Shorter Notice
Bath. By R. A. L. Smith. (Batsford. 12s. 6d.)
THE text by the late Lieutenant R. A. L. Smith of this book is excellent. It gives a concise, informative social history of Bath, from mediaeval times to the days of Jane Austen, with a glance at Roman Bath. It is abundantly illustrated by well-chosen quotations, from the earliest to the latest times, and from numerous sources, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Leland, Sir John Haring-ton, Pepys and others.° The account of Beau Nash and his influence is particularly good, and the quotations from Horace Walpole and Jane Austen much to the point. The numerous illustrations are good, but not comprehensive enough to do full justice to the minor architectural glories of this beautiful city, though praise must be given to the occasional photographs of detail, such as those of Regency balconies.
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