24 MAY 1913, Page 25

Swinburne: An Estimate. By John Drinkwater. (J. M. Dent and

Sons. 7s. 6d. net.)—This is not the first criticism of Swinburne published during the last few months. Like many works of its kind, it shows much enthusiasm for poetry and a con- siderable share of critical insight, but seems none the less to lack ballast enough to carry the reader easily through its two hundred pages. Swinburne's admirers will, however, forgive Mr. Drinkwater much for his genuine love of the poet and for the defence which he makes against some of the criticisms that have recently been levelled at his work.