24 MARCH 1888, Page 21

Thomas-d-Kempis. By Francis Richard Cruise, M.D. (Kegan Paul, Trench, and

Co.)—Much of Dr. Craise's book has been antici- pated by former writers on the subject. The authorship of the "De Imitatione" had, for instance, been already settled to the satisfaction of all reasonable people. But his enthusiasm has led him to make some contributions of value to the history of the author, and inci- dentally of his book. He made a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Thomas-h-Kempis, and to the scene of his long life of contemplation. These portions of his work will be found very interesting. It is curious to be reminded that the greatest of devotional writers has never re- ceived even the minor honours of canonisation, especially when we reflect what very dubious characters have been so distinguished.