16 JULY 1892, Page 26

Old England. By "E. A. W." (W. Hunt and Co.)—In

these " Sketches from English History," "E. A. W." gives us a variety of scenes from pre-historic times down to the death of William IV. In describing the Ancient Britons as " without beards," it would have been well to add that they wore moustaches. Caractacus was certainly not allowed to return to " Old England," nor were " seventy thousand Romans" put to death when Boadicea captured London. This number included "friendly natives." " E. A. W." gives generally, and for his purpose is right in giving, the tradi- tional view of persons and events.