ROMANTICISM. By Lascelles Abercrombie. (Seeker. Gs. net.)—Professor Abercrombie's book is
deep and spirited. his foundations are laid among the pre-Socratic philosophers, those surpassingly great men who spoke in oracles through the passionate depth of their vision—who, between them, repre- sent the whole form of difference in human intuitions of life. It is scarcely of importance that Professor Abercrombie should be using those old, outworn terms of literary criticism, romantic and classical. Around them lie crystallized his feeling of contrasted world-views, trying to understand both of them himself and to give each its place. There are two major blemishes in his mind, however. Ile is as likely to draw an illustration from the rubbish heap of literature as from its masterpieces ; and this is a deadly course to pursue : such illustrations are insignificant ; they weaken and invali- date his contrasts. The other fault is his inability to see the reality-provoking power of inner vision. If a thing does not exist, he seems to hold, it is simply chimerical and other- worldly. He neglects the truth that certain things which do not exist may nevertheless be brought into existence. In other words, he confuses fantasy and creative prophecy ; his philosophy halts at the gates of hope.
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