16 MAY 1914, Page 26

The German Lyric. By John Lees. (J. M. Dent and

130115. 4s. 6d. net.)—Dr. Lees tells us that in England there are still two fairly strong preconceived notions about the German lyric—one that it is unduly sentimental, the other that the language is harsh and clumsy. A brief course of Goethe and Heine is warranted to remove both prejudices. This book, which is based on the experience of ten years' teaching in the University of Aberdeen, shows what a wealth of fine lyrical poetry has been produced by lees-known German writers.