4 APRIL 1868, Page 18

Tom Marchmont. Three vols. (J. C. Hotten.)—In his attempt to

strike out a path for himself and to avoid,the conventionalities of modern fiction, the author of Tom Marchmcmt has merely discarded the elements of success in novel-writing. He is still, we should imagine, young enough, he is evidently inexperienced enough, to learn from others, and to stand in need of their teaching. If he will put himself to school he may yet do well. But be cannot hope to do anything as long as he thinks himself destined to reform the novels of the age before he has picked up any knowledge of his own, while he is still dependent on the writers whom he professes to despise for the scenes and characters which he holds up to their admiration.