5 DECEMBER 1896, Page 11

Wulfric the Weapon - Thane. By Charles W. Whistler. (Blackie and Son.)—Wulfric

was the armour-bearer of Edmund, the East Anglian sub-King, who was martyred by the Danes in 870. Mr. Whistler has carefully studied the authorities, and gives us a very elaborately painted picture of the time. He has worked in the legend which represents the King as having sought a hiding- place under the bridge, and being discovered from information given by a bridal-party that had crossed it. It is needless to inquire too curiously into the truth of these legends. This particular one certainly lived long in popular belief. Mr. Whistler's style is somewhat stiff, but it is dignified and picturesque.