Portugal and Its People. By W. A. Salisbury. (Nelson and
Sons.)—We can hardly agree with Mr. Salisbury in his belief "that the history of Portugal and its people is not second in interest to the annals of any people past or present." But there is no doubt that the writer who approaches his subject in this temper is likely to do it justice. Mr. Salisbury traces the history of the country from the earliest time. Of Phoenician rule few, if any, traces remain. The Roman, on the contrary, left his mark very visibly impressed. The Moorish supremacy, the relations with Spain, the character and achievements of the people, form the subjects of successive chapters. For sixty years (1580-16410), the whole Peninsula was united. Then came the rise of the Braganza family, a most interesting and curious story. Portu- guese history from that time has not much interest till it touches on our own in the early days of this century. The Portuguese in Africa, Asia, and America are treated of in separate chapters, and the conclusion of the volume describes " Modern Portugal." M r. Salisbury, if not flattering, for he recognises the faults of the people, is yet hopeful about the future of the country.
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