IZAAK WALTON AND HIS FRIENDS.
Izaak Walton and his Friends. By Stapleton Martin, M.A. (Chapman and Hall. 10s. 6d. net.)—Mr. Martin is an enthusiastic Waltonian, and has given us here, as the outcome of diligent study in the wide field of Waitoniana, a very interesting volume. It contains such facts as are known about the man, an estimate of his character, a notice of his literary work, with an account of the various disputed writings, and sketches of the distinguished people who were proud to call him friend. We see that, in speaking of Walton's occupation, Mr. Martin observes that the description " Ironmonger " does not prove that Walton really followed this trade. He was a freeman of the Company. (Curiously enough, in discussing the authorship of "Love and Truth," Mr. Martin remarks that "Walton was no citizen of London in 1680." He was as much a citizen then • as he was when he was married in 1626. All the liverymen of the City Companies were, and, indeed, are, "citizens of London.") The "Friends" forma goodly company. Besides the five who are the subject of the "Lives" (though he did not know George Herbert) we have, among others, Bishops Barlow, Brian Duppa, Fell, Joseph Hall, Henchman, Ken, King, George Morley, Morton, Pearson, Gilbert Sheldon, and Seth Ward. This is a remarkably long list of dignitaries for an ex-tradesman to reckon among his friends. Of less exalted personages there were Chillingworth, Hales, Hammond (the Biblical commentator), Fuller, and Shirley (the dramatist). The property disposed of by Walton's will was not large. It comprised two leasehold houses (one with fifty years unexpired, and the other with sixteen years), a leasehold farm (of which no particulars are given), and a freehold farm, worth 420 a year. The money bequeathed for rings, (Lc., could hardly amount to more than a few hundred pounds. This is a very readable book, and appropriately illustrated.
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