CRIPPLED SPLENDOUR

Substantial reading and well handled -- this fictionized biography of James I of Scotland. A good picture of the stormy 15th century, of the kidnapping and imprisonment in England, of his education, making him a poet and musician of no mean fame, of his love for Joan. After long years of waiting, he won his reward, and spent twelve years restoring glory to a lost kingdom, only to die a tragic death. Well done. Should appeal to those who like good historical fiction and biography. The publishers are backing this with giant books, circulars, advertising, and offering special discounts, as they consider this their most important book of the Fall season.