Shakspere and his Predecessors. By Frederick S. Boas, M.A. (John
Murray.)—This is one of those unfortunate books, unfor- tunate for the reviewer though not for the author, which is singularly destitute of faults calling for critical comment. In saying this we do not mean to affirm, to quote one of Mr. Swinbnrne's favourite adjectives, that the work is "impeccable" and free from errors of detail, but that it shows throughout a sane judgment combined with the reverence and appreciation which become a critic in the presence of Shakespeare. Sound sense is the basis of good criticism even when exercised on the imaginative conceptions of the most wonderful of poets, and Mr. Boas does not allow his love to run away with his judgment. We do not think that the author, though by no means a slave to authority, breaks much new ground. He writes with an adequate knowledge of the literature, massive though it be, that has been expended on the subject ; there are indications of research in quarters unfamiliar to the ordinary student, and for sunny useful suggestions he is indebted, which he does not fail to acknowledge, to Professor Dowden, whose nomenclature he adopts by treating the final group of Shakspere's plays as "Romances." There is no effort in the style of the volume, which is well sus- tained throughout, and rises as it should do when the writer is elevated by his theme. ,Its an indication of Mr. Boas's critical reasonableness we may point to his treatment of the Sonnets, a theme upon which many an otherwise sensible commentator has damaged his reputation. A better text-book it would be difficult, we think, if not impossible, to find, and it is unquestionable that the author has achieved his aim, which is "to discuss Shak- spere's works in relation to their sources, to throw light on their technique and general import, and to bring out some of their points of contact with the literature of their own and earlier times." A copious index, for which Mr. Boas is indebted to his wife, adds greatly to the value of the work.
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