23 FEBRUARY 1889, Page 22

We have received the annual volume (the fifty-first) of Burke's

Peerage, Baronetage, and Knightage, by Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King of Arms. (Harrison and Sons.)—The work begins with a very complete index, including not only all persons mentioned as related to peers and baronets, but members of the various Orders of Knighthood, and those who have been distinguished with the Victoria Cross. Then follows an account of the Royal Family, with genealogy, &c. Memoirs of Knights and Privy Councillors are given, as well as lists of the Orders. We see that about thirty peers have no heirs apparent or presumptive. Most of these are first creations. (In Rome the orbi were at a disadvantage in the competition for honours ; here they seem to have a preference.) Some are boys or young unmarried men. There seems to be no old title in immediate danger of extinction. Burke's Peerage is yearly made more complete and satisfactory.— A far more venerable antiquity has been reached by Debrett's Peerage, Baronetage, Knightage, and Companionage. (Dean and Son.) —The present volume boasts on its title-page of the " 176th year of publication." It would be as presumptuous to praise such an institution as to commend the British Constitution. And, indeed, Quis vituperavit ? Every one knows Debrett, its lucid arrangement, and its accuracy ensured by its being " personally corrected by the nobility."—Kelly's Handbook of the Titled, Landed, and Official. Classes for 1889 (Kelly and Son), takes in, of course, a number of persons, more or less notable and important, of whom peerages cannot take cognisance. This is the "fifteenth annual edition."

Street's Indian and Colonial Mercantile Directory, 1888-89 (Street and Co.), is a stout volume not unworthy to be compared to the " London Directory." It gives all the information that can be, desired about India and the Colonies.—The Liberal Year-Book, 1889. Edited by E. A. Judges ; the Legal Notes by E. Lewis Thomas, M.A. (Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.)—This is the "third annual issue." We can only suggest that the word " Gladstonian should be inserted in the title.