The background of English history is nowhere better sketched than
in Mr. L. F. Salzmann's handy little volumes on mediaeval life and industries. These are now most usefully supplemented by his new book on English Trade in the Middle Ages (Clarendon Press, 12s. 6d.). He deals methodically with the several aspects of the theme—the tools of trade, the centres of trade, distribution, exports and imports—and each chapter consists mainly of typical examples from the national and local records. As an instance of the lawlessness which Edward I curbed by drastic measures, the author cites the case of the Winchester merchants who kept a gang of robbers at the " pass of Alton," on the old London-Winchester road, preyed on travellers and did not scruple to rob the Papal Legate and even the King's wine- carts. Henry III made a personal appeal to the freemen of Hampshire and the Bishop excommunicated the bandits. But not until a jury who professed ignorance had been thrown into gaol was it possible to get justice done on the prominent citizens who were really responsible. Mr. Salzmann has brought together from many contemporary sources a wonderful series of illustrations. But his frontispiece, taken from a French book, might surely have been described ; it is from a familiar picture by Marinus van Romerswael in our National. Gallery.
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