20 MARCH 1909, Page 27

Historical Portraits. By C. R. L. Fletcher and Emory Walker.

(The Clarendon Press. 8s. 6d. net.)—Hero we have a collection of biographies, one hundred and three in number, the work of Mr. Fletcher, who has also furnished the introduction on the "History of Portraiture in England." Mr, Emery Walker has chosen the portraits. These range in date from 1400, when the art may be said to have had its beginning, to 1600. Other volumes, we are glad to observe, are to follow. It is in eviiry way a most interesting book. We cannot criticise the Lives in detail ; indeed, Mr. Fletcher's reputation, deservedly gai4ed in work of a kindred character, renders it unnecessary. We venture, however, to differ from the statement which makes Queen Mary

wholly responsible for the persecutions ef her reign. That she wt‘s the chief working power we do not doubt ; but it is a fact that in some dioceses there were no executions. A non-persecuting Biehep could put his foot down. In the Home counties, however, this must have been difficult. Anyhow, Pole, Gardiner, and Bonner were not the men to do it.