Books: La Salle

THE POWER AND THE GLORY—Sir Gilbert Parker—Harpers ($2.00). This broad canvas is open to the criticism, so frequently heard these days, that it was painted to hang in the cinema boxoffice. But what of that. The epic exploits of its tall and handsome hero are swept in with splendid vigor. Its backgrounds of political intrigue at the court of Louis XIV, of rushing rivers and Indian-filled forests in Canada and Mid-America, are lavish and alive. The hero, Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, might or might not recognize himself in the completely noble explorer here exhibited. He might be embarrassed by his courage, amused by his asceticism, surprised by the glossy perfection of his friends and enemies—Frontenac, Tonty, Mmes. de Montespan and de Maintenon, Joliet, Marquette, de Laval and the rest. But he would appreciate that, romancing apart, a full historical record of his efforts to build a Mississippi kingdom for France was what the author patiently sought, thoroughly contrived.