13 FEBRUARY 1909, Page 24

An Introduction to American Literature. By Henry S. Pancoast. (G.

Boll and Sous. 4s. 6d.)—This is a very useful volume; we do not know where we could find a more compendious manual of its subject. Of a most modest size and price, it is qualified to furnish a very good working knowledge of American writers and writings. Mr. Pancoast divides his theme into three sections : (1) "The Colonial Period"; (2) "The Establishment of '-nationality"; (3) "The Literature of the Republic," the last

beginning with the year 1809 and coming down to the present tiine. He insists on the dependence of American literature on the English. But America has already her own literature. This will, 1w is sure, develop more and snore. The way in which other regions besides the North aro making themselves felt is one of the signs of the movement. A specially interesting chapter is "Literature in the South." The Now England writers—Bryant, Emerson, Longfellow, 0. W. Holmes, and Lowell—we all know ; but there is something to bo profitably learnt about what has been done elsewhere. We warmly recommend the little volume to our readers.