Tales from Indian History. By J. Talboys Wheeler. (W. Thacker
and Co.)—The most interesting part of Mr. Wheeler's volume is the story of Akbar. Akbar's figure has a distinction about it which we do not see in any other of the multitude that crowds the canvas of Indian history. This remarkable portrait Mr. Wheeler gives us very well. Indeed, the whole book is well worth reading. No genius could make much of the confused records of intrigue and bloodshed which make up so great a part of the annals of India ; but Mr. Wheeler does his best, and whenever any point of large interest occurs does not fail to seize it. We have, for instance, in the some- what dreary story of Jehangir (Akbar's successor) the interesting figure of Sir Thomas Roe, King James's Ambassador. The second part of the volume is devoted to prominent events in the history of British India. Here familiar names, Clive, Warren Hastings, Corn- wallis, and the more recent memories of the great Mutiny, meet us, introducing tales which we have heard before, but which will bear repeating, now and for many years to come. We mast not forget to mention a chapter which should be quite as attractive as the records of dynasties and wars, "Native Life in Villages and Towns." Mr. Wheeler deserves thanks for his contribution to popular knowledge of India, past and present.
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