18 SEPTEMBER 1897, Page 23

The English Regalia. By Cyril Davenport. (Kegal Paul and Co.)—This

is an exhaustive account of the crowns, sceptres, robes, and other things belonging to the coronation of our Sovereigns. Most of the jewellery dates from the reign of Charles II. What Mr. Davenport calls the official crown of England was made for that King. The Imperial crown of Queen Victoria contains a highly interesting gem. The great pear-shaped ruby is the stone given to the Black Prince by the King of Castile in 1367. It was worn by Henry V. in his crown at Agincourt. This stone has been valued at .2110,000. The large sapphire in the cross at the top of the crown is said to have belonged to Edward the Confessor. The book is illustrated with large coloured plates.