Porcelain. By Edward Dillon, M.A. (Methuen and Co- 25s. net.)—We
may quote from the preface a sentence which has much significance, as showing the point of view from which Mr. Dillon regards his subject. " It has been the aim of the writer to dwell more especially on the nature of the paste, on the glaze, and on the decoration of the various wares, and above all to accentuate any points that throw light upon the relations with one another—especially the historical relations—of the different centres where porcelain has been made." Briefly, it is a book for the student, not the collector. Both characters may be, and often are, combined. But the collector pur et simple looks upon the wares with which he concerns himself as property. That, of course, is an aspect which few can afford to neglect ; but it is of secondary importance. Of all the possessions of man, pottery, using the word in its widest sense, has the most historical significance. What could be more interesting, for instance, than the inferences drawn from the pottery found in what may be called the Aegean circle as to the extent, the rise, and the decline of the Mycenaean civilisation ? We do not pretend to appreciate Mr. Dillon's book ; that is for the expert only. But we can see how valuable it is ; and we can admire the exquisite illustrations, with their beautiful drawing and delicate colouring, which make it as attractive as it is authoritative.
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