Books the Editors Like

FLORA AND FAUNA

For a Flower Album,BY COLETTE

Charming descriptions of flowers, running off into reminiscence, satire, literary criticism, and other rewarding surprises. Translated by Roger Senhouse, illustrated with water colors by Manet, MCKAY, $3.95.

Out of Noah’s ArkBY HERBERT WENDT

Condensed history of the science of zoology, the animals studied being a good deal more attractive than the scholars who pursued them. Extraordinary collection of illustrations from everywhere and all periods, HOUGHTON MIFFLIN, $6.50.

No Room in the ArkBY ALAN MOOREHEAD

Beguiling adventures and appealing photographs reinforce the author’s thesis, which is that the animals of Africa are wonderful creatures who, if not better protected, will soon be exterminated, HARPER, $5.00.

FICTION

The Hiding PlaceBY ROBERT SHAW

From, a fine, freakish beginning, Mr. Shaw works out a story in which suspense and surprise are well maintained through a series of changing relationships, WORLD, $3.50.

The Wayward WifeBY ALBERTO MORAVIA

Eight stories, mostly centering on the complicated dealings between men and women who are, or think they are, in love, and like most of Mr. Moravia’s work, somber, intelligent, and expert, FARRAK, STRAUS & CUDAHY, $3.95.

Strike for a kingdomBY MENNA GALLIE

Murder and labor trouble in a Welsh mining town, the story exceptionally well written and so cleverly put together that it has the pull of a good mystery in addition to its other merits, HARPER, $3.50.

COMEDY

The Law and the Profits

BY C. NORTHCOTE PARKINSON

Parkinson’s second law is, Expenditure rises to meet income. He proves this unnerving statement with horrid fact and hilarious argument. Serious book, very funny reading. HOUGHTON MIFFLIN, $3.50.

That’s a Good Question

BY ROBERT FONTAINE

Mr. Fontaine’s perverse common sense applied to his own trade. A fine book for those who think they want to write but actually know better, THE WRITER, $2.95.

My Wonderful World of Slapstick

BY BUSTER KEATON with CHARLES SAMUELS

Like so many theatrical memoirs, too tactful to be convincing, but full of absurd anecdotes and odd information about the early movies, and a positive compendium of glorious practical jokes. Trouble is, they all take talent, DOUBLEDAY, $4.50.