24 AUGUST 1889, Page 26

Operatic Tales. By F. R. Chesney. (Ward and Downey:)—The first

impression which these operatic tales make on us is their extreme fancifulness and improbability, which frequently verge on the absurd. A few of them, of course, do not merit this reproach, and have, besides, a fascination and pathos which balances even great absurdities. Still, it is curious how weak some of the plots seem, when divested of the divine music which has made them familiar to us. The "Tales" are written somewhat after the manner of programmes, and with no attempt whatever to invest them with any grace of feeling. Occasionally the writer seems to see the humorous side of the stories, though, as a- rule, the stories are told without comment of any kind, and in a manner which becomes trying from its sameness.