Diary and Correspondence of Samuel Pepys. Deciphered, with Additional Notes,
by the Rev. Mynors Bright. Vol. II. (Bickers & Son.) —This second volume of tho now edition proves quite convincingly that the book was wanted. A list of additions is given, and though from want of time in drawing it up it does not profess to be complete, yet it makes a very con- siderable mass. It is not too much to say that some of the most interesting things in the Diary now, for the first time, see the light. The editor gives a preface, in which ho tolls us that he has deciphered afresh the whole of the MS., mastering the secret of parts which had, it seems, defied the ingenuity of others. Here, however, his labour has scarcely been rewarded, as the discovered portions are unfit for publication. What a strange thing it is that a man should write such things, clearly not wishing them to be read, yet apparently finding a pleasure in record- ing them It does not look well for the diarist's character.
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