14 MAY 1870, Page 21

Charles Remble's Shakespere Readings. Edited by R. J. Lane. 3

vols. (Bell and Daldy.)—This work will have a special interest for those who remember the veteran survivor of a company of great actors, the Komble family. Nor will its utility, we imagine, fail to be generally recognized. Many people feel that there is a great practical draw- back to the enjoyment of reading Shakespeare aloud. There is much that one is obliged to omit because the plays are so long, and not a little that for other reasons no one would care to read. Here we have sixteen of the plays shortened by a skilful and experienced hand, by one who knew where the interest of hearers brightens and where it flags, and who had at the same time that reverence for his author which the compilers of acting editions have commonly been without. And all through we have Mr. Kemble's own marks of emphasis, as justly placed as might have been expected from so practised a master of elocution. These cannot but be a most valuable help to the reader.