1 DECEMBER 1917, Page 10

The Fight for the Republic. By Rosaiter Johnson. (G. P.

Putnam's Sons. 12s. 6d. net.)—This book is not so much a history of the American Civil War as a series of chapters on the more dramatic episodes of the great conflict. It is easy to lead and is illustrated with portraits and maps. Dr. Johnson does not fail to record that curious incident of the winter of 1864-65, when General Early's corps invaded Maryland, defeated General Lew Wallace on the Monocacy, and pushed on to within six miles of Washington. The pessimists wagged their heads over this, but the Confederate cause had long been doomed, and nothing came of General Early's despairing effort.