7 NOVEMBER 1896, Page 13

Thomas Carlyle. By Hector C. Macpherson. (Oliphant, Anderson, and Ferrier.)—Mr.

Macpherson gives us a very vigorous and brightly written account of Carlyle's "Latter-Day Sage." The story of his outward life is given with a dis- criminating appreciation, and the more difficult task, indicated by the chapter which has "Carlyle's Mental Development" for its title, is well performed. A specially good chapter is that in which is recorded the story of Carlyle's address when he was in- stalled as rector of Edinburgh University, with the tragical sequel of that incident, the return to a home made desolate by the death of his wife. This volume belongs to the "Famous Scots Series,"—a series which should be practically interminable.