We have received the second volume of The Henry Irving
Shakespeare. Edited by Henry Irving and Frank A. Marshall. (Blackie and Son.)—The volume contains the Second and Third Parts of Henry VI. These are supplemented by the drama which Charles Kemble condensed out of the three parts, and which, were the play ever likely to be acted again, would present it very well upon the stage. The Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Richard IL complete the volume. The arrangement is convenient, glossarial notes and the like being put et the bottom of the page, while the larger annotation is reserved for the end. The notes themselves seem to us not always of first-rate quality,— not to be compared with those that may be found in the Cambridge editions. Surely a reader is not the better for this explanation of, "York. Peace, foolish woman. Duchess. I will not peace :"— " Peace, i.e., keep peace." The text has been carefully collated.— The Henry Irving Shakespeare. Edited by Henry Irving and Frank A. Marshall. Vol. III. (Blackie and Son.)—This third volume contains five plays,—King Richard III., King John, The Merchant of Venice, and the two parts of King Henry IV. The edition is all that can be desired in the way of appearance, and the illustrations by Mr. Gordon Browne are spirited ; but the annotation is scarcely worthy of the rest of the book.
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