LETTERS AND MEMOIRS OF THE, PRINCE DE LIGNE. 'translated with
an Introduction -1* Leigh Ashton. (Rmitledge. 10s. 6d.)—The Prince de Ligne, who was born in 1785 and died in 1815, was a typical grand seigneur in his courage and wit no less than -in his indolence and, lack of moral - sense. r The letters and select passages froth his memoirs, which Mr. Ashton has translated for this new volume -of- the " Broadway Library of Eighteenth CenturS. French Literature," show why De Ligne was a favourite at all the European. courts. He was clever and entertaining, and he had a kind -heart. He offered Rousseau a home when the author was in disgrace ; he stood by Madame Du Barry, when, after Louis XV.'s death, the once-powerful mistress found herself deserted even by her waiting women. His pen- pictures of Catherine II., Frederick II., Joseph H. and Marie Antoinette are vivid and interesting. There is nothing' in the vole le about his military studies, but it is well to remember that there was a serious side to this gay dilettante.
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