Historical Tales from Shakespeare. By A. T. Quiller-Couch. (E. Arnold.
65.)—Mr. Quiller-Couch has told in prose the story of two of the Roman plays (Antony and Cleopatra he omits) and the historical plays (excepting Henry VIII.) It seems to us that he has achieved a very considerable success. In such a matter style goes a long way, and Mr. Quiller-Couch's style has been formed with taste. He is not conventional. What may be called the " Bible-English" style has its uses, but it would be out of place here. On the other hand, it is not the style of the news- paper. As to the way in which the matter is treated we can be no less emphatic in our praise. It is excellent. The real meaning and purpose is brought out, with an excellent motive and with a most satisfactory success. We must quote a passage from the preface :—" Of true and fervent patriotism these plays are full. Indeed, though they are, in Charles Lamb's words, 'strengtheners of virtue' in many ways, that remains their great lesson. It has been said that the real hero of Shakespeare's historical plays is England, and no one can read them and be deaf to the ringing, vibrating note of pride, of almost fierce joy to be an Englishman, to have inherited the liberties of so great a country and be a partaker in her glory. And this love of England is the sincerer for the courage with which he owns and grieves that she has been sometimes humiliated, sometimes untrue to herself These plays might almost serve as a handbook to patriotism, did that sacred passion need one. For nowhere surely in litera- ture is it so confidently nourished and at the same time so wisely and anxiously directed."
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