12 NOVEMBER 1881, Page 21

Introduction to the Study of English History. By Samuel R.

Gardiner and J. Bass Mullinger. (C. Kogan Paul and Co.)—Dr. Gardiner and Mr. Mullinger divide their introduction into two parts, both likely to be of great use to lovers of history. Dr. Gardiner gives a clear, judicial, and really fascinating sketch of the progress of the English people, and of the development of the English Con- stitution. His insistence on the essential continuity of the English people is particularly valuable at this time, when the " periodicity " of English history is apt to be associated with a particular form of publication. We should strongly advise those whose knowledge of history is a kindly social fiction to give a little time to Dr. Gardiner's masterly resuna of modern historical research. Mr. Bass Mullinger's portion of the work has necessarily less literary interest, though it has greater attraction for the historical student. He has discharged his share of the work with such care and thoroughness, that no worker in the field of history will be able to do without what is really the most trustworthy and compendious vade mecum on that subject now extant.