The Story of Ferrara. By Ella Noyes. Illustrated by Dora
Noyes. (J. M. Dent and Co. 4s. 6d. net.)—This addition, the latest, we think, to the "Mediaeval Towns" Series, is not inferior in interest to any of its fellows. The social and political history of Ferrara is one of no small importance, nor does the city take a lower place in respect of its art and literature. Of the notable personages who are prominent in the "Story of Ferrara" not the least remarkable is the Duchess Renate, wife of Ercole II. Her life touches upon the perennially interesting question of religion. Miss Noyes does not know, one thinks, whether to praise or blame. She finally dismisses her with the phrase, "contumacious wife." She ventured to dissent from her husband's faith, if faith is the right word to apply to the religious attitude of an Italian Prince of the time. Renate gave a welcome to Clement Mara when he fled from France, and had received a visit from Calvin himself. She preferred these teachers to Rome, which, indeed, had scarcely begun to profit by the Counter-Reformation. The history of the city occupies more than half of the volume. The rest is given to a description of it as it is now to be seen, sadly shorn of its old grandeur and beauty, but still one of the glories of Italy.
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