27 FEBRUARY 1926, Page 22

THIS WEEK'S BOOKS

Ma. Iltrxernry WARD has compiled a very interesting and valu- able volume in the privately-printed History of the Athenaeum. It is a chastening thought, as -we scan the names of those elected to the Athenaeum in former years, how many men of high purpose and great attainment have passed from common memory, leaving scarcely a ripple on the waters of oblivion_ Books such as this do something to blunt the " lion paws " of time, and something also to remind us how transitory a

thing is fame. * * * *