John Maidnzent. By Julian Sturgis. 2 vols. (Longmans.)—The hero of
this novel is one of the disappointments of life. His friends believe him to be of fine gold throughout ; but when the test is applied, he is found to be, if not wholly of base metal, yet sadly mixed with alloy. He begins his career with a falsehood, giving a pledge which really makes him, hide the fact from himself as he will, false to his convictions. Social influences, the pride of intellectual power, and other sources tend together to lower him. It will be seen from what has been said, that John Maidment is mainly a political novel, and some of its sketches of politics, and of tho personages which move among them, are vigorous and striking. Still, the most powerful scene in the story is one of domestic interest, when John, who has always cherished romantic dreams of his unknown father, finds the reality to be wholly unlike them, and totally fails under the test. A very mean creature be is by the side of his commonplace friend, Paul Brent. These American chapters are very good.
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