadow line” and “Le Journal d’un Cure de Campagne.” that recent unforjgettable study by Georges Bernanos, is quoted in the essay on leadership. It may be accounted for virtue that M. Maurois refrains from quoting Cicero in the essay on old age. and Browning in the essay on leadership. In view of the fate that has so recently overtaken his country these essays of Andre Maurois have a peculiar aptness not to say a peculiar poignancy. ' , „ . C. R. A. The prices marked against books reviewed in these columns are those at which they are retailed in New Zealand.