The Royal Navy. Painted by Norman Wilkinson. Described by H.
L. Swinburne. (A. and C. Black. 203. net.)—Mr. Swin- burne has written a very careful and temperate account of the rise of the British Navy. It is perhaps a little cold in tone; we have got into the habit of expecting some enthusiasm when the historian describes a great scene. We do not complain; the gradual evolution of the Navy and its traditions are not less evident because they are put in sober language. In the story of the coming and the vanquishing of the Armada we feel Mr. Swinburne's pulse beating a little stronger, and the great struggle is not unworthily suggested. We should have liked a little more force, but that is our only complaint. For the rest, the several phases of naval seamanship, the culmination of the science and seamanship which, steadily growing in the Common- wealth and during the early Georgian period, under such men as Anson, Rodney, and Hawke, gave to Howe, Jervis, and Nelson the splendid squadrons that kept the seas for us, are described in admirable sequence and clearness. The chapter on costume is valuable and is excellently illustrated, and the rest of the volume has some charming drawings of the old wooden walls and some animated battle-pieces. Three long and important chapters analyse the Navy of to-day and its personnel; and give useful information as to the torpedo craft and the submarines. Nor does the modern artist find the ironclad a wholly uncongenial subject, as Mr. Wilkinson's drawings prove.
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