13 JUNE 1891, Page 23

London of the Past. By J. Ashton Ainscough. (Elliot Stock.)—

Phis little book has considerable merits, which, moreover, are not .commonly to be found in guide-books of the class to whieh it belongs. It is crisply written, it does not give too many quota- tions, and it is not elaborately historical. Moreover, it is divided into short paragraphs, each bearing a title, which can be easily and rapidly read. Such articles—if they can be so styled—as those on "Environs of London a Century Ago" and " Amuse- .ments" are models of succinctness.