THE LIFE OF ROBERT TOOMBS.
The Life of Robert Toombs. By Ulrich Bonnell Phillips. (Macmillan and Co. 8s. 6d. net.)—Comparatively few readers in this country are well acquainted with the history of the events that led up to the American Civil War from the Southern standpoint. Professor Phillips, of the University of Michigan, has therefore done good service in presenting this elaborate study of the life and policy of Robert Toombs, who may be taken as a typical representative of the ante- bellum attitude of Georgia. Apart from this source of interest. Toombs was himself a very distinguished statesman, thoroughly deserving of respectful memory. He was also a striking type of the old Southern aristocracy.. His favourite character in-literature was Falstaff, and he himself—more or COnlidously—displayed certain Falstaffian chsrsoteriatica.
But his braggadocio was combined with matter-of-factness and high purpose; his comedy was mingled with tragedy; his self-indulgence stopped short at conviviality ; and in public affaire he was among the most austere of men." Professor Phillips deals almost entirely with Toombs's public life; and though his book is not easy reading, it is worthy of study.
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