SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Under this heading we notice such Books of the week as have not been reserved for review in other forma Dr. John Brown: a Biography and a Criticism. By the late John Taylor Brown, LL.D. (A. and C. Black. 5s. net.)—Dr. J. T. Brown was a cousin of his namesake, of nearly the same age—John Brown was born in 1810 and J. T. Brown in the following year— and a close friend and admirer. His biography lets in scone light on the character and life of the author of " Rab and his Friends" which, to the present writer at least, is new. Nothing could be kinder or more discreet than the biographer's treatment of the subject, but we are shown shadows of gloom and depression which will surprise those who know Dr. John Brown by his literary work only. Some of the personal traits which are given are remarkable. "He always appeared disengaged and at leisure, rather lounging than closely intent upon anything in particular." "He was a man of an incorrigible and losing humility." "He was intuitional rather than logical." He was "never much taken up with himself," he was "very destitute of ambition." He was a "practical man," not in the common-sense of that term, but one who had a strong sense of duty, and knew how to do it effectively. Altogether, this estimate of character is one of the most complete, the most full of insight, that we have ever seen. There is a short sketch of the biographer himself which interests us greatly in his personality.
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