SPRINGBOARD

Long connected with the severe and difficult school of Auden and Spender, NacNeice, in this latest volume of collected poems-1941-44- shows himself in a new phase, at once simpler, more tender, intelligent and intelligible. The note is still intellectual, introspective, but no longer cryptic. While never great nor brilliant, this is nevertheless skillful and good modern verse, and strikes a new note of hope.