Poems by Alexander Smith. With Prefatory Note by R. E.
D. Sketchley. (W. Scott. 2s.)—We are glad to see this collection of the poetry of Alexander Smith. This generation knows little about his work, yet it is worth attention. The " Life Drama," his first publication of importance, achieved a success very rare among poets, minor or major. It was crude and violent, it is true, but the public judgment was right in discerning real poetical force in it. Mr. Sketchley's appreciation of Alexander Smith's work is full of sympathy without being extravagant. (He does not seem to be aware that the " Life Drama " was pub- lished in the Critic in instalments, but speaks of Dr. Gilfillan's article in that journal.) It is a pity that the poet's most mature work, " Edwin of Deira," could not be included in this volume from considerations of copyright, especially as it has but two years more. What a fine thing is that in Paulinus's discourse
about Christ :—
" And now confronts the Eternal Light With eyelids that have known the touch of tears."
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