5 MAY 1888, Page 45

Hermes : Anah and Zitha. (Hay, Nisbet, and Co., Glasgow.)—

This is described as a sequel to " Hafed, Prince of Persia." In the former volume were many extraordinary ideas, such as the fac-similes of the handwriting which was said to be more than mortal, and the description of the Temple, which, with the mixture of Oriental imagery and spiritual manifestation, made up a some- what incongruous and grotesque whole. Though there is much to interest the reader in the travels and adventures of Hermes and the descriptions of people and places, it has a strong " Arabian Nights " flavour about it which gives it a likeness to an opium- eater's dream. To many it will seem an absurd mixture of romancing and spiritualism, with a slight touch of profanity. We are inclined to subscribe to this opinion.