4 DECEMBER 1886, Page 22

Some Essays of Elia. Illustrated by C. 0. Murray. (Sampson

Low and Co.)—Fifteen of the essays, the best, if we may presume to make the distinction, anyhow the best-known, are plentifully illus. trated in this volume by Mr. Murray's pencil. We cannot say that all the drawings please us. "Ralph Bigod, Esq.," for instance, is as little like as could be imagined to the "descendant from mighty ancestors of that name, who heretofore held high dignities in this realm." He looks like a disreputable music-hall singer. The farce of the "Dissertation upon Roast Pig" is better rendered. It is here, rather than in genteel comedy, that the illustrator seems to find himself at home.