23 NOVEMBER 1878, Page 24

CURRENT LITERATURE.

Old and New London ; a Narrative of its History, its People, and its Places. By Edward Walford. Vol. VI. (Cassell and Co.)—This sixth volume concludes a work of great merit and interest, begun by the late Mr. W. Thornbury, and taken up in the most satisfactory manner by Mr. E. Walford. The amount of materials which the writer of such a book as this has to deal with almost passes computation. London has been the seat of the government of the greatest empire of the world for centuries, and a large part of modern history has been transacted in it. It has been the head-quarters of a literature of unexampled fertility, of a science and an art which, if they have not been supremely excellent, have certainly been active and productive ; and of a com- merce which has certainly never been equalled in the history of the world. And the critics of such a book are sure to be both numerous and severe. Many readers will know something about their own suburb, parish, street, or it may be, house, will think that there has been neglect if their pet piece of know- ledge has not been included, or finding it, are not unlikely to discover

some inaccuracy or omission which naturally assumes an exaggerates importance. It is something if a work meets with general approval,. under such circumstances. In the volume before us, Mr. Walford deals with the "Southern Suburbs." He begins with Southwark, and takes us down the river as far as Greenwich. He then goes inland to Black- heath, takes in succession the south-eastern and south-western suburbs, and returns to the Thames bank at Blackfriars. Lambeth, Vauxhall, Wandsworth, Putney, Fulham, and Hammersmith are successively treated, Chiswick bringing up the rear. It is not difficult to point out omissions. Clapham, for instance, will certainly feel itself aggrieved at being allotted no more than eight pages, and having to share these with Brixton. Claims of this sort, however, are difficult to meet, and it should be enough for the author if the general effect is satisfactory. Among other good things, we note a story of

Rowland Hill, which, as for once the laugh was turned against him, we may quote. He reproved a drayman for swearing,—" Ah ! my man, I shall appear one day as a witness against you." " Very likely," replied tho man ; " the biggest rogues always turn King's evidence." We may take leave of Mr. Watford by congratulating him on having brought to a successful termination a great and laborious work.