Popular History of France. By Elizabeth M. Sewell. (Longmans.) —A
work which takes in the large range of subjects described in the words " from the earliest period to the death of Louis XIV." necessarily shows to a certain disadvantage by the side of those careful studies of definite periods with which it is now the prevailing practice to teach history. But it has a usefulness of its own, while the style of so ac- complished a writer as Miss Sewell makes it attractive to the general reader. Its title of a "popular " history it indeed deserves, in the best sense of that word. Careful study has been spent upon it, the best authorities have been used with judgment, and the balance between opposing opinions is held with fairness, but its most striking quality is that it is so delightfully readable. We almost regret the sternly utilitarian form in which the judgment—doubtless the wise judg- ment—of the publishers has presented it to the public. The appearance of a school-book does not do justice to the eminent liveliness and pleasantness of its pages. We must, indeed, frankly state our opinion that the book is written too much on the old principle of describing the outer rather than the inner life of the nation. The great subjects of literature, manners, and social economy are put very much in the background. The Franee described isnot the France of the many, but the France of the few,—of kings, statesmen, soldiers, eccle- siastics, and lawyers. This objection allowed for, the task has been well performed.
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