Russia and Europe. By Gregor Alexinsky. Translated by Bernard filial
(T. Fisher Unwin. 10s. 6d. net.)—This instructive book, by an ex-member of the Duma, discusses European influence on Russian economics, history, administration, literature, and thought, from a progressive standpoint. The author shows clearly how for generations past the German elements have encouraged the stupid and bigoted conservatism which has been Russia's curse, and how in recent times Germans have gained a hold over the Russian market to the disad- vantage of native industry. He points out that the foreign farmers who settled in Russia under Catherine II. have done better than the Russian peasant because they have had on an average about five times as much land. In his very full study of Russia's changing ideals he tells us that Nihilism was " for the most part the child of English Positivism," and that Buckle was its gospeL That is enough to make the respectable Buckle turn in his grave.
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