22 JULY 1871, Page 21

Annals of our Time. By Joseph Irving. (Maomillan.)—We noticed the

first edition of this work when it appeared about three years ago with the praise which it scorned to deserve. We have now to mention that a new and improved edition, carried down to the present time, has appeared. The idea is an admirable one. The history in which, after all, we are most interested, as being nearest to our times, is the one to which we find. it most difficult to make a satisfactory reference. It lies in the tiles of the Times, and who is to dig it from thorn? Mr. Irving has performed that labour, cleared the ore from dross, and given us a result of which it is impossible to exaggerate the usefulness and value.