Jur5i Zayddn's Uesayyads and dbassasids. Translated by D. S. Margoliouth,
D.Litt. (Lurie and Co. 6s.)—This, the fourth volume of the "E. J. W. Gibb Memorial Series," gives us the fourth part of the "History of Islamic Civilization." (The series is the result of an endowment by Mrs. Gibb, of Glasgow, mother of the great Oriental scholar whose name itcommemorates.) It is worth while to quote the beginning of the translator's preface : " The prosperous condition of Egypt, due to the British occupation and Lord Cromer's statesmanlike administration, has led to a renaissance of Arabic literature and learning in that country surpassing all that might have been imagined." Of course this does not appeal to politicians who are as ignorant as they are unpatriotic, but it surely should suggest a doubt to those who have a genuine interest in Egypt and its history. The book itself may be read with profit. Here is an instructive little story. 'Abd-al- Malik (an amiable ruler who is credited with having put to death one hundred and twenty thousand persons, and to have had in his prisons at one time fifty thousand men and thirty thousand women) was sitting on a balcony with Thu 'Umair, when the head of a rebel was brought to him. "God save us ! " cried Ibn 'Umair. " What ails you ? " asked the Caliph. "I was on this balcony," he answered, " with 'Abaidallab, and saw the head of Husain Ibn 'Ali set before him ; I was with Muktir Ibn 'Ali and saw the head of 'Ubaidallah set before him ; afterwards I saw Muktfir's head set before Musib Ibn Zabair ; and here is the head of Musa!) Ibn Zabair brought to you." The Caliph ordered the balcony to be pulled down ; but he did not mend his ways.
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