4 MAY 1867, Page 21

Shakespeare Some Notes on his Character and Writings. By a

Student. (Edinburgh : Edmonston and Douglas.)—We do not find much for approval or for dissent in this little volume. The author has read Shakespeare with attention, and has collected a good many passages which either bear on each other, or are in themselves signifi- cant of the poet's character. But in all this there is nothing very original, and the emendations suggested seem to us quite unnecessary. There can Surely be no doubt as to the meaning of Iago's sneer at Oassio,--"s fellow almost damned in a fair wife," at least until people puzzle themselves with the refinements of commentators.