SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Under this heading we notice such Books of the week as haPO sit been reserved for mina in other forms.] The Manor Houses of England. By P. H. Ditchfield, M.A. Illustrated by Sydney R. Jones. (B. T. Batsford. 7s. 6d. net.)— The method which has been followed in putting this book together is scientific ; our readers will not, we are sure, allow this word "scientific" to suggest any idea of dullness; dull it certainly is not. England abounds with beautiful old houses. How did they come into existence? First we have a popular account of the manor as an economical and social institution. This leads us on to the manor house, tho place where the lord of the manor lived, or where, anyhow, manorial business was transacted, for the lord was often a pluralist. How did he commonly build it ? We have accordingly details of construction, exterior and interior; descriptions of roofs, gables, chimneys, /sc.; of staircases, windows, porches, ceilings, fireplaces—there was a time when a vast amount
of artistic labour was expended on fireplaces—and other details. All these matters are illustrated by examples taken from the vast stare of available materials. This process of illus- tration, of course, brings in not a few details of historical and personal interest. Thus when we read about Handforth Hall, in Cheshire, we are naturally introduced first to the Honfords, whose name in a somewhat altered form still remains, and then to the Breretons, one of whom married the Hanford heiress. We hear also about the surroundings of these houses, about gardens, and moats, and sundials. Everything, from the dwellings as a whole to the details of building and ornamentation, whether within or without, is amply illustrated by Mr. Jones's skilful pencil.
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