WARDEN OF THE SMOKE AND BELLS

In a new role for him, Mr. Llewellyn turns to Assisi at the time when Mareo Polo stops off, homeward bound with his vast tinue from Cathay, for a unique portrait of the times. Between Assisi and Perugia there is an armed truce which flares into open hostility, colorfully backgrounded by the arrival of the Orientals. Central figures are young Franc who rises to the post of acting mayor and Emantha, friend of his childhood, who becomes the favored lady-in-waiting to the Cathayan princess. Characterizations are not too convincing but the arn is a good one.