7 NOVEMBER 1903, Page 7

Beggars of the Sea. By Tom Bevan. (Nelson and Sons.)

—This "Story of the Dutch Struggle with Spain" has for its theme a subject which has been treated we know not how many times before. This is told with spirit, and with as much reason- ableness as can be looked for when the fires are so hot and close. Much space is occupied with the historic siege of Haarlem, and Mr. Bevan's descriptions of assault and defence, storming-parties and explosion of mines, are vigorous and graphic. It will be seen that the early days of the long struggle are treated of, for the narrative ends with the marriage of Philip of Spain to Mary of England.