CROSS SECTION: 1948

A fourth in a series of annual assessment of the literary climate, which corroborates general critical opinion that there is no definite pattern nor promise (showing no particular editorial enthusiasm for the majority of inclusions). Once again the criticism of cheerlessness may be applied to this collection, which, with the exception of Jessamyn West's satire, is either raw in its realism, or dreary in its monotones. Robert Lowry, with one book to his credit (Casualty- Now Directions- 1946) is represented with a story of American occupation of Rome -- and in particular a GI's occupation with some whores; short stories by some familiar writers are included,- Wright Morris, Nancy Wilson Ross, Edward McSorley; there are two critical essays, one a substantial attack on the profitable preachments of Philip Wylio...Of interest chiefly as a straw in the wind for students of newer, younger writers.