27 JUNE 1896, Page 10

Columbian and Canadian Sketches. By Rudyard Home. (Gill, Dublin.)—These sketches

of American life have more freshness and originality than we generally associate with literature of this kind. They will not put a new complexion on the aspects of the social life of our cousins, but they are readable, show a ready grasp of characteristics peculiar to the States, have some humour, and are good-tempered, frank, and honest. At the present time they may be read with advantage. They are reprinted from the Belfast Irish News. The Canadian sketches are very few in number.