A Roman Tragedy, and Others. By John Ayacough. (J. W.
Arrowsmith, Bristol. 6s.)—The more Mr. Ape:lough publishes of his earlier work, the greater does the reader think his progress in the art of fiction. His present collection of stories contain' s some reprints, while others are published for the first time. They all give internal evidence of having been written before their author was entirely master of his medium. The first and longest story, "A Roman Tragedy," is so entirely horrible in small domestic details that when these lead to a great catastrophe it is a positive relief to the reader. The hero, Luigi Crivelli, Prince of Rojate, is a charming creature, and the tragedy of his marriage is so complete that death is the kindest fate which could have happened to him. "The Cremation of Colonel Calverley," on the other hand, though unpleasant, is neither so poignant nor so interesting. But after these two stories the pretty, if trivial, little tale of "A New Curiosity Shop" comes as a pleasant contrast. The sketches are not worthy of Mr. Ayscough's growing reputation, though of course the promise of some of his later qualities is not entirely absent from his early work.
Previous page
