This “record of the inner diplomacy of the great powers of Europe during the last thirty years” is issued in four volumes, each complete in itself. The political figures of each period are brilliantly described. Volume I. France in 1870-1873, treats of the Franco-Prussian war and the close of the second empire; Volume II., France in 1874-1878, gives the history of the Broglie cabinets together with the attempt to restore the monarchy. Volume III., covers 1879-1889 and Volume IV., 1890-Dec. 31, 1900.
[*] “The part of the volume which deals with art and letters strikes us as poor.”
| + — | Ath. 1905, 2: 541. O. 21. 260w. (Review of v. 2.) |
[*] “The most interesting chapters are perhaps those which attempt to survey the soul of France, as it expressed itself in literature and the arts in the years succeeding the war.”
| + — | Lond. Times. 4: 385. N. 10, ‘05. 630w. (Review v. 2.) |
[*] “The second volume of M. Hanotaux’s monumental work emphasizes the good qualities of its predecessor. First of all, the narration bears the marks of intimate experience. The volume is thus a distinct and notable contribution to history.”
| + + | Outlook. 81: 833. D. 2, ‘05. 240w. (Review v. 2.) |
[*] Harben, William Nathaniel. [Pole Baker; a novel.] [†]$1.50. Harper.
Another story of northern Georgia of which Pole Baker, who has already appeared as a humorous character in “Abner Daniel,” is the central figure. He is here made not only humorous but forceful and even dramatic and he tells many good yarns and plays an important part in the love affair of an unsteady young merchant and a girl named Cynthia.
[*] “A somewhat crude if spirited story. There is no part of the narrative that impresses one either with its reality or its charm. As a novel, it cannot be considered a success.”