25 DECEMBER 1886, Page 23

Nil Desperandum. By the Rev. F. Langbridge. (Cassell and Co.)

— " Gus," the young hero of Mr. Langbridge's tale, reminds us naturally of David Copperfield. But the cruel step-father goes beyond even Mr. Murdstone, for he turns Gus adrift with only half-a- crown in his pocket. However, he falls upon his legs ; the half-crown has all the magic properties which young adventurers have so often found in it. By slow degrees he rises, and ends with a prosperity which he shares with one who befriended him in adversity-. The story is a good one, with some effective pictures of life among the poor.