Boswell and Johnson : Their Companions and Contemporaries. By J.
F. Waller, LL.D. (Cassell, Petter, and Galpin.)—Dr. Waller thinks that " reparation " is due to Boswell; and he does say some- thing for him, defending him especially from the outrageous attacks of Macaulay. But he is no enthusiastic admirer. Here is Boswell's
portrait, one of those which Dr. Waller draws of the members of the "Club :"—" He has a cocked nose, bag cheeks, coarsely-protruded, shelf month, and fat, developed chin, and is dressed foppishly, with very conspicuous ruffles over his hands. There is nothing in his
appearance that attracts you, except that he is fashionably dressed, but in his air and expression you see servility and impudence." This seems to us much overdrawn. Of the great Doctor himself, the writer is justly appreciative ; and he gives some lively and readable sketches of contemporary writers. Altogether, this is a pleasant little volume, in which much good matter is compressed into small space. Its best use will be to send readers to Boswell's immortal "Life."
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