7 NOVEMBER 1891, Page 11

Pictures from Shelley. Designed by Etheline E. Dell. Engraved by

James D. Cooper. (Macmillan and Co.)—This volume contains twenty-four illustrations of various passages from Shelley, " a suitable accompaniment," the designer hopes, " to his approaching centenary." At the same time, she apologises for the attempt. The beauty of Shelley's thought can hardly be put into shape even by the most imaginative pencil. There is some fine de- signing in Miss Dell's work, but she does not always keep, it seems to us, on the right side of extravagance. The landscapes in " The Cloud," for instance, are more than Turneresque. The figure in " Arethusa " is scarcely a success. On the other hand, the first illustration is a fine sea-piece, and " The Rivulet " is an attractive bit of woodland scenery. Perhaps one of the best things in the volume is an illustration of "The Revolt of Islam," with the title, " Ethereal mountains shone around." It recalls Turner. but not unfavourably. The " Fane," however, does not " stand in the midst," nor is it " girt with green isles." In short, a more appropriate motto for the picture might have been found.