Butler, William Francis. Lombard communes. *$3.75. Scribner.
7–9819.
“In no very picturesque phrase, but at the same time in easily understood language, Mr. Butler recounts the history of the city-states of Lombardy, the rule of the early bishops, the rights of the communes, the history of Milan, Lombardy’s natural capital, the first and second Lombard leagues, and the final struggles of the communes.”—Outlook.
“The book is not a work of research, based upon the original resources; but it is scholarly and well written. There is, indeed, no other book in English which covers the ground so satisfactorily.”
| + + | Am. Hist. R. 12: 917. Jl. ’07. 240w. |
“While heartily commending his industry, accuracy, and general level of attainment, we may fairly warn the reader that his treatment is such as is ordinarily characterized by the term ‘popular.’ We have rarely seen a better book written by an Englishman about Italy.”
| + | Nation. 84: 391. Ap. 25, ’07. 370w. |
“The work would be improved by topical side notes giving dates. The author’s style is clearly intelligible and soberly dignified; it will win respectful attention, although it may not compel enthusiasm.”
| + − | N. Y. Times. 12: 24. Ja. 12, ’07. 520w. |