THE Tsarrtn CLASSICS.—A recent addition to the "Temple Library" (J.
M. Dent and Co., is. 6d. net per vol.) is The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey, by George Cavendish. The book has a somewhat curious history. It remained for nearly a century in manuscript, being first published in 1641, and then in an incorrect form. It ranks, therefore, as early in the whole list of English prose works, and is the very first in point of time of English biographies. It is a vigorous piece of composition, partial indeed, but with the honest partiality of a genuine affection. Thomas Churchyard's poem, "The Tragedy of Cardinal Wolsey," is added by way of supplement. Mr. F. S. Ellis edits this edition, as he edited the Keluiscott Press edition of 1893. He undervalues Churchyard's verse, we think, when he says that it has "no poetic merit."— With this we may also note two other volumes in the "Temple Library,"—a complete reprint of all Wordsworth's Sonnets and a reprint of Basil Montagu's Thoughts of the Divines and Philosophers, a most delightful volume of selections from some of the great English preachers and men of wisdom,—Jeremy Taylor, South, Barrow, Browne, and Bacon. Basil Montagu's notes are full of learning and interest, and this reissue is certain to prove a source of pleasure to all who love the great English prose-writers of the seventeenth century. The truth is, these "Temple" reprints become weekly more delightful to those who love our literature. Long may they continue.
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