26 SEPTEMBER 1896, Page 23

Old Chester. Etched and described by H. Hoven Crickmorc. (J.

M Dent and Co.)—We admire Mr. Criclunore's pencil, or graving-tool, more than his pen. He aims at a sprightly style, and tries—alas ! how common a failing it is !—to be funny, "Let us hope," he writes in one place," old Gryfydk was grateful; I don't suppose he was. You would scarcely expect it of a man with a name like that." A man might possibly laugh at that under certain circumstances, but to print it ! Apart from this, Old Chester is an attractive book.