China : Historical and Descriptive. By Charles II. Eden, with
an Appendix on Corea. (M. Ward and Co.)—The writer, or rather writers, of this volume disclaim all attempts at originality ; they do not refer to any personal experiences in the countries they write of, nor can it be supposed they have ever visited them. Under these circumstances, they have produced a book which might fitly have proceeded from the Useful Knowledge Society, fifty years ago, but which is rather an anachronism now-a-days. The illustrations are numerous, and as entertaining as such subjects as Chinese theatres, bank-notes, receptions, &c., can be made, We fancy we recognise our old friend Mr. Commissioner Yeh, with a new face, and at e not certain of the absolute freshness of some others. Mr. Eden's style is somewhat formal and precise, and he does not shrink occasionally from expressly owning his lack of information on the matter in hand. The printing, binding, and general get-up are quite excellent, and as far as it goes, this view of Chinese life, manners, character, &c., appears to us to be comprehensive and trustworthy. There is a good table of contents and an index ; the latter is an item for which we are disposed to forgive a good deal.
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