SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Under this heading we notice such Books of the week as hare not bean reserved for review in other forms.]
Unhistoric Acts. By George Baker. (Headley Brothers. 7s. 6d. net.)—By "unhistoric" is meant that which does not find a place in history. Our conception of history, however, is somewhat changed, and the "short and simple annals" which form the staple of Mr. Baker's book may well find their way in it, anyhow, as materials pour servir. Mr. Baker's subject is the doings of certain Friends, mostly kinsfolk of his own, who lived and worked in North-East Yorkshire. The country described may be defined by its coast-line, which reaches from Runswick in the north to Scar- borough in the south. To the north-west it reaches Guisboro', to the south-west Rievaulx. The most important locality is Castle- ton and Denby Dale. As for the people and their manners and customs, it is difficult to select anything for special notice ; but this is very far from meaning that there is a lack of things worthy of consideration. Perhaps the most important event recorded is the foundation of Ackworth School, unless we are to give the pre- eminence to the contested election of 1807, when Wilberforce was returned at the head of the poll. George Baker voted for him, and took various Friend neighbours with him. They had to travel two days to give their votes. But the glimpses that we get of domestic life and of the common life of the Friends in their character as a religions community are full of interest.
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