14 DECEMBER 1895, Page 25

The Ancient Baotians. By W. Rhys Roberts. (Cambridge University Press.)—Pindar,

the greatest of Bceotians (if we leave Epaminondas out of account), leaves on record the com- mon reproach addressed to his countrymen, Botorr;a Ls. Professor Roberts examines the question of Boeotian character generally, and, while refusing the rile of a thorough apologist, advances various considerations why we should modify the severity of our judgment. The great stain of Medism he accounts for as the act of an oligarchy. On the questions of Boeotian art, letters, and culture generally, he has much that is interesting to say. As for their military capacity, there can be no question. Twice, at least, in the fifth century B.C., the critical epoch of Greek history, did the steadfastness of the Theban infantry change the course of events.