In Modern Spain: some Sketches and Impressions. By Reginald St.
Barbe. Illustrated by A. J. Wall. (Elliot Stock. 3s.6d.)—It is almost a misnomer to call Ws pretty little volume In Modern Spain. Of the seven illustrations, one represents Aisha upbraiding Boabdil, another is a gentleman in "doublet and trunk hose," a third is a study of waves, which might be from any sea ; only the last, "Reading the Madrid Paper," and one other, really give us modern Spain. So with the letterpress ; the point of view of the author is the old romantic standpoint. " She [i.e., Spain] imprisoned Cer- vantes in the dog-hole of Agamasilla ; she held Saturday afternoon entertainments of Autos-da-Fd until the country swam in blood ; and the holy institution of the Inquisition stroked its gore- bloated stomach, drunk with murder, violation, and pillage," ke. The two chapters entitled " Spanish Newspapers and the War " and " Spain's Predicament," one of three, the other of five pages, are hasty outlines only. Other chapters are shorter still, and might be termed impressionist snap - shots rather than skilled impressions. Still, the book, except where enthusiasm makes the author forget all grammar, is not ungracefully written, and its vivid little sketches may serve to while away pleasantly a leisure half-hour.
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