A Touch of Fantasy. By A. H. Adams. (John Lane.
68.)— It is very seldom that the scope of a book is so completely indi- cated by its title. There is more than " a touch of fantasy " and mystery in this novel, for the hero in the first chapter purchases a pair of spectacles which have the magical property of entirely changing his outlook on life. Whether the author intended the story as a parable or not we are unable to determine. Probably he is not quite sure himself ; but the last scone, in which Hugh Robjohn breaks his magic glasses and shoulders the burden of life for him- self, is extremely powerful. The book is not altogether free from objection, and is not virginibus puerisque, but there is a delicate charm in much of it which will make the reader feel inclined to pardon these lapses. The hero is a delightful person, and the pictures of life in a Sydney bolt-ding-house are extremely well drawn.
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