17 MAY 1902, Page 23

The Story of Westminster Abbey. By Violet Brooke - Hunt. (J. Nisbet

and Co. 6s.)—A book on Westminster Abbey from a pen so practised as Miss Brooke-Hunt's is sure to be welcome. It is not, indeed, quite clear what is its precise object. For the study there is at least one volume with superior claims; as a portable guide it is scarcely convenient. And it is somewhat digressive. There are so many great Englishmen buried in the Abbey that any general description of their character and career is out of place. To take one instance : we are always kindly disposed to any one who appreciates Samuel Johnson ; but the account of the manage in Bolt Row is scarcely in place. So far the book has a " made- up " look. But that it is readable need not be denied.