With the British Legion in Spain. By G. A. Henty.
(Blackie and Son. fis.)—The story of the British Legion is not exactly one which Englishmen look back to with great satisfaction. It was commanded by a gallant and skilful soldier, who seemed, however, to want the good luck which the Romans believed to be as valuable as genius to a general ; and it did not fail to win some distinction. But it wee sent on something like a fool's errand. It was certainly not worth all the trouble that we took to keep Spain for Isabella rather than for Don Carlos. Still, looking at the war as the subject of a story, it has the merit of being new ground. It has, perhaps, the drawback that there was noreally great man concerned in it. Espartero was a respectable and patriotic person, and Cabrera had courage if he had no other virtues, but the hero was wanting. Mr. Henty's plan does not take in the exploits of Zumala-Carreguy, who might have filled this Part. The tale is, we need hardly say, worth reading. A diligent student of Mr. Henty's books, and such study is no great burden, should be well up in universal history.
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