25 SEPTEMBER 1880, Page 23

The Proselytes of Ishmael. By Charles Ingham Black, B.A. (Eve-

lyns.)—The title of Mr. Black's book may excite curiosity, but this is scarcely the object of a title. The book really is "A Short His- torical Survey of the Turanian Tribes in their Western Migrations," these tribes being described as the " Proselytes of Ishmael," we sup- pose because they have commonly adopted the faith of the Arabs. It is a work that shows much research, a really effective grasp of the subject, and a certain originality, sometimes running, we should say, into eccentricity of thought. The first part deals with the move- ments of the race in the prehistoric times, and with their appearances in classical and post-classical writers. The second part treats of the various migrations and inroads of the race, beginning with that of the Huns, A.D. 376 (Attila receiving a more favourable mention than historians have commonly ac- corded to him). The third part is reserved for that branch which is commonly called the Ottomans, but to which Mr. Black gives the title of the " Tarki-Turks." The substance of the volume was, it seems, delivered in a course of lectures to Mr. Black's parishioners. We congratulate a vicar who can find an audience who will listen to such discourses, and a parish that is supplied with in- tellectual nutriment so substantial and good. But then education should be fairly well developed in " Burnley-iu-Wharfedale."