23 JUNE 1888, Page 26

Rhodes in Modern Times. By Cecil Torr, M.A. (Cambridge University

Press.)—Mr. Torr follows up with this volume his in- teresting monograph on "Rhodes in Ancient Times." His plan is to divide his subject into five sections, headed respectively, "Public Affairs," " Social Life," "Religion," "Art," and "Learning." The first is, naturally, the longest chapter, occupying about a third of the total of 105 pages. Of this third, about one-half refers to the relations between the Ottoman Power and the Knights Hospitallers which followed the capture of Constantinople. The last siege is described in some detail. There was valour, not very skilfully directed, on the part of the Knights, and discreditable supineness on the part of Christendom. Even the Order of St. John did not exert itself with much vigour. The chapter on" Social Life" con- tains much interesting information. So does that on "Art." The famous Colossus was broken up in 653, when it had been in existence nearly a thousand years. It had fallen, however, six centuries before.