24 NOVEMBER 1900, Page 23

Greek History. Translated from the German of Professor Hein- rich

Swoboda by Lionel D. Barnett, M.A. (J. M. Dent and Co. is. 6d.)—This is one of the series of "Temple Primers," and seems admirably adapted for its purpose. More could not have been put within the narrow compass of a small volume. The English is somewhat clumsy in parts, and expressions are found scarcely suited to a " primer " presumably intended for the first book of a learner. "Democratic institutions were replaced by timocratic arrangements," will not convey a clear idea of the political change described. Nor is the system of transliteration adopted by the translator suited to a beginner. Scholars may do as they please in the matter, but it seems a pity to give names which might be familiar a strange appearance. The translator makes far too much fuss over it, talking of the "old mumpsimus," which will not stand long before the progress of human knowledge. And he is not even consistent. Why employ the non-Greek " y" ? Why Heracleia and Apamea ? And why "el" for the second syllable of Potidaea?