Greasy and Poitiers. By F. G. Edgar. (S. 0. Beeton.)—We
think that the merits of Mr. Edgar's stories are not enhanced by the informa- tion the publisher gives us that they were designed to show the "state and growth of England." No one, we believe, would ever have dis- covered it from the books themselves, and praise undeserved is scandal in disguise, whether it is so meant or not. A purpose of that sort generally spoils a fiction; let us be thankful that it has not spoiled Mr.. Edgar's. For his tales have a peculiar and very, rare charm. Up to his untimely death he had never parted, even amid the racket of London literary life, with the mental simplicity of a boy, and he believed in the age of chivalry from the bottom.of his heart. Thus he is able to tell Froissart's stories with .a reality which is quite marvellous,, and which will not be easily imitated. This volume is a very handsome one, pro- -Neely illustrated, but Mr. Dudley's engravings are cruelly tested by being set side by aide with Gustave Dord's. Of these last the wood- cuts at pp. 256 and 827 deserve especial mention.
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