by JOHN SELBY

John Selby has traversed the Middle West, from the upper Mississippi
region to the black lands of the Missouri River valley, in his rich and
full-flavored novel Island in the Corn. Unusually sensitive perception of
the Middle Western landscape and the details of small-town life is
subordinated in his work to strong and substantial delineation of char-
acter. The people of Island in the Corn are highly individual and at the
same time wholly and appealingly alive.

ONE IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN THE TRACE PRESENT AND
the Trace past remained, and Neel sat on the railed
platform in the center of his store looking at it, trying
hard to screw up his courage to the point of severance. And
failing.

The link was Buck. There were others, but these were inani-
mate--the great silver tea service which had astonished and de-
lighted every eligible woman in Bridgewater was one. So was the
long black Steinway which was too large for the south room, and
the table linen, which seemed inexhaustible, and the carriage,
which was not much of a vehicle in Brant's Rock because it was
overshadowed by the heavy landau, but which was immeasurably
the most elegant conveyance in Bridgewater. Even the rugs on
the floor caused callers to nudge each other and brought envious
looks into their eyes. The Aubusson carpet that had been in the
Blue room at Hasselmans and later in the living room at Brant's
Rock had been sold, and the great Chinese rug as well, because
even Neel could see they were too large for the new house. But
there were a good many handsome small rugs, and Kitty had laid
straw matting, with Cindy's help, for a base, and the effect was
good.

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