The best part of this book is thy preface by Commander Agar, V.C. Ana few pages he sets down essential facts, material and psychological, which gave rise to what became known as the "Jutland Controversy." That Controversy, however, he is able to dismiss in conclusion as "now happily fading away; disputes which for several years dimmed, the visit tremendous day and adds: "Standing out clear are the recorded facts und signals of both sides, and itis on these that this Epic is based without heed to any controversy or opinion." This is true, The poem is admirably and honest; so much so that it is probable that some of the facts set down as to relative losses, signal and other blunders, will be news ty the general reader although long Known to Naval Officers, Unfortunately, for epic purposes the narrative is altogether too much a matter of facts and signals—- especially signals. Rhymed_trans-eruptions of the signal logs in chronological sequence. (the. times fare given in the margin), especially when continued for' pages. ata stretch, is unpromising material for verse, "Moreover, the. whole poem is ham-strang "by the jog-trot eighteenth century metre which appears to derive from Falconer's "Shipwreck." In brief, it is Pope Below par.
Robries in the manner of Malory ox the "Song of Roland," which might have Int a tang ton thoroughly modern treatment of further confuse the rer, the author's mania, tireless as it He brings in the titles of all the ships (two hundred more) and hosts of Officers; scores of stars and constellations and a whole catalogue of cathedrals.
would be almost as long as oom.
Nevertheless, by reading fort and wot too ericically, it is possible to De_ptught again the grip of thos:
ul hours and to realite that here 1s simple material for an epic—fa fact upon which which we had frown "somewhat—doubtful—but material which mast be sifted and shaped by the brain of a poet. I: may be said, howevers that shou! uch a one apply. hi aot, ie will do well to study cert of Mr, Leslie's technical deseriptions, for Of magic columns green as malachite, White-bubbling over evil topmast eight.
Brect they hang and hover for
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.