21 DECEMBER 1895, Page 24

Stories of Long Ago. By Ascott H. Hope. (Sampson Low

and Co.)—Many of these stories, though known to students and of historical importance, are unknown to most readers. They are of that charming variety known as historical romances, and are sure to prove of great fascination to children. Ascott R. Hope has dressed them up in ordinary English for the youthful reader, and pruned them of extravagances and such licence as the story-tellers of olden days were wont to allow themselves. They have lost somewhat, but enough remains to delight boys and girls of all ages. The illustrations by Mr. C. 0. Murray—and there are one hundred of them—are full of vigour and charac- teristic humour, and we are certain that they and the stories will charm all readers as they have charmed us.