22 JANUARY 1943, Page 22

The Second Spring, 1818-52. A Study of the Catholic Revival

in England. By Denis Gwynn. (Burns Oates. 9s.)

MR. GWYNN has written a humane and well-balanced study of the Catholic Revival in England immediately before and after the Emancipation Act of 1929. Hitherto the story has been told mainly in the biographies of the leaders. Some of these bio- graphies are good, others are not much more than works of edifica- tion. Hence, although he does not introduce much new and un- published material, Mr. Gwynn has added a new and interesting chapter to the general history of religion in England during the first half of the nineteenth century.