The Bantams of Sheffield. By Guy Balguy. (The Leadenhall Press.)—Mr.
Balguy says in his preface that he could not write about Sheffield without bringing some dialect in, and, indeed, we are pleased to see it, as well as the Irish which is also present. The rich and forcible language in which " Shevvilders " clothe their thoughts has a charm of its own, and our author has put it down on paper with great success. Moreover, he has contrived to make an interesting story out of the doings of a Sheffield firm and his hero, into which all the elements of the grimy town have been woven harmoniously. His characters are real, and talk naturally, and the action of the narrative moves continuously. And when he does get outside Sheffield, he rejoices in the opportunity of describing sylvan scenes and gorgeous sunsets, in which be seems quite as much at home. The only incident we feel inclined to cavil at, is the mesmerising of the two Sheffielders by Bryan, not an impossible thing, but highly improbable. It is a promising story, and we may remind Guy Balguy that there is yet room for provincial tales of the type of which Mr. William Westall has given us such good examples.
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