2 NOVEMBER 1889, Page 43

Jacob's Letter, and other Tales. By Rowland Grey. (Kegan Paul,

Trench, and Co.)—The first of the six tales collected in this volume is a very simple story of how a woodcutter in the Niederwald, not hearing of his son in the Franco-Prussian War,

sends a letter of inquiry to " Unser Fritz" himself, and gets a very kindly reply. "St. Catherine's Tresses" deals with the

triumphs of a provincial hairdresser, who makes a success where a celebrated Parisian artist fails. It is well told, and shows no little humour. On the whole, these little sketches are worthy of the clever and accomplished author whose name they oear.— Roger Pearon, and other Stories. By Katharine S. Macquoid. 2 vols. (Ward and Downey.)—These two volumes contain nine stories, one of them being a very old friend whom we do not care to see in a new dress, " The Ratcatcher of Hamelin." The others are pleasant and satisfactory specimens of Mrs. Macquoid's manner. "Anna," the tale of a girl whom every one snubs, but who finds in a moment of peril that she, too, can do something, is among the best; but all are good.