Idylls of the Pella. By J. T. Kingsley Tarpey. (R.
Brimley Johnson. 3s. 6d )—Mr. Tarpey puts together in this vcaume thirteen studies of life in Northern England, not a little lurid in colour, and mostly of the dismal character which it is now the fashion to affect. If we are not mistaken, there is another reason besides artistic fashion for colour and character. There is some- thing, we take it, of the political pamphlet about these "idylls." The parson in the second is so exceptionally heartless and foolish that no self-respecting writer would have perpetrated the carica- ture save for a purpose. The book may be read, we can hardly say with pleasure, but with such satisfaction as vigorous work must give in one way or another. Is Mr. Tarpey sure of his facts when he writes that the usual wage for a " Fell" shepherd was ten shillings ? We should say that double the amount would be more like the true figure.
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