SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Notice in this column does not necessarily preclude subsequent review.]
Modern Sans of the Pharaohs. By S. H. Leader. (Hodder and Stoughton. 16s.net. )—This interesting and well-illustrated study of the Copts deserves attention. The Copts are the descendants of the ancient Egyptians, though many of them show a strain of Syrian, Jewish, or even negro blood, and the Coptic Church preserves in a somewhat debased form the primitive Christianity of the fourth century when it parted from Rome and Constantinople. Through the ages the Copts have preserved their faith and their customs ; they form about a tenth of the population of Egypt and play a leading part in commerce. Mr. Leeder discusses very frankly the reasons why British officials have been inclined to look askance at the Copts, and pleads for a reconsideration of the official atti- tude. It seems strange that Coptic Civil Servants should be required to work on Sunday because Friday is the Moslem Sabbath. It is regrettable that the Copts should think that under our rule they are prevented from rising in the public service as they did under the Khedives. These misunderstandings ought to be set right.
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