Book Reviews [pp. 107-112]

112 Book i?eviews. [July
repHut of a volume nade U[) of alniost a dozen disagreeable. Nobody is under any obligation to
papers-all but two of which were formerly read any other man's book." Tbis autboi' is both
lectures or contributions t() the press upon au- grave and gay, and his book is most ingratiating.
thors and literary themes. Tlie two alluded to His papers are not long enough to weary, nor exare upon ~1ilton and Pope respectively; the rest haiistive enough to be exliausting. He has a sensiupon Jobuson, Burke, Tbe ~Iiise of History, Charles tive intelligence that finds a phase of interest in the
Lamb, Emerson, Tlie Office of Literature, NViirn- lives of tlie persons of whom be writes, and lie
out Types, Cambridge and the Poets, and Book- treats it seriously enough to enlighten his reader
buying. Tlie reader must not be repelled by tlie old, fully, and, for tlie most part, humorously enough
familiar themes, for the author has not a tedious to win his smiles. He writes from fullness of knowlpage in his book. Indeed, be was in conscience edge To those ftimiliar with his themes lie is a
bound to be entertaining, for lie believes that to be most chariiiiug commentator, while to those wbose
the duty of every author. "I protest," lie writes critical judgment is immature, he is a singularly
in this very volume " that it is a matter of inditler- intelligent help and guide. He has a large charity
ence whether an author is happy, or not, I want that makes yoii think well of men whom all critics
him to make rae happy. That is his office. Let have not always spoken well of, and lie has a dishim discli~rge it." He has the wit ani! intelligence crimination that is excellent and trustworthy. His
to follow his own teaching. " Every author," lie style is fresh, and brilliant, and fascinating, and the
says also, "be he grave or gay, should try to iii:ike book is sure to win a place among the favorite volhis book as ingratiating as possible. Beading is not umes of your library.
a duty, and has consequently no business to be made