In his By Order of the Czar Mr. Joseph Hatton exposes the cruelties of Muscovite rule in the most trenchant yet entertaining fashion. The headings to the chapters (to say nothing of their contents) are exciting to a degree, and consequently it is not altogether surprising that the Russian officials, possibly hearing that the three handsome volumes might cause a revolution, should have refused them admission to the Emperor's dominions. Be this as it may, in each of the aforesaid handsome volumes appears a slip of yellow paper, announcing that "it is prohibited by the Government of the Czar from circulation in Russia." How fortunate—not, of course, for the Russians, poor things, to be deprived of this treat—but how fortunate that it is not prohibited here! With Mr. Joseph Hatton continuously in his thoughts, the Baron has sung ever since—not only "In the Gloaming," be it understood, but during the following day, and well into the succeeding night—"Best for him (J. H), and best for me (B. de B. W.)." The novel should have a large general circulation, in spite of the boycotting to which it has been locally subjected in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Siberia.
Miss Jeanie Middlemass has made a step in the right direction by publishing Two False Moves. Like all her work, the new novel is deeply interesting. As it is full of "go," it is sure to be continually on the march in the circulating libraries.
In Miss Mephistopheles, Mr. Feargus Hume gives us a story much in advance of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab. It is better in construction, its character sketches are more life-like, and its literary style is superior—therefore there is every chance of its not being so successful with the general public.
Baron de Book-worms & Co.
COURT NAPPING.
