THE MAGNIFICENT DEFEAT

This is the annual Presiding Bishop's Book for Lent, written in this case by the well-known novelist and Presbyterian minister. The format is that of a series of short, sermonic meditations, each developed on a passage of Scripture. A loose continuity is maintained by the relationship of the themes to the central idea implied in the title; but apart from this connection, the book does not develop any strong cohesiveness. The style is clear and lively, the illustrations fresh, the address personal. It should serve those who like this kind of meditational nurture as part of their Lenten exercise.