Guelphs and Ghibellines. By Oscar Browning. (Methuen.)— This "Short History
of Mediceval Italy, from 1250-1400," gives, in a compressed, but not too much compressed, form, the incidents and personalities of a profoundly interesting time. Chapter I. is preliminary, giving an introductory sketch of the development of medicinal Italy and some account of the great rulers, Frederick Barbarossa, Innocent III., and Frederick II. With the death of the last-named (December 13th, 1250) a new era begins. The parties of Pope and Emperor range themselves definitely in opposition to each other. Generally, the two are identified with liberty and authority; but Mr. Browning points out how these issues were frequently confused. Among specially interesting chapters may be pointed out,—III. (Charles of Anjou, Manfred, Conradin, Sicilien Vespers) ; X. (the Black Death, Lewis of Hungary, Genoa, and Venice, Marino Faliero) ; and that which concludes the book and deals with " Gian Gallazzo Visconti, Ladislaus, the Council of Pisa." A useful appendix furnishes genealogical tables, &c.
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