His Double Self. By E. Curtis. (Jarrold and Sons.)—It is
an extraordinary idea that Mr. Curtis would have us follow. A man is rescued from drowning by a stranger and finds himself growing into the personality of his rescuer, who is reported as dead. That is to say, the doctor finds himself physically unable to follow his profession, buys canvas and paints, and produces a masterpiece. In appearance he begins to resemble his rescuer so closely that the betrothed cf the latter mistakes him for her lover. True it is that the poor girl is unwell, and her sight is not good, but this last is surely incredible. Readable as the book is, the subject requires a more skilful pen than the author's to engage our credulity.
We have received the succeeding volumes of the two editions of the Spectator which we noticed in our issue of February 12th, edited respectively by G. Gregory Smith (J. M. Dent and Co.), and George A. Aitken (John C. Nimmo). Both seem to carry out the promise of the first volumes. We may note a peculiarly good portrait of Alexander Pope (after Hudson) in Vol. IV. of Mr. G. Gregory Smith's edition.—We have also to mention Vols. IV. and V. of J. W. Mackail's issue of The Holy Bible (Job —Song of Solomon, and Isaiah—Lamentations) (Macmillan and Co.) ; and the tenth volume of Lives of the Saints, by the Rev. S. Baring-Gould (John C. Nimmo), this being the September volume. —Also Part VI. of The Bible for the Home and School, arranged by Ed. T. Bartlett, M.A., and Mr. John P. Peters, Ph.D. (J. Clarke and Co.); and in "The Modern Reader's Bible," edited by Richard G. Moulton (Macmillan and Co.), St. Matthew and St. Mark, and the General Epistles.
Previous page
