REVIEW OF READINGS. - Monthly periodical, begun in 1908 by Abbot Luigi Bethléem (1861-1940), as a publication accompanying his activity as a moral reviewer of French novels.
It initially bore the title Roman-Revue (1908-12), then Guide des lectures (1913-14); interrupted during the First World War, it resumed in 1920 with the new title R. des l. But at the beginning of 1947 it merged with the similar periodical Cahiers des livres, appearing with the 2nd issue of 1947 under the title Livres et lectures.
The aim of this combative periodical was to cleanse the field of fiction and theatre, warning inexperienced or indifferent Catholics while at the same time highlighting whatever good or at least passable material was being published on the subject. Gradually the scope of its reviews expanded to include publications on theology, philosophy, civil and ecclesiastical history, updated and ascetical works, but above all newspapers, magazines and periodicals.