OUTLINES OF FRENCH LITERATURE WITH CHAPTERS ON THE HISTORY OF
FRANCE. By L. J. Gardiner. (University Tutorial Press. 7s. 6d.)—Probably no firm has given the English student in the last few years a more valuable series of text books than the University Tutorial Press. Philosophers such as Stout, Mackenzie, Welton have written for it ; the thoroughness of Professor Weekley in French and of Messrs. Hayes and Mason in Latin Grammar has helped far more students than it has repelled ; the Matri- culation Modern History of Fearenside and the Intermediate Text Book of English Literature by Wyatt and Low (on Wyatt the mantle of Skeat has fallen) are never far from a student's table. Workman's Arithmetic, Davidge's Technical Electricity have made their mark. When Miss Gardiner wrote her Outlines she no doubt set before herself a high standard which she only partially attains. Her style is sometimes turgid, and she too readily accepts the classical poets at their own valuation. A muse reduced " aux regles du devoir " gives an Englishman dyspepsia. Still, the Outlines has real merit. Students will welcome an historical background to French literature. The modern chapters and the wealth of illustration are commendable. The publishers' reputation and Miss Gardiner's own excellent material demand a revised edition.
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