4 NOVEMBER 1899, Page 13

The History of South America. By an American. Translated by

Adnah D. Jones. (Swan Sonnenschein and Co. 10s. 6d.)—If it was worth while to publish this book, it was worth while to complete it. The history is not carried beyond 1876, and the twenty odd years that have passed since that date have materi- ally changed the situation, and that not for the better. It would have been interesting to have a table of the comparative prices of South American stocks in 1876 and 1898. The " American's " story is worth reading ; he knew his subject. But for practical purposes—that is, for any one who wants to know what the South American Republics are now and what are their prospects—the book is of but small use.