26 OCTOBER 1929, Page 35

The lively interest no taken in the saints and - mystics

of seventeenth-century France is probably due, in. part to the writings of the Abbe Bremond ; and of these saints, Francis de Sales, with his unfailing charm of _manner, his -genius for friendship, and his wit, is one of the inost generally attractive. There will, therefore, be many apPreciative readers for the second, and very substantial, instalment of the Life- of the Saint (Burns, Oates and Washbourne, 15s.).. which the Rey. Harold Burton, has :translated and adapted. from Abbe Raison's standard. biography. Though' the tone is somewhat more edifying than English taste approves,- the amount. of careful detail makes this work of real value to all students of the period. The new volume (the -first. appeared in 1920 Opens with the founding of the Order of the Visitation, and ends with the death of the .Saint. It therefore Covers one of the Most interesting periods of his career, including, as . it does, his active association with St. Chantal. in the establishment of her monasteries. A third volume is promised, to deal with his chief. characteristics' and the 'events connected With his canonization.

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