Marriage in the Modern Manner. By Ira S. Wile, and Mary Day Winn. Published by  The Century Co., New York, 1929. Price $2.00. Pp.  285.

This little book undertakes a discussion of marriage, not from a sentimental or idealistic point of view, but “as is.” It does not start

with the assumption that there is only one possible kind of marriage and that any departure from it is wrong, but sees marriage as an institution subject to all the fluctuations and changes which it reflects from the social organism of which it is a part It realizes that as the ideals and objectives of society change there must be similar changes in its institutions and that although these changes may, in individual instances, be disastrous, that on the whole there is an underlying tendency for development, evolution and general improvement. Man is trying to work out his destiny with the means he has at hand and more often than not he undertakes more than he is capable of. Marriage represents such an ideal effort and as such it must frequently fail, but because the ideals are behind it, it must continue to progress. An excellent little book for young people or for old, well and interestingly written and not long enough to be tedious as good advice is so apt to be.

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