23 NOVEMBER 1895, Page 26

In the useful and entertaining series known as "Blackie's Home

and School Library" (Blackie and Son), we have The Galley Slave, translated from the French by M. Betham- Edwards. The writer, who related his personal experiences, was one Jean 3Larteille. He was condemned to the galleys on account of his religious opinions. Miss Betham-Edwards con- jectures that Oliver Goldsmith, who published a translation under the name of James W illington, had wet the author at the Hague. 3Iarteille was born the year before the revocation of the Elict of Nantes. He was eighteen when sent to the galleys, and remained there eleven years. He was then released through the intercession of the English Ambassador. Louis was not in the least softened, but he had to prefer the suggestions of a powerful State to the counsels of his spiritual directors. There were nearly four hundred prisoners. They were sent off without a sou to help them on their road. A "Grand 3fonarque" indeed!