Twenty - Nine Illustrations. By J. E. Millais, R.A. Designed for the
Cornhill Magazine. With extracts descriptive of each picture. (Smith and Elder.)—Twenty-Seven 17/aerations. By F. Walker, &c. (Smith and Elder.)—Twenty-Five Illustrations. By F. Leighton, A.R.A., &c. (Smith and Elder.)—These half-guinea volumes really go some way towards reconciling us to the inconveniences of London civilization. We have all sorts of difficulties connected with air and water, but we do get certain refined pleasures at a cheap rate. When we grumble at the extent of the population, and especially at the number of gentlemen who are treading upon one another's heels, we may remember that it is only a widespread demand for tasteful things that can ensure their pro- duction on easy terms. It may be that we may consider the privilege dearly purchased, but that is beside the question ; we must endure the nuisances, and we shall do well to make the most of the compensation. We have been led to this train of thought by the interesting volumes at the head of this notice ; they are marvels of good art and cheapness combined. Mr. Millais Ssbeyond our criticism ; we are all fascinated by nine-tenths of his works, and we all wonder how the same pencil can produce the other tenth. He was generally fortunate in his treatment of "Framley Parsonage " and " The Small House at Allington," from which the bulk of the illustrations are taken. Who does not remember'? "Lady Lofton and the Duke of Omnium" and " Was it not a Lie ?" anda score of others? and we should think most people will be glad to have at least the collection that bears his -name upon their table. Mr. Walker had the good fortune to illustrate Mr. Thackeray's last works—works which we criticized until the mighty master was taken from Its, and now "quariri- mug invidi,"—and certainly succeeded in presenting us with some very pretty faces in "The Adventures of Philip." Mr. Leighton had a diffi- cult task before him, in realizing the conceptions of George Eliot, and opinions vary as to his success. "Romola" has taken such a hold upon some people that they are difficult to please, and we must confess that we ourselves have not found any representation of the heroine that satisfies us ; nor is Tessa quite to our taste, as she appears in these pages. But if Mr. Leighton has not reached the effect that he aimed at, be has tried honestly ; there is great character and individuality about his designs ; and some of the grimmer scenes, "'The Dying Message " and "Will his Eyes Open ?" for instance, are very well rendered. Perhaps, for the purpose of drawing-room conversations, as leading to interesting controversy, his volume would be found the most useful.
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