6 NOVEMBER 1875, Page 22

her Idol. By Maxwell Hood. 3 vols. (Samuel Tinsley.)—It is

a theological phrase, often, we think, used with doubtful propriety, to speak of the object of some strong but perfectly legitimate affection as being an "idol." This is the sense in which it is used here, and somewhat misused, we are inclined to think. We cannot see that the love of Margaret for Treherne was anything more than the strong affection which is a necessity for many natures. The novel generally has a praiseworthy tone and object, and it is not without some more positive merit of the literary kind, though it is wanting in vigour, while the intoned of the story is spoilt by the radical error, as we think it, which we have pointed out.