THE IRONING BOARD
By
Morley has confessed himself unwilling to accept the verdict that he is not a novelist (borne out by his latest book) -- nor yet a poet nor dramatist. Would he be satisfied with the role of essayist, for this new collection of his random pieces would bear out any such claim honorably? Some of the essays have appeared in periodicals; most of them are contemporary -- often newsworthy, as in some of the tributes to men and their work. His articles about his trip to England we reread with delight, recalling the pleasure they gave in first appearance. Occasionally, Mr. Morley cannot resist being erudite to the extent of artificiality; but in an essay it is forgivable. Rather stimulating. His humor, his originality are all his own and defy analysis.