Books: Sign of the Bird

INDIAN AIR—Paul Morand—Houghton Mifflin ($2). "Air, water, earth and fire, the four elements of ancient science, are divided between the continents," believes observant Paul Morand. "Africa is consecrated to fire, Asia and Europe to earth, Oceania to water, but America has its principles in air—the open air, an air that is young and free, without shadow or wrinkle, exciting electricity." A Frenchman born in Russia, schooled at Oxford, a diplomat in Italy and Spain, Author Morand (Open All Night, Black Magic) has exorcised in his latest and most delightful travel book...

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