A Society Clown, by George Grossmith (Arrowsmith, Bristol), is surely
the reductio ad absurdum of literature of the "Reminis- cences " type. Mr. Grossmith was born in 1847, and yet here he is in effect publishing his autobiography ! There is unquestionably a great deal of fun in this volume, which tells how, from amateur theatricals and penny-readings, Mr. Grossmith rose to his present position in the Savoy Theatre. That fun, although light, is free from vulgarity, as will be expected by all who have seen its author performing as a " patter " humorist on the stage. He has also in his time had some comic experiences, and at least one rather alarming one,—an adventure with a drunken man while travelling from Edinburgh to London. Moreover, Mr. Grossmith, who gives entertainments in private houses as well as in theatres, has seen, and here good-naturedly exposes, the snobbish side of human nature, although, parenthetically, we may ask if the book would not have been better without the last chapter, with its letters showing on what good terms Mr. Grossmith is with his pro- fessional brethren and sisters, and with various folks in " society." He calls it a " snobbish " chapter, indeed; but this title does not prevent it from leaving an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This book, which might be quoted from at length, but cannot be seriously reviewed, will no doubt prove profitable and laughable reading for the seaside or the railway-train. But it is to be regretted that Mr. Grossmith should have fallen in with a not very admirable popular craze, and given effect to it at the age of forty-one.
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