CURRENT LITERATURE.
• The Caged Lion. By Charlotte M. Yongo, author of "The Heir of Radcliffe." (Macmillan and Co.)—There are very few women (or men) of our day so well read in mediaeval history as Miss Yonge. From childhood the study seems to have been her passion, and in her "Cameos" she displays a familiarity with character and scenery which is rare and remarkable. In historical fiction she is also often success- ful; and if ever she fails, it is through the want of power to place her readers at her own point of view. Some of the characters and scenes in the Caged Lion will command sympathy, and they are clearly and graphically put. Thus, our Henry V. is sure to inspire the interest he deserves. We are not so sure about the Lion himself, James L of Scotland. Yet, wo suppose, it is merely that he is overshadowed by his English friend and guardian King Henry. Less is known about James than could be wished. The history of his early life and training at Windsor, his genius, his beautiful poem of the "King's Quhair," and his strong attachment to his native land, in spite of the gains of his captivity, require to be fully brought out, as well as the passages of his after life and disastrous death. Miss Yonge, who now (we believe, for the first time,) places her name on the title-page, gives us her authorities and points out her deviations from literal history in her preface. We think the book deserves to be well road, and that it will be much enjoyed.
Previous page
