The Library Manual, by j. Herbert Slater (L. Upcott Gill),
which aims at being a guide to the formation of a library, and "the valuation of rare and splendid books," is one of those works which it would be perfectly easy to pick holes in ; and, indeed, the author looks forward to Borne such experience. At the same time, it is full of useful information, is well arranged, and contains much sound advice. But when Mr. Slater was giving counsel as to the formation of a library, why should he include among books of reference (p. 20) the edition of the " Encyclopmdia Britannica " for 1860? Surely the book collector should either take the edition of this valuable work which is now being issued, or he should take a complete edition of another encyclopredia of later date than 1860, if he wishes to use it as "a work which may help him to further information."
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