Andrew Carnegie, by Bernard Alderson (C. Arthur Pearson, 2s. 6d.)
and Dr. ,Toseph Parker, by Dr. Adamson (Cassell and Co., 6s. net), are specimens of a class of books which must be very well written to be endurable. There are doubtless many people who want to be told something about the capitalist and the preacher, and the demand is sure to be supplied. We have little fault to find with Mr. Bernard Alderson. It might be inferred from his saying that the young Carnegie was interested in his native town of Dunfermline, not because Kings and Queens but because Robert Bruce was buried there, that he does not know that Bruce was a King,— possibly he began his historical studies with the American War of Independence. But this excuse fails when we find him talking of the oppressive government of Scotland in the "forties." There was much political ferment there in those days, as there was over all Europe, and it touched the Carnegie family. But Scotland, which now returns a majority of Unionists, has come to a more sober mood, and Andrew Carnegie has gone with his countrymen. The story of his fortunes is indeed wonderful. There has never been an example of wealth so acquired and so employed. The narrative is simple and straightforward, and may be read with pleasure. And Mr. Bernard Alderson is not simply a panegyrist. We do not like to say what we think about Dr. Adamson's book. It is wanting in tact and taste, both especially needed ; the picture is painted in glaring colours simply daubed on. We shall not attempt to criticise
details. That would be unfair, not to Dr. Adamson, indeed, but to Dr. Parker. We are told that the book will be "new" to him; we are very much mistaken if it will not also be displeasing.
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