The Story of Moscow. By Wirt Genrare.- Illustrated by Helen
M. .Tames. (J. M. Dent and Co. Ss. 6d.)—Some portion of the story: °Masco* is of the most revolting character. Neither in the Etter nor the West did man's cruelty rise to the height it seems to have done in Russia in medieval days. It was the curious mingling of races which led to a sort of diseased madness, a last of blood. Moscow is one of the most picturesque cities of the world, full of extraordinary contrast, a jumbling of features apparently,beleng- tog to other styles, but essentially Russian in the tout ensemble. We can recommend some of our impressionist artists to go there. A little practice at Venice would be a useful preliminary. The author has made us a vivid picture of the days of the Tartars and Iran the Terrible and Peter; but gives too much detail with regard to the murders and slayings and tortures. The account of the historical memorials, the Kremlin and the many churches, including that marvellous Cathedral of S. Basil, which should bs as famous as a tomb as the " Taj Mahal," though it is a shame to mention the two together, is most interesting. The chapters on 'Quaint Survivals ". and " Monasteries " display the same know- ledge and detail as the first do. . Altogether it is an exhaustive little book, and above all, the illustrations are charming.
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