ALL THE BEST IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

By Sydney Clark '12. New YorkDodd, Mead, 1953. 372 pp. $4.50.

Mr. Clark's "All the Best" series is far more comforting than the "Anywhere on Fifty Dollars" series with which he tormented us some quarter of a century ago. That was a good series, too, and it helped break down the old notion that travel had to be expensive.

In his latest book Mr. Clark gives the impression that nowadays he enjoys beating the budget (up) and, in consequence, that he is enjoying himself more. It is a pleasure to read his chapters on Portugal, that lovely land, and one fears only, and selfishly, lest he induce too many people to go there and spoil its still simple charm. At any rate, he describes it very well and as usual tells us "how to do it." His directions are always to the point.

For at least one reader he misses, as anyone might, a tew favorite spots. Why skip Bacalhoa, so near to Lisbon, and such a credit to American taste and initiative? Why not let us eat in the marvelous kitchen at Queluz, or in the Yacht Club at Setub al? He does take us, however, for lunch at the Giao in Evora, and he does obviously like Portugal, as who wouldn't?

As for the islands, the Azores and Madeira, he evokes nostalgic memories and brings them new meaning. They are too much neglected by the busy travelers of today.

Spain is a more traveled land and needs less guidance. The picture Mr. Clark draws is a good one. His directions are sound and anyone could profit by his experience and his enthusiasm. He tells much we should like to know and a great deal more that we should have to know about traveling in Spain. He is an efficient, observant, and intelligent traveler. Were I new at the game, his book would be a godsend. Being also an "old hand" I appreciate the labor and love that have gone into it. In these internationalist days one should not need to be urged to read this book. Once you look at it, it just about sells itself.