29 OCTOBER 1887, Page 22

The Bible and Contemporary History. By the Rev. W. H.

Pinnock. 2 vols. (Reeves and Turner.)—Dr. Pinnock's posthumous book will scarcely, we should think, repay the cost and trouble of publication. These two volumes are from one point of view too large, from another, not large enough, for the subject with which they deal. "An Epitome of the History of the World, from the Creation to the End of the New Testament," may be given, not without some utility, in a series of chronological tables, and similar statements of facts. If treated as Dr. Pinnook attempts to treat it, not one but many volumes are necessary. And it is scarcely the fact that "the latest scientific and historical researches" have been utilised by the author. He was a diligent student who, in his time, did good service to educa- tion ; but the subject here treated was beyond his powers, and, indeed, could not be adequately dealt with from his point of view.