The Literary Year-Book, 1897. Edited by F. G. Allah). (G.
Allen.)—" This," says the editor, " is a first attempt at a Year-Book of Literature." Something of the kind, however, has always formed part of the "Annual Register." Of the criticism we prefer to say nothing ; it is unprofitable to review the reviewer. But of the utility of the information given on various matters connected with literature there can be no doubt. The biographical sketches, too, have their interest, and so have the portraits, for it seems useless to protest against the personal element. There is a quite appallingly long list of authors, which is nevertheless defective, and an obituary. Is it a subtle joke when the "Author- Publisher " writes " et ego in Arcadia fuit" ?—The Library Year-Book, 1897, edited by Thomas Greenwood (Cassell and Co.), records the progress of public libraries. In the ten years from 1836, when the Year-Book was first published, there has been an increase of adoptions of the enabling Act from 133 to 330. This volume is a storehouse of valuable information, historical and practical.
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