28 MAY 1921, Page 21

Chronos : A Handbook of Comparative Chronology. By R. J.

Hart. (Bell. 7s. 6d. net.)—We are glad to see a new and revised edition of this excellent book by the late Mrs. Hart. It is modestly described as "Chronological Notes in History, Art and Literature from 8000 B.C. to 1700 A.D., for the Use of Travellers," but it is in fact as useful and convenient for daily reference at home as it is on a journey in Italy, Greece, or Egypt, where the traveller needs some assistance in viewing the panorama of the ages. The author, who began to make the notes for her own use in her archaeological tours, used good authorities and strove for brevity and accuracy. The first part deals with the prehistoric period and with the ancient world up to 800 B.C.; under each millennium are given the approximate dates that have significance in the history of

Egypt, Crete, Babylon, and other countries. The second part deals, century by century, with the period from 800 B.C. to 800 A.])., giving the main dates for each country. The third part continues the record for each oentury up to 1700. It is extremely useful and instructive to have the more or less con- temporary events in different countries noted together ; the history of each country becomes more intelligible when it is related to the history of other countries. Appendices on special topics are followed by valuable lists of European painters and sculptors, arranged under schools chronologically with the dates of their birth and death, and by a chapter on European miniatures from the first century. There is a good general index and there is also an index of artists. The book will commend itself in daily use to those who now make its acquaintance for the first time.