The Journal of Sir Walter Scott, 1829 - 32. (Oliver and Boyd.
10s.) THIS is the third and last volume of the edition of Sir Walter Scott's journal as revised from photostats of the original MS. The editor, who did nor live to see the work through the press, is Professor Tait, well remembered as the meticulous assistant of Sir Herbert Grierson in bringing out the century edition of the Letters of Sir Walter Scott. The devotion expended on -what is obviously a labour of love may appeal to Scott idolators, but to the common reader the value of re- placing misprints (Mecoenas, Malteze, naples, paestum, etc.) or redundant sentences will not be self-evident. The entry for March 24th, 1831, suffices to illustrate this point. In the old version, the entry runs, " Frank Grant and his lady came here. Frank will I believe," etc. In the new version it runs, " Frank Grant and his Lady came here. Frank Grant and his wife. Charles (Frank) will I believe," etc. Whether it is really a work of piety thus to exhibit mental failure is a matter the Southron cannot help questioning. The book includes an admirable index to all three volumes of the revised journal.
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