10 JANUARY 1976, page 14

Books

A private matter Hilary Spurling Jane Austen: Bicentenary Essays edited by John Halperin (Cambridge University Press £6.75) A Reading of Jane Austen Barbara Hardy (Peter Owen......

J G D F Rambling Fancy." This Leisurely, Sensible (in Both

senses), allusive and illuminating book suggests that the reading has been long and intimate, though it too smacks faintly of the schoolroom — or at least of prolonged contact......

History Men

Alasdair Macintyre The Great instauration. Science, Medicine and Reform 1626-60. Charles Webster (Duckworth £13.50) Charles Webster has written an exceptiona ll y long,......