29 JANUARY 1881, Page 27

Leaders of Men. By IL A. Page. 1 vol. (Marshall,

Japp, and Co.)—Under this title, Mr. Page has collected some biographical sketches, which have already appeared in magazines. The best are those of Robert Dick, baker and geologist ; Commodore Goodenough; Dr. John Wilson ; and John Duncan, weaver and botanist. In these Mr. Page thoroughly brings out the disinterestedness and devotion to high aims which characterised these exceptional men. One of the most pathetic pictures is that of John Duncan, and his friend, Charles Black, studying Dr. Hooker's work on plants. The work is too costly for them to buy it. Chance puts it in their way. The son of a local publican dies, leaving this, among other books. His father will not part with it, but allows the eager botanists to pore over it, while con- suming the whisky they have ordered for the good of the house. We must protest against the late George Moore being included among " leaders of men." To this title he had no claim, and in other respects his life was net so exceptional as to deserve special record. For the rest, we can recommend this book to those who have not the time to read the larger works on which it is based. The compiler has done his work with care and good-taste, though we noted one or two con- fused expressions which have escaped revision.