19 DECEMBER 1925, Page 28

GIBBON. By the Rt. Hon. J. M. Robertson. (WattS. 3s.

6d. net.)

Ix this concise and energetic study, new facts. discovered by

General Meredith Read and others, which throw a new light upon the character of the great historian, are, for the first time, brought together in convenient form. " I sighed as a lover and obeyed as a son," flits been so often quoted against Gibbon as a self-proof of his Cipediency, that it is surprising to learn 'that in describing the romantic episode Of his youth, he

deliberately made a misstatement; and as a generous friend, in manly fashion took upon himself all the blame. In demolishing rival or inimical arguments, Mr. Robertson writes with a customary vigour that; whatever our opinions may be, is at leait exhilarating.