The Fragments of the Persica of Ktesias. Edited, with Introduc-
tion and Notes, by John Gilmore, M.A. (Macmillan and Co.)— " Scarcely a sentence of Ktesias' text has come down to us ver- batim," says the editor in his general introduction. But Diodorus Sieulus has preserved an epitome of some of the earlier books, and there is another epitome of Books vii.-xxiii. preserved by Photius. In addition to this, various authors—notably Nicolaiis Damascenus, Plutarch, and Athenceus—have preserved sundry fragments. The historical value of Ktesias' work varies, but the general impression is that he is not one of the most trustworthy of authorities, and unfortunately, where he is most to be relied on there has been less preserved of him than where he fills his pages with fabulous matter. Still, in the great scarcity of information as to the Oriental monarchies of which he wrote, we welcome any- thing that we can get. Mr. Gilmore has done good service to history by this careful arrangement of the epitomes and fragments. Diamonds and Gold in South Africa. By Harry Mitchell. (F. C. Mathieu and Son ; Effingham Wilson and Co.)—We have here some interesting statistics. In the period September 1st, 1882—December 31st, 1887, diamonds to the value of .215,565,133 were produced in the Griqualand West Mines. The figures about
Previous page
