9 AUGUST 1879, Page 24

Bean Nash ; or, Bath in the Eighteenth Century. By

William Harrison Ainsworth. 3 vols. (Rontledge,) The King of Bath ; or, Life at a Spa in the Eighteenth Century. By Mrs Hibbort Ware. 2 vols. (Charles J. Skeet.)—It is rather unfortunate that two hooks about so small a personage as "Beau Nash" should have been published together. One small volume might havo been conceded to him not wholly without grudging, but jive are beyond all patience. Mrs. Ware tells us more about her subject. She traces the life of Nash from its early years to its closing scene, and really gives us some idea of the man, and represents him, whether truly or no, we cannot tell, but as a possible and not altogether contemptible person. In Mr. Ainsworth' s romance, he is less distinct ; nor do we find any compensation in the lovemaking and duelling which are carried on about him. Mr. Ainsworth, however, introduces a real character, who is more interesting, the Rev. Richard Graves, author of the "Spiritual Quixote." It is a pleasing picture, and we hope that it is true, though it scarcely accords with the impression left by that most nauseous book on which Mr. Grave's reputation with posterity, such as it is, depends.