A Book of Quotations, Proverbs, and Household Words. By W.
Gurney Benham. (Cassell and Co. 10s. 6d. net.)—This is a very ample, and, as far as we have been able to test it, a very complete, collection. No volume can possibly do more than approach perfection: Mr. Benham has at least approximated to it. And it is notably correct, especially in that region of classical quota-
- where failure is so frequent. Of course there are passages of which different views may be taken. In "quid nefasti liquimus P" it might be better to take nefasti as a partitive genitive after quid than to make it agree with the subject of liquimus. The word is more suitable to things than to persons. The words of the writ guars impedit are hardly to be translated by "Why does he hinder ?" They are not a direct question. The plan of the book is this : (1) Quotations from British and American authors, the names being alphabetically arranged, pp. 1-410; Biblical quotations, pp. 411-37 (the. Revised Version is given as well as the Authorised Version); Book of Common Prayer, pp. 487-89 (some of the quotations are from the Psalter) ; miscellaneous quotations, Greek and Latin quotations, proverbs, and a very full index.
Previous page
