THE STORY OF THE CITY COMPANIES. By P. H. Ditchfield.
(G. T. Foulis. 10s. 6d. net.)—Many books, learned and unlearned, have been written about the City companies and those interesting survivals of the mediaeval system of industry and trade. Mr. Ditchfield's readable sketch deals with the twelve great companies one by one and with the sixty-two minor companies in cursory fashion. lie describes some of their chief heirlooms and gives details of their charities and their educational trusts. There can, of course, be no doubt that these ancient societies have done and are doing a very wonderful work for education in the 'broadest sense, and that they administer their funds far better than a Government department or a municipality could-possibly
do. The Mercers, the. Haberdashers, the Grocers, the Gold- smiths, and the Fishmongers have particularly interesting histories. The book is illustrated from prints and portraits. It is a pity that Mr. Ditchfield did not read and revise his proofs with more care.
Previous page
