The Arts of Writing, Reading, and Speaking. Letters to a
Law Student. By Edward W. Cox. Second Edition. (Horace Cox:)—In answer to the tradition of Shakespeare's inferiority as an actor, it has been argued that the author of the Directions to the Players must have been perfect on the stage. We ought likewise to infer from the good sense and practical advice of this book that its author is an admirable speaker. Ile takes pains, however, to assure Us that he is but an indifferent ono. Still, this does not at all detract from the merits of his manual, which aro many and striking. We have carefully examined the speeches and poems which be has accen- tuated for the use of the reader, and, save perhaps in one instance, we have found no fault in them. The letters themselves are pleasant and suggestive to read, sometimes a little too gossiping, and not always distinct enough to make a strong impression. But their object is to induce people to practise reading and speaking, rather than to lay down rules which are always to be borne in mind. Their tone is, therefore, not misplaced.
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