12 OCTOBER 1889, Page 45

Literary Workers. By J. G. Hargreaves, M.A. (Longmans and Co.)—Mr.

Hargreaves has really given us a very delightful book ; one of those books which can be read straight through, or dipped into, at the reader's pleasure. It is a series of chapters on great literary workers, from "Genius in the Cradle," to "The Great Post-Mortem," or the appearance the Lords of Literature might be supposed to make in the hereafter. These successive phases in the life of a writer have each their own particular interest ; they are all good, and Mr. Hargreaves often says well those things which have often been said before. His treatment of the subject is often earnest, but is never heavy ; and if he is sometimes a little hasty, and does not always agree with the usually accepted verdict, such independence rather increases than otherwise the value of his opinions. In the "Dealings with Cupid," Mr. Hargreaves strikes a note which all idolaters should listen to, especially in the passage beginning "In short," &c. The question as to the choice of literature for a profession, the writer leaves where he found it; nor will anybody be able to settle it satisfactorily for himself. The brethren of the craft will be sure to welcome Literary Workers, and also, we doubt not, those who pay any attention to books.