The Reader's Handbook. By Rev. E. Cobham Brewer. (Chatto and
Windus. is. 6d.)—Dr. Brewer died before he had completed the proof-reading of this edition, and the work has been com- pleted by his daughter. It is a guide to "famous names in fiction, allusions, references, proverbs, plots, stories, and poems." It is not perfect ; but then it is probably beyond any one's power to make such a book perfect. Any one who may find omissions will probably have to acknowledge, if he is candid, that for one such discovery there are at least two or three items of informa- tion which are new to him. If we note a few corrigenda, this must not be understood to be a depreciation of the book, which is a really valuable ,work of reference. Under "Civil Wars of England," we have some lines quoted from Drayton which really • have a special reference to the battle of Bloreheath, which proved so fatal to the Cheshire gentry. The criticism on Addison's style that it is "artificial and Latinised " cannot refer to the work by which he is remembered, the Spectator essays. " Snarley-Yow " 'or the "Dog-Fiend" in Marryat's novel is not mentioned. "Blowsabella," a mock-pastoral name, is omitted. Harrow wears dark and Eton light blue ; here they are reversed. The story of Trajan and the widow might have been completed by the beautiful narrative told by John, the Deacon, of Pope Gregory the Great. The volume is completed by a bibliography of English and American authors, and a list of dramas and operas, with their dates. There must be four thousand or more.
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