Handbook of Greek Archwology. By A.. S. Murray, LL.D. (John
Murray.)—This volume contains the substance of the "Rhind Lectures," delivered by the author five years ago in Edinburgh. The second chapter, following a brief introduction, deals with the "Primitive Period," taking in the various forms (pottery; gems, glass-work, &b.), in which the artistic genius of the Greek people then showed itself, though, indeed, in some things there was but little art properly so-called (the early gems, e.g,, were for strictly useful purposes). Chapter iii. takes up the subject of pottery, and carries us into a somewhat full treatment of vase-painting, both archaic, early style, and best style, the third period beginning with the Persian War. This is a chapter of the highest interest ; we may specially mention the treatment of the not very easy subject of dress, best studied, Dr. Murray tells us, in the vase-paintings. Another highly interesting chapter is that on "Engraved Gems." This may be profitably compared with Professor Middleton's admirable monograph on the same subject. The subjects of the other chapters are, "Designs In- cised on Bronze," " Sculpture in Relief," " Statuary," " Terra- Cottas," "Painting," "Architecture."
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