13 AUGUST 1898, Page 26

John Gilbert, Yeoman. By R. G. Soans. (Frederick Warne and

Co.) — This " Romance of the Commonwealth " is a fair specimen of the historical tale. The scene is laid at Amberley, on the Arun, a country with which the author is evidently familiar. The hero is a Royalist, and the lady he loves is of the same persuasion, but, unfortunately, has an uncle of the narrow Puritan type. The great Protector himself is introduced among the dramatis persona. This is a risky experiment. It is difficult to make so very great a personage equal to himself.