28 NOVEMBER 1896, Page 25

The Duke's Ward. By Dora M. Jones. (Oliphant, Anderson, and

Ferrier.)—This is a story of the troubles which culminated in the rising of Wat Tyler. Archbishop Simon of Sudbury is a prominent character, and his personality is drawn with no little skill, and the scene of his death at the hands of the rebels is worthily described. But one would like to believe that John Ball the priest was not one of the ringleaders in the murder. Ile was not one who was likely to get justice from monkish chroniclers. The private fortunes of the young men and maidens who have their part in the tale are skilfully worked up.