CURRENT LITERATURE.
Confucius, the Great Teacher. By Major-General G. G. Alexander.. (Regan Paul and Co.)---This is an excellent and unpretentious book on a subject which, although it is very much better known than it used to be, is by no means exhausted, and, in this country at all events, has not been sufficiently popularised. Some forty years ago, the Confucian writings became part of General Alexander's course of study, when he was endeavouring to gain a knowledge of the language and literature of China during a period of service in that country, and now, reverting d ses premiers amours, he publishes this statement of them in the hope of awakening a sympathetic interest in European, and especially English, minds. There is no book-making about General Alexander's volume. He writes with the authority that comes from a full mind, and with the enthusiasm of one who really loves his subject. His narrative of the extraordinary career of Confucius is written with great care, and yet with a simplicity that makes what he says quite intelligible even to boyish readers. His analysis of the "Discourses," &c., is not less notable for brevity than for perspicuity. General Alexander does full justice to tho pathetic—and, indeed, almost pessimistic—side of Con- fucius's temperament. On this side, indeed, Confucius recalls Marcus Aurelius, although he was not always—as his Draconian administration of justice amply demonstrated—so gentle and patient as the great Stoic.
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