The Waverley Novels: an Appreciation. By Charles Alexander Young. (J.
MacLehose and Sons, Glasgow. Is. net.)—This is the posthumous work of an Indian Civil servant of great promise, who perished two years ago in the earthquake at Dharmsala. He was placed second in the evomination and wrote this essay, which was the outcome of many years of study for the Oxford Honours degree in English literature and history. It is well worth reading. There is no reason to suppose that Scott is neglected. The recent editions of his novels forbid such an idea, but naturally there is little literary criticism of his work. He is accepted, and readers do not ask themselves why he was so great. Mr. Young was a Scottish enthusiast, and shows the insight which enthusiasm gives. There was never a more sympathetic critic of Scott than R. H. Hutton, and it is a special pleasure in these columns to appreciate the work of one who had something of the same spirit.
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