Our Early Female Novelists. By A. M. Williams, M.A. (Mac-
Lehose and Sons. 25. 6d. net.)—These five essays on literary subjects are of unusually good quality. The first is, we might say, too good for its subject. None of these "early novelists" Came anywhere near the first rank in regard of literary merit; their fame is in inverse proportion to their respectability. Of those who know their names very few indeed have read a line of their writings. What Mr. Williams has to say of Pope is quite admirable; the powers and the limitations of the heroic couplet, as Pope wrote it, are very well set forth. A most apposite illustration is the extract from "Windsor Forest " :— " See! from the brake the whirring pheasant springs,
And mounts exulting on triumphant wings Short in his joy ; he feels the fiery wound, Flutters in blood, and panting beats the ground.
Ah I what avail his glossy, varying dyes, His purple crest and scarlet-circled eyes, The vivid green his shining plumes unfold, His painted wings and heart that flames like gold ?"
We certainly admire the poet; but we do not feel for the bird. We are inclined to think the estimate of Emily Bronto a little exaggerated ; with that of Scott we heartily agree. The fifth essay is on "Zola's Theory of the Novel." This little volume is a valuable addition to the literature of criticism.
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