20 JANUARY 1906, Page 21

Messrs. Routledge are publishing a series of works, mostly poems,

illustrated by various artists, at 3s. 6d. each. The work of Miss Jessie King seems strangely unadapted to " Comus," for in it is to be found little more than a dilution of Beardsley : sudden blacks, dots, and all the mannerisms. Mr. Gilbert James's "Cupid and Psyche" is not much more attractive with its hybrid com- bination of Japanese and Greek methods of looking at things. In his drawings for the books of Ruth and Esther there is an Assyrian flavour added to the other influences. " Blair's Grave" retains Blake's illustrations, and there is a volume containing a good collection of Christmas "Carols and Songs."