Louis Spohr's Autobiography. Translated from the German. (Long- - man). In
the words of the translator, this is "a true account and lively picture of Spohr's earthly career from his cradle (which was.
required in 1784) to that grave " which, alas I opens at the end of all biographies, in this case in 1859. Decidedly a full, true, and particular
account, told with the simplicity, and perhaps the long-windedness to which we are accustomed in Teuton writings. Spohr's own part came to an end in 1838, but the diaries and papers of his wife and family have (as he himself said they would) furnished ample materials for the completion of the work. Of course every one interested in musical people and musical doings will read it, and the general public, exercis- ing its right to skip, will find considerable amusement in the glimpses. - into the interior of the German courts, that are scattered thickly through the book, there being the usual interchange of civilities and cudgelling& which mark the relations between German princes and composers. There are the visits to London, too, six in all, which are described at length, and involving as they do the introduction of a good many familiar names, form perhaps the most attractive portion of the work to English readers.
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