The increasing number of books on separate English towns or
districts suggests the growth of a wholesome reaction against the standardizing influences which, during the present century, have threatened local patriotism and local individu- ality. This reaction is reflected in, and should be stimulated by, The County Anthologies, which Messrs. Elkin Mathews and Marrot are issuing at 3s. 6d. per volume. The latest additions to this excellent series are Middlesex, edited by Mr. T. Michael Pope ; Lancashire, by Mr. R. H. Case ; and Cumberland, by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jerrold. Each volume contains selections in prose and verse, chronologically arranged ; and a feature of the series is that, while the universally recognized literary associations of each county (such as those of the Lake school of poets with Cumberland) are not overlooked, considerable space is devoted to lesser writers with a more specifically local appeal. These dainty books should be popular as holiday companions, and it is to be hoped that they will find their way into the schools of the respective counties, so that the rising generation nary be helped to sec beauty and romance at its own doors. * * *
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