24 SEPTEMBER 1910, Page 19

A FRENCH CRITIC ON LYLY.

[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]

SIR;—In a review of M. Fenillerat's study of Lyly (published by the Cambridge University Press) contained in your issue of

September 10th the last paragraph runs :— "The book is well printed in clear type, and it is singularly free from misprints. The Cambridge University Press deserve great credit for it We are glad to think that at least one press continues among us the fine traditions of English printing."

Had your reviewer turned to the last page of the book he would have seen that, with the possible exception of the title-page and preceding leaf, the whole volume (prefatory matter, text, index, and all) was printed in France. We are driven therefore to the painful conclusion that the fine traditions of English printing are dead and gone. Yet the judges at the Brussels Exhibition have recently awarded three Grands Prix to English firms for

typography and one for books,—consolation prizes, no doubt, to be affixed to the hearse.—I am, Sir, are., OSONIRNSI8.