23 JUNE 1894, Page 27

Tales of the Yorkshire Trolds. By J. Keighley Snowden. (Sampson

Low, Marston, and Co.)—There is a great deal of power, true power of character-drawing, in these thirteen sketches of life on the Wolds. We do not look for Arcadian or conventional Utopian simplicity and innocence in tales of country-folk, and we do not find it here ; but, on the other hand, we are not wearied with cynicism and pessimism. There is tragedy, but it always has a meaning ; and the darkness is relieved by not a few streaks of genuine light. The reader of these tales will find his memory enriched by some very distinct figures, gracious or sombre as the case may be.