Social Architecture. By an Exile from France. (Samuel Tinsley.) —The
author's efforts for the reconstruction of society not having been appreciated in the country of his adoption (he is himself a native of Styria), be has been good enough to give the benefits of his advice to that in which since 1849 he has found shelter and hospitality. He pro- poses to demolish and reconstruct the social edifice. Marriage, home, and property are to disappear, and are to be replaced by institutions which-the wisdom of our "Exile" pronounces to be infinitely superior. Our own impression is that he must first accomplish the task of demolishing and reconstructing human nature. While that remains as it is, it is probable that the institutions which, under one form or another, it has found capable of being worked, will not be ex- changed for the experiments suggested by reformers like our author. The only good of such a book as this is that it points out the weak places of our social system. It is bitter and hostile, and we think, unfair. Still, it hits blots, and it may do good if it rouses those who prize the things which the " Exile " would destroy to cover them. Meanwhile, we warn those who would see what the author has to say against the order which he assails, and for the order which he proposes, to keep the book in safe custody. It is absolutely unfit for the reading of any but philosophers. That the author is' perfectly in earnest, we believe; and believing it, we will only say that he has made a great mistake.
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