SynrainZ Solbakken. By Bjornstjerne BjOrnson. Given in English by Julie
Sutter. With an Essay by Edmund Geese. (Heinemann.)—This is a new edition of the first volume in the series of Bjornson's novels. Mr. Gosse's study of this writer's work is an exhaustive one, but sometimes presupposes a know- ledge in the reader which he is not certain, to say the least, to possess. In short, it is meant for those who know the Norwegian author's writings rather than for those who do not. We see occasionally a certain obscurity of style. Mr. Gosse says that Bjornson is the best living instance of " intuitivism," and proceeds to explain, if explanation it can be called. "He does not argue or generalise ; he forms without reasoning a perception of character, and he puts this perception on paper, with agitation, with a certain precipitancy of the sensitive consciousness, con- vinced that disturbance will destroy for ever the fugitive idea." Does this mean that he is an" impressionist," writes in a hurry and does not correct ? Is Mr. Gosse in agreement with his author when he writes, "He [Bjornson] distinguishes between a formal and a real marriage, and suggests that if the social union is founded on a falsehood, it should be broken as soon as possible" P It would seem so, for be considers that the objection to this teaching was "unintelligent." "Social union founded on false- hood" comes practically to mean a marriage that one or other of the parties is tired of. We are sorry to see Mr. Gone giving his approval to a teaching so noxious.
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