| + | Cath. World. 85: 258. My. ’07. 190w. | |
| N. Y. Times. 12: 63. F. 2, ’07. 300w. | ||
| Outlook. 85: 375. F. 16, ’07. 340w. |
Ditchfield, Rev. Peter H. [Parish clerk]; with 31 il. *$2.50. Dutton.
7–27625.
A methodical record of the duties, the quaint ways, and the peculiar manners of the race of English parish clerks. This functionary “is studied in his substance and in his accidents, and every trait of character is illustrated and anecdotes drawn from the literature and experience and folklore of centuries. These stories by themselves would make the fortune of an ‘encyclopædia of wit,’ and by bringing them together Mr. Ditchfield has certainly added to the gaiety of the nation.” (Lond. Times.)
“The chapters themselves are badly arranged, repetitions are frequent; the style is jerky and colorless; and anecdotes have been dragged in with little regard to probability. It is little more than a scrap-book.”
| − | Acad. 72: 362. Ap. 13, ’07. 1310w. |
“In the chapter that deals with the antiquity of the office and its duties in mediaeval days, Mr. Ditchfield might, with advantage, have exercised just a little more care.”
| + − | Ath. 1907, 1: 534. My. 4. 1030w. | |
| + | Dial. 43: 95. Ag. 16, ’07. 350w. |
“The book is a useful addition to the history of English ecclesiastical institutions.”