Current Literature
VICTOR EMNFANUEL II AND THE UNION OF ITALY. By C. S. Forester. (Methuen. 10s. Od.)--There is no more dramatic story . than that of the liberation of - Italy from Hapsburgs and Bourbons, and it is well 'told by Mr. Forester. He brings out very clearly the line qualities of Victor Em- manuel as soldier and statesman. • Too often the King is ignored and all the praise given to Mazzini, Garibaldi and favour. These great men did much, but the King himself contributed materially to the success of the conunon cause by keeping his head after Villafranca when even Cavottr despaired, and by promptly marching into and through the Papal States 'n.1860, when Garibaldi was in difficulties at the Volturno against the Neapolitan Army. Mr. Forester's ease for Victor Emmanuel is sound and skilfully argued. He gives interesting accounts of the battles, such as Custozza and Solferino and Lisa, and, generally speaking, makes the history very Mdable.
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