SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
Muter this heading we notice such Books of the reek as have not been reserred for review in other forms.] Queen Victoria, 1819-1901. By Richard IL Holmes. (Longmans and Co 5s. net.)—This is a reprint from the edition of 1897, which appeared, it will be remembered, with " authority," the Queen herself contributing notes on the incidents of her childhood and youth, and correcting some common errors relating to this period. Mr. Holmes now adds a supplementary chapter, in which he carries on the narrative from the Diamond Jubilee to the close. The greater portion of this is naturally given to the events in South Africa in their bearing on the Queen's life. Every one recognises how great and close it was. That the physical strain of the war shortened her life seems likely, but to say so is not to pronounce any adverse opinion on British policy. A profoundly sympathetic nature in one who took so close an interest, and performed such an important part, in the politics of the time could not have escaped their over- powering pressure. And she never spared herself, or even allowed herself the relaxation which advancing years and diminishing strength demanded. " The same careful thought was bestowed as in earlier years on every matter brought before her for decision or advice."
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