The Leviathan, Edited by A. R. Waller (4s. 6d. net),
is the first volume of reprints in Messrs. C. J. Clay and Sons' new series of "Cambridge English Classics." The text of the original issue has been scrupulously reproduced, and it is preceded by the well- known allegorical frontispiece displaying the effigy of the "mortal god." Concerning this frontispiece, Mr. Waller quotes an interest- ing passage by Whewell, showing that while the face of the crowned figure bears a close resemblance to Cromwell in most of the early copies, in some of them it is clearly intended to be a portrait of Charles I. How the substitution was effected remains unexplained. Mr. Waller also quotes from Pepys :-" Calling on several businesses, and particularly my bookseller's, among others for Hobbs's Leviathan,' which is now mightily called for; and what was heretofore sold for Ss. I now give 24s. for, at the second hand, and is sold for 30s., it being a book the Bishops will not let be printed again." The appearance of the book would be improved if the margins were broader, and if the ugly piece of printing on the cover were absent.
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