27 FEBRUARY 1897, Page 23

English Essays. With an Introduction by J. H. Lobban (Mackie

and Son.)—We have no fault to find with the criticisms that Mr. Lobban passes in his introduction on English essayists. We should not, perhaps, rank Goldsmith, in this capacity, quite so high. But, generally, his judgment is sound. The authors from whom specimens are chosen number sixteen, and range from Francis Bacon to Charles Lamb.