political events accompanying the conquest and settlement of the Island
of Britain by the Saxons, Danes, and Normans." An introductory chapter deals with the Roman occupation of the island. Thus we have a tolerably complete account of what might perhaps be more accurately called the conquests of Britain, the author keeping in view the possible attempt at a conquest which our neighbours may make hereafter. Major Jones's treatment of his subject is decidedly able. He is not content to follow in the beaten track of popular histories. He seems to bare a real insight, which he aims at communicating to his readers, into the mutual
bearing of the events which he relates ; he describes the battles and campaigns with the precision and clearness of a practical soldier, and in able to take enlarged views of the significance of political events. It is quite refreshing to turn from the chapter on the Ileptarchy which we find in the ordinary school-histories, to the account given in this volume of the vicissitudes of the Saxon kingdoms, an account which displays something of a really historical spirit. We do not, indeed, find our- selves always in agreement with our author. We are inclined, for instance, to think his estimate of William the Conqueror too favourable, but the value and interest of his book are beyond question.
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