The War in Egypt and the Soudan. By Thomas Archer.
Vol. IV. (Blackie and Son.)—Mr. Archer's fourth and concluding volume takes up the narrative at the time which immediately preceded the Battle of Abu %lea, and carries it on to the end,—if, indeed, the end is yet. We heartily congratulate the author on bringing to a successful termination a most laborious work. Nothing is harder to write than contemporary history ; and this particular task must have tried to the utmost all Mr. Archer's skill and experience (for it is not the first time that be has tried his hand on such a subject). His narrative is always graphic and vigorous, while be exercises a judicious moderation in dealing with the many disputed questions which crop up in the course of the narrative. Not the least interesting passages are those which deal with the personalities of some of the actors in these scenes,—Colonel Burnaby, General Stewart, General
Earle, Mr, St. Leger Herbert, and Mr. Cameron (to speak only of the dead), are commemorated in short memoirs which give exactly what is wanted. The volume is well ffinstrated by portraits and plans of battles, and is in all respects worthy of its subject.
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