26 MAY 1900, Page 25

Suroor.-BOOS.—In the series of " Blackwood's Classical Texts" (W. Blackwood

and Sons) we have Cicero in Caiiiinant. I.-IV., by H. W. Auden, M.A. (Is. 6d.) Mr. Auden seems to us to take sound views of Roman politics. He is not infected with Mommsen's Cmsarism. "Able and deliberate aspirant for power at all costs" is his brief summary of the great Dictator's character. But he might have found something better for Cicero than the somewhat farcical description which he quotes from a certain versatile writer. On the whole, the prolegomena are of a serviceable kind. There is a useful "journal" of the Catilinarian crises from November 1st to January 6th (63.62 B.C.) The notes are probably sufficient for their purpose. A good feature of the book is to be found in the illustra- tions, which will help a young reader to realise. Persuade a boy that Cicero and company were actual men, and be is on the way to getting interested. — Topics on Greek and Roman History. By Arthur L. Goodrich. (Macmillan and Co. 3s. 6d.)—This is a bibliography for the educational subject named in the title. A list of eras, historical events, national characteristics, political details, including law, finance, 8:c., statesmen, soldiers, writers, is given, and with each one given references to the authors who should be consulted or studied on the subject. As far as we can judge, the author has carried out his plan carefully and well.—A First Manual of Composition, by Edwin Herbert Lewis, Ph.D. (same publishers, 3s. 6d.), is "designed for use in the Highest Grammar Grade and Lower High School Grades" ; and First Book of Home Geography (same

publishers, Be. 6d.) Both these are of American origin, and primarily intended for use in American schools.