The history of a number of bat barons tribes, like
those which originally formed the state of Russia in Europe, does not seem to be a very promising subject ; uor have the previaus accounts of that enipile up to the reign of PETER the Great contradicted this opinion. The first volume of the illatory ef Russia, forming the Seventy-ninth Part of 'ambler's Cabinet rgrlopfedia,ruid bringing down t he history to the accession of PETER, is however an exception. Of the truth of the matter we do not pretend teener an opin iot ; and, by generally suppressing any reference to his authorities, the author has uainded few Of tracing him to those who might be so inclined. But the literary execution of the work is deserving of high recommendation. The Historian hart not allowed tIa, labour of examining barbaric periods to induce exaggerated notions of their interest and importance. llis views of persons and events are rational, liberal, and philosophical. The treatment of his matter is judicious, minute events being passed over, and their results ouly presented; the more marked and striking epochs withal farmed a .crisis in the progress of the state alone being told with their circum- stances. 'I he narrative is rapid and condensed, yet sufficiently .copious withal ; the style forcible and animated, though now and then blemished by phrases too familiar for history. Looking at the nature of the subject, and the merit of the wort:, we incline to think this book one of the best if not the best of the histories which have appeared in the Cyclopedia.
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