2 MAY 1908, Page 22

Irish and English. By Robert Lynd. (F. Griffiths. 5s. net.)—

These "Portraits and Impressions" are, as might be expected, of various value. The English part is more pleasant to read, at least to an Englishman. The Irish has the character, almost universal in these latter days in Irish literature, of querulous- ness, even when there is the intention of humour. We are always getting a glimpse of the "distressful country" and the unceasing strife of parties and creeds. The English studies are not so vivid or so well drawn ; but we look at them without any sense of dis- quiet. Of course, the book suffers, as do all that belong to this class, from having to be taken whole when it is meant to be taken in bits.