6 OCTOBER 1928, Page 46

The same praise, coupled with the same caution, is due

to Dr. Irwin's Universal Bible Commentary (R.T.S., 7s. 6d.). He often sheds light on dark places, and his work is a model of compactness. But the introductions' to the several Books pay small heed to the results of the more recent criticism, the Pentateuch being pronounced chiefly Mosaic in authorship, many of the Psalms pre-exilic and Messianic, Isaiah ascribed, but with reluctance, to two authors only, and no hint given of the probably late and possibly unhistoric character of Daniel. There is a good analysis of the argument of Job. The book is chiefly valuable for the sidelights in the notes, and the explanation of archaic terms.

* * * *