THE SONS OF GLORY.
The Sons of Glory. By Adolfo Padovan. (T. Fisher Unvvin. 6s.)—In one of the most frankly autobiographical "intro- ductions" we have ever read, the author asks the reader "to excuse an occasional superabundance of life and enthusiasm which exudes from the surface like resin from the bark of a tree, too rieh in sap," on the ground that the book was " written after the first fervour of the honeymoon had passed." A. good deal may be forgiven to an Italian who writes under such conditions as these; but it is certainly difficult, if not impossible, for an English reader to follow, much less agree with, Signor Padovan's ultra- feminine raptures, which he has ranged under the eight heads of "The Poet," " The Musician," "The Artist," "The Philosopher," "The Scientist," "The Explorer," "The Warrior," and "The Prophet." He challenges comparisons with Carlyle and Emerson which are certainly not to his advantage. As a matter of fact, this book is one to be dipped into for the sake of reviving one's recollections of the various "sons of glory" who are portrayed in it, not for careful study. Some of the " dashes " at generalisa- tions are clever as well as almost painfully sincere.
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