Elocution and Stage Training. By Maxwell Ryder. (T. Burleigh. 58.
net.)—On What is, perhaps, the most important question as to the actor's art—Should he be controlled by, or should he himlf control; his-emcitione?—Mr. Ryder has a very definite opinion. If . you wish to move others, always remain master of yourself. And he gives potent arguments, and what is more effective, strong authorities, for his opinion. Generally his counsels seem to be judicious, as far as an outsider can judge. One of them we can endorse without hesitation. "Study," he says, "not your art only, or the literature of your profession, but literature generally." Of course, the more purely technical points in preparation for the stage are dwelt upon and illustrated by anecdote and example. This is Mr. Ryder's habitual practice. It is instructive to his special public, and it makes the book more attractive to the outside reader. It takes us into regions which are unfamiliar to us, and we express an opinion with diffidence. But our general impression is that it is a work of very consider- able value.
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