30 JUNE 1900, Page 13

A. Book of Bachelors. By A. W. Fox, M.A. (Constable

and Co. 16s.)—This is a somewhat whimsical idea of Mr. Fox's, to give sketches of some notable bachelors in various professions. Bishop Andrewes, the physician Boorde, Archbishop Abbot, the poet Cowley, and Sir Henry Wotton, the diplomatist. Burton figures as the humonrist, and Sir Thomas Overbury as the courtier. Mr. Fox tells us in his preface that he is not tilting at marriage, but only wishes to record the events in the lives of some notable bachelors. The only chapter which seems indirectly to reflect on marriage is, of course, that of Overbury, who met his death at the hands of that infamous pair, Lady Essex and Lord Rochester. It was, perhaps, a peculiar taste which included Overbury in this list of bachelors, but if its object was to prove the folly of inter- fering with other people's love affairs, as well as the risks of a courtier's career, the author has certainly succeeded. Among the most interesting of these sketches are those of the Bishop Andrewes and Thomas Coryate, the traveller. We can promise our readers some interesting reading if they can only get over the momentary surprise occasioned by the title of the volume and its seemingly severe appearance. Mr. Fox seems to us to be impartial, to have the historical gift, and to be able to handle his materials to the best advantage.