Reviewed by B: de Casseres
+ N Y Times p7 S 19 ’20 800w
Reviewed by E. L. Pearson
Review 3:229 S 15 ’20 150w + Spec 122:116 Ja 24 ’20 200w The Times [London] Lit Sup p699 N 27 ’19 80w
MAYO, KATHERINE. “That damn Y”: a record of overseas service. il *$3.50 (2½c) Houghton 940.47
20–9934
Katherine Mayo, originally prejudiced against the Y. M. C. A., went to France, so she says, on these terms: as a free agent, paying her own expenses, and only receiving from the Y. M. C. A. the right to wear its uniform and to examine its records. Her manuscript was not submitted to any member of the Y. M. C. A. for criticism or approval. The title she has given it she considers a disguised tribute: “They both wanted and expected to find the Y everywhere.... So, as naturally as breathing, always and all the time: ‘Where’s that damn Y?’” She renders a high tribute to Edward Clark Carter, “the head and shaper of the whole Y effort overseas.” The chapters giving her impressions include: The point of view; The key man; Christmas with the A. E. F.; The post exchange; Hot water, by gosh! Never dare judge; The way the people’s money goes; How can we thank them? Contributing facts. There are an index and two appendices: A. Partial lists of overseas Y secretaries killed and disabled in service and decorations and citations; B. Financial statement.
“A very timely and readable book.”
+ Booklist 16:340 Jl ’20