By CHARLES
REYNOLDS
BROWN.
Athenaeum - London - 1912a
” M.
Carra de Vaux is also writes on the interesting Berghawata
culty lies in the lack of sufficiently diverse original and interesting in his treatment tribes and their religion, is of great
points of view, owing to the comparative of out-of-the-way subjects, such as Bilkis, importance and opens up many debatable
success of the Orthodox party in sup- but he is apt to be too slight, notably on questions. Mr. H. Beveridge's Indian
pressing Iconoclast testimony--the chro- the Batiniya. Though there is a decided biographies are naturally authoritative,
nology, the topography, the finance, and improvement in the English translation though perhaps rather brief and dry:
so on, there will yet be in some cases con- (despite momentuous, 6996 ; Bal- | he has omitted to mention that Bairam
siderable discussion, but every discussion duin,” 596a, &c. ), and also in the matter Khan's Diwan has been printed by Prof.
will have to start from this fundamental
of cross-references, we still observe a E. Denison Ross, but perhaps it was not
book. With regard to Rodentos, Prof. singular lack of proportion in the various published when the article was written.
Bury wrongly follows the hypothesis articles. For instance, M. Ch. Huart Mr. J. S. Cotton, besides contributing
printed by Prof. Ramsay in 1891, but now carries his ideal of conciseness to an some clear, succinct sometimes too
antiquated by the recent discoveries of extreme of meagreness, and skimps succinct accounts of Indian towns,
M. H. Grégoire. The name of this young the great Turkish sultan Bayazid (there has written the article Bengal,'
Belgian scholar and traveller does not is no cross-reference, by the way, for the following extract from which possesses
occur in the Bibliography; but Prof. Bajazet) most undeservedly. On the special interest at the present time :
Bury's book must have been long in the other hand, Dr. Streck has a comparatively
printer's hands, and Grégoire's work immense article on the Batiha or Meso province, the number of Muhammadans in
“In 1901, before the division of the
belongs only to the last three years or so. potamian swamps, which is, we admit, Bengal was 254 millions, being two-fifths
In a subject which is growing so rapidly as
full of valuable information on the history of the number in all India. The proportion
this such lists of modern research need of the Arab tribes and on the revolt of to the total population was 33 per cent,
to be revised and enlarged every year or the Zenj, but is out of all proportion though in some districts of Eastern and
two. We may mention that the Per- to the scale of the
the scale of the Encyclopædia. ' Northern Bengal the proportion rises above
sarmenians of p. 252 become Persa- The like, in a less degree, may be said of 75 per cent, and in the new province of
Eastern Bengal and Assam the proportion
menians in the Index.
the same scholar's articles on Bender
It is a matter for congratulation that (why not Bandar ? ) 'Abbas and Biredjik ; in Western Bengal, and only 1 per cent in
is 56 per cent, compared with 10 per cent
within little more than a year the subject the latter, however, is of great interest. South Bihar. This irregular distribution
has been enriched both by Mr. Bussell's Dr. R. Hartmann, writing on Basra, keeps can best be explained by assuming that
philosophic and suggestive study of the the just mean, but is hardly full enough on
the inhabitants of the delta belong to
general movements and spirit of Byzan- | the Bisharin. The important Bahmani aboriginal races, who were never admitted
tine history and by this admirable work.
into the higher castes of Hinduism, and
dynasty of the Deccan is dismissed in a
single column, whilst equal space is given conquerors. It has been proved by anthro-
therefore received Islam readily from their
to the wretched little village of Balaklava, pometric evidence that the vast majority
The Encyclopedia of Islām. - Nos. X. - though without the obvious reference to of the Muhammadans in Eastern Bengal
XII. ; Bahira–Bu'ath. (Luzac & Co. ) Kinglake. Bairut is described without cannot be distinguished physically from
THE most considerable articles in the any notice of the celebrated American their Hindu fellows; and it is also true that
three parts of this · Encyclopædia'-lately and Jesuit educational missions. Under they preserve to this day many Hindu
issued with commendable regularity— Bahr al-Ghazal the bibliography should added that, apart from some slight amount
observances and superstitions. It may be
are Mr. Longworth Dames's exhaustive have comprised the recent books of of conversion, they certainly increase at a
account of Baluchistan-here spelt Balo- Yakub Artin Pasha and Mr. Comyn. quicker rate' than the Hindus, which is
čistan-of which nothing need be said This article contains a misprint : 1843 for attributed to their occupation of a
except that it is the right article by the 1873. We would draw special attention fertile region, their use of a more nourishing
right man, and an admirable notice of to the valuable articles which Dr. J. diet, and their permission of widow marriage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina by Dr. J. Krcs- Schleifer is contributing on South Arabian The article following Bengal touches on
márik. The other contributors continue localities and Arab tribes : Baihan al-
another actual topic, Benghazi, and
to write on their chosen lines, except that Kasab and Bakr are excellent examples. is written by Mr. Ewald Banse. It will
Dr. Soberheim undertakes the later Egyp- Prof. Brockelmann, always, need
be seen that The Encyclopædia of Islām,'
tian history, and does not seem to be so hardly say, with his well-known biblio-though primarily addressed to Orientalists
complete in his bibliography as Dr. C. H. graphical learning, treats of the biographies and students of the Mohammedan East,
Becker was in earlier numbers. He has of authors, and has an interesting essay does not disdain subjects which are of
omitted, moreover, to refer to the mosques on the Bakhtishu family of physicians, but general interest. Among such articles
of Baibars as well as to mention one of shows little critical appreciation of al- in Part XII. we note
especially Dr.
T. W.
his names, al-Bundukdari, familiar to Biruni. Prof. Becker is careful and well- Arnold's account of Bhopal and its three
readers of William of Tyre. In a follow- informed, as usual, in dealing with such successive Begams of exceptional ability
ing article on Baibars the dawadar a subjects as Bait al- Mal, Bedja, Bakt, and high character; and M. G. Yver's
similar archæological deficiency is to be though we do not quite agree with him descriptions of the oasis of Bilma in the
noticed, since no account is taken of his that this last was not a tribute ” from Tripolitan Sahara, and other North
ruined palace at Cairo. The statement the Nubians, merely because the Egyp- African places, such as Bizerta, Biskra, and
(p. 5886) that there was “a carpet on a tians made some return. Dr. Seybold has Blida, and a notably full and important
Mahmal, as is done to the present day," made the Western Mediterranean his article on Bornu.
is surely an error. The Kiswa, or so-called own subject~his article on the Balearic
The bibliographies, as usual, are a very
“ Holy Carpet ”-really the covering des- Islands is excellent, and he refrains from useful feature ; but R. Pococke’s travels
tined for the Ka'ba—is not and could not expatiating on Boabdil and Bobastro ; should not have been cited in the Ger-
)
be enclosed in the litter or Mahmal. Nor whilst M. G. Yver on the French Sudan translation * Beschreib. des
can we accept the statement that Baibars, (Bambara), on the Bardo of Tunis, and on Morgenl. ” (7256); and Capt. Chesney,
in capturing Hisn al-Akrad, "annihilated Barka, is” in his proper element. The whose Euphrates books are not included
the Knights of St. John. " * The Romance Encyclopædia' is fortunate in having in the bibliography, should have been
of Baibars' is discussed with his usuall the services of Mr. A. W. Nieuwenhuis referred to as General F. R. Chesney.
-Ppen
terart
+ a/
vling
and
ople,
acen
TII.
and
7701.
morᎾ
cen
fero
the
er,
Jes
we
6
is
e
1
6
man
as
6
## p. 458 (#344) ############################################
448
Τ Η Ε Α Τ Η Ε Ν Ε UM
No. 4408, APRIL 20, 1912
n
6
>
In point of fact, as we learn later, Daniel,
JAMES CLARKE
CLARKE & CO.
Dramatic Gossip.
another matrimonial partner, and has only
come home to make the acquaintance of his A SELECTION OF NEW BOOKS.
We continue to follow the ramifications daughter-a crushed little girl whom he
of the Censor's ban with breathless interest.
saves from a marriage of convenience, and FIGHTERS AND MARTYRS FOR
Wo observed his crusade against Puritan.
helps to the man of her heart. Barbara's THE FREEDOM OF FAITH.
ism; we beheld his ægis uplifted to protect
love-affairs can have but one ending, when
By LUKE 8. WALMSLEY. 512 pp. Large
the display of irresponsible and inconse-
once her father appears, and it is the
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 38, 6d.
quential immorality; and now we see him ludicrous predicament of the victims of
net.
withholding from the public gaze a play
bigamy which is the centre of interest.
The book has & frontispiece in colours and
which, if it carry a didactic motive with it, In his second act Mr. Brighouse concentrates 16 illustrations on art paper of Wyolif, Savonarola,
is a vindication of the cardinal doctrines on these with the happiest results, thanks to Luther, Tindale, Knox, Henry Barrowe, the
of Christianity. We think, indeed, that Mr.
the clever acting of Mr. Dennis Eadie, Miss Pilgrim Fathers, Cromwell, Milton, George Fox,
Zangwill does injustice to the “Next Helen Haye, and Mr. Hubert Harben. Bunyan, Watts, Wesley, William Carey, John
Religion. ” As a constructive faith, it is
His first act, besides being tame and con- Williams, and Livingstone ; each having a long
given no substance, and its equipment in ventional, gives away his plot, while the chapter in the book.
“ The author has carried out his task with much
the shape of a temple, a ritual, an organ and third is mere uproarious farce, and really
choristers in the last act does not impress
unnecessary
success, and the book may be commended as in
every way accurate and satisfying to the imagina-
us with the originality of its pioneers. The MESSRS. W. HEFFER & Sons of Cam- tion. ”- Bookman.
Next Religion is inferior in technique, bridge will shortly publish, an edition of
grasp of reality, and massiveness of con- Shakespeare's Twelfth Night' which has CHARLES DARWIN AND OTHER
coption to ‘Tho War God,' powerful as it is. been specially arranged and adapted for ENGLISH THINKERS: With Reference
It alternates between the subtle dialectics performance at the Cambridge Theatre on
to their Religious and Ethical Value.
of destructive criticism and volcanic action April 30th and May 1st by the Cambridge
By S. PARKES CADMAN, D. D. Large
in such a way as to obfuscate a central Repertory Company. The edition has been
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 5s. net
impression. It is too long, lingers where it prepared by Mr. Orlando Barnett and Mr. ЕUCKEN AND BERGSON. Their
should be quickened up, and is inclined to A. F. M. Greig.
be unwieldy. Moreover, the credulity of
Significance for Christian Thought.
the religion-maker in the third act, his
DENYS OF AUXERRE' is the title of a new By E. HERMANN. Crown 8vo, cloth boards,
23. 6d, net.
surrender to the arts of commercial exploita poetical drama in five acts by James Barton,
tion and garish publicity, leave us rudely which will shortly be published by Messrs.
“A study marked by ability. "— Timos.
disillusioned as to the strength of his per Christopher. Its theme is the story-traced
IMPERISHABLE WORD.
sonality and the impenetrability of his by Pater from the stained glass of Auxerre THE
gospel. He is vulgarized, and our respect
Cathedral of a pagan rovival in the Middle By W. CHARTER PIGGOTT. Crown 8vo,
for him wanes.
The creation of the wife is Ages.
cloth boards, 28. 6d, net.
moro vital characterization. She is handled PLAYGOERS who go to the Globe Theatre the average man, who will find in his clear and
“Mr. Piggott writes on subjects of interest to
with poignancy, insight, and rare sympathy to hear lilting music, and to see pretty careful expositions much that will at once stima-
The force of the play lies really in the dia- dresses and scenery vivified by attractive late and comfort. ”-Dundee Advertiser.
logue of the first two acts-always trenchant, principals and chorus, will probably come
ironic, masterful, and at times broadening away well content with The Pink Lady, PROBLEMS AND PERPLEXITIES
into lofty and full-mouthed harmonies.
which was produced on the 11th inst. It is By W. E. ORCHARD, D. D. , Author of
Mr. Fisher White realized the founder of a French farce, set to music, and played by • Modern Theories of Sin,' •Evolution of Old
the new religion with unflinching per. an American company, all the members of Testament Religion,' &c. 304 pages, printed
spicuity, conveying at the same time an
which are possessed by one idea—that they
on India Paper, cloth boards, 2s. Bd. net.
undercurrent of delicate pathos with a blend must “ hustle. ? !
“A most readable and acceptable book. . . . . .
of feeling and ingenuity. Miss Adeline
Bourne as
Mrs. Trame made the most Except for the speed with which it is peculiarly profitable for the quiet hour.
be opened anywhere, and something worth whilo
courageous endeavours, but did not tempor chorus-which is boisterous, and 'descends moments, leaving suggestions to ferment in the
acted, the accent of the performers, and the will be found; and it can be laid down after a few
herself finely enough to the part. She was
either too lachrymose or too cyclonic, and sometimes into merely making a noise—the reader's mind. It can also be easily carried in the
was prone to excessive gesticulation. Mr. play does not differ essentially from the pocket, and a book of this sort ought to be. "
Horace Hodges as the farmer who becomes English musical comedy. Miss Hazel Dawn
Aberdeen Daily Journal.
the sacristan of the new religion, and Mrs. looked very pretty in the name-part, but The MAIN POINTS in CHRISTIAN
Theodore Wright as the wife of the mis-
her singing would be improved by tho intro-
duction of a little more light and shade ;
BELIEF.
sionizing bishop and the mother of Mrs.
By CHARLES REYNOLDS BROWN.
Tramo, gave the most delightful renderings Miss Alice Dovey, the least tumultuous
of their parts.
Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 28. 6d. net.
member of the company, sang well; while
Mr. Frank Lalor was exceedingly funny as
“Endeavours to restate for thoughtful laymon
THOUGH in “The Odd Man Out, which Dondidier, a dealer in antiques, forced against of the orthodox faith, and it does this clearly,
rather than technical students the staple articles
is being given this month at Royalty his will to pose as a satyr. Donny did,
matinées, Mr. Harold Brighouse has written Donny didn't,' and 'Beautiful Lady, the
reasonably, and attractively. "-Scotsman.
a full-sized comedy, he must still be classed latter reminiscent of the Chocolate Soldier SHORT TALKS TO BOYS & GIRLS.
as an author of one-act plays. . The Price waltz, won instant approval from an enthu-
of Coal ? -that admirablo sketch of mining siastic audience.
By J. C. CARLILE, Author of "Talks to
Little Folks. ' Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 18.
life-was in one act-form; and there is only
“ The 'talks' are direct, homely, and pleasant.
one act, the second, in his more ambitious
They will be found admirably adapted for young
effort, which shows him to advantage.
If the rest of his new play had but reached
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS.
minds. The writer talks to his youthful listeners
as a friend more than & preceptor, lightening his
its level, what an exhilarating and delightful
moral counsel with apt allusions from the world of
entertainment we should have obtained i
experience and of books. "-Oxford Chronicle.
Not since the days of 'The Importance of
AUTHORS' AGENTS
Being Earnest’ have we had a droller scene
READY SHORTLY.
on the stage than that in which the twice-
THE PERSON OF CHRIST IN
married Mrs. Enderby, is confronted by EDUCATIONAL
MODERN THOUGHT.
the husband she has long thought dead,
By E. DIGGES LA TOUCHE, M. A. Litt. D. ,
and hesitates between her duty to the
428, 452 Author of Christian Certitude,' &c. Domy
sanctimonious humbug with whom she has MAGAZINES, &c.
found happiness and that to the returned
MAUNSEL & Co. . .
8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 68. net.
MISCELLANEOUS . .
This is the first series of Donnellan Lectures
prodigal, Daniel Weir, whose cynicism MURRAY
for 1911-12. Mr. Digges La Touche has already
and roving habits made marriage with him NOTES AND QUERIES
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
made his name as a suggestive and inspiring
a misery. Her choice, illogically, but natur-
writer on modern theology, a writer at onco
ally enough, falls on the man who does not
scholarly and popular.
want her and offends her every sense of PROVIDENT INSTITUTIONS
propriety, and the spectacle of the reprobate SAURPIRSA!
London :
wriggling in the clutches of this flabby, but SITUATIONS VACANT
resolute matron is worth going far to see.
TYPR-WRITEKS, &c.
JAMES CLARKE & CO. , 13 and 14, Fleet Street.
WARD & LOCK .
And of all Booksellers.
It may
.
BELL & Sons
CATALOGUES
CLARK
:::
::::::
PAGX
426
423
425
448
425
425
428
EXHIBITIONS
LONGMANS & Co.
MACMILLAN & Co.
.
. .
PAUL & Co.
PRINTERS
450
451
425
451
450
449
460
426
425
426
450
426
426
427
. .
BY AUCTION
. .
. .
:
## p. 459 (#345) ############################################
2912
459
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
CO.
S.
CONTENTS.
FOR
PAGE
159
LART
VICTOR HUGO: HIS LIFE AND WORK
THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ISLAM
FORMAL LOGIC
THE CAPE OF ADVENTURE
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS
B. 6d.
460
461
462
463
464
3 Sed
narols
a
*THE ISCARIOT'; W. T. STEAP; BYRON'S 'HOURS
Fox
John
. .
89 D
gida
VULGATE
468-471
FORTHCOMING BOOKS
471
LITERARY GOSSIP
472
SCIENCE EARTH FEATURES AND THEIR MEANING ;
NOTICES OF NE BOOKS; SOCIETIES; MEETINGS
473-475
FINE ARTS-ARCHITECTURE; THE WORKS OF MAN;
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SALE; M. PABLO
PICASSO AND MR. JOSEPH SIMPSON AT THE
STAFFORD GALLERY ; GOSSIP . .
MUSIC - NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; GOSSIP; PRR.
FORMANCES NEXT WEEK
479
TRE
alne
.
delete
it
. .
. .
nei
Gossip
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
479-480
480
. .
D
>
F1
was
and to assess their value at what they “I myself have perhaps been fortunate
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1912.
may be worth.
enough to render some humble service to
Mr. Davidson, whose death occurred editions of a book in which the name of a
the King and to royalty. I have sold five
before these pages were seen through the Bourbon occurs on every page. ”
press, devoted to his subject the wide
research and the exact study which are As politician no less than as man of letters
necessary to a scrupulous biography. he believed himself indispensable to the
He spared no pains in mastering the State, and boasted loudly of his influence.
evidences which Hugo's contemporaries When he had not yet become a Republican
LADY ASHBURTON'S LIBRARY ; AUTOGRAPH LETTERS ;
have left in abundance. He examined with he gravely declared :
critical eye the not too trustworthy state-
“No, I am not a Republican. . . . In a
OF IDLENESS'; CUNNINGHAM'S EXTRACTS FROM ments of the poet himself. The result is Republic my life wouldn't be worth threr
THE REVELS' BOOKS; THE REVISION OF THE
a history which is at the same time careful days' purchase. The different parties would
and lively, which for statements of mere wrangle with each other to get hold of
fact may be relied upon, and is written me, and in less than three days my head
with an individual style-polished, inci- would fall. "
sive, mordant. His temperament and
NEXT WEEK ; GOSSIP
predilections, however, disqualified him Pomposity, sublime belief in himself,
predilections, however, disqualified him vanity, arrogance, and inaccuracy as to
from being the ideal biographer of his own achievements, were defects which
Victor Hugo. Some element of hero-
176478 worship is indispensable to the true grew into monstrous proportions in the
biographer of any man who is claimed sixty years of his public life.
among the great. Mr. Davidson, evidently
But Mr. Davidson has carried his
DRAMA-THÉRISE RAQUIN; NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS;
disgusted by the excessive hero-worship indictment too far. Without a shadow of
which Hugo's wiser contemporaries ridí evidence, he accuses Hugo of “sharp
culed, went to the other extreme. A practice” in transferring the publication
cold admission of his genius as a writer of “ Marion Delorme' from one publisher
is unsupported by any explanation of what to another (p. 100)—an alleged breach of
LITERATURE
it was in Hugo the man which made the contract which the publishers could not
poet, the novelist, the dramatist. As the prove. When “Le Roi s'amuse
biographer of a Republican, the author censored by the Government, Mr. Davidson
has no business to let his own hatred of puts it to the dramatist's discredit that
Republicanism appear. But it does ap- he allowed his publishers to advertise it
Victor Hugo : his Life and Work. By pear. As one whose task it was to account as a prohibited_play (p. 103). In his
A. F. Davidson. (Eveleigh Nash. ) for the democratic professions of Hugo, strictures upon Hugo's relationship with
he is particularly unfortunate in revealing Juliette Drouet (p. 117) he forgets that
He is forced and artificial. . . . essentially constantly his own anti-democratic bias, the code of private morals in the France
cold and icy even in his most passionate
outbursts. His enthusiasm is merely phan- the
as when he speaks scornfully (p. 175) of of 1833 was not identical with that of
the “unwashed hands” of the mob. England in 1912. Hugo went over to the
tasmagoricma calculation into which no
love enters except self-love. He is an
Mr. Davidson's political opinions would Republican side in October, 1849. The
egoist, and to be still more exact
he is
have been of no concern to us had he not author endorses the charge of“ apostasy,”
a Hugoist.
allowed them to warp his sympathy for but his argument that it was just a
Hugo. His dislike of his hero's egoism | matter of personal pique and personal
Such was the verdict which Heine passed and arrogance would have been estimable ambition (p. 191) will not bear exami-
on Victor Hugo when the latter was at if it had not made him on every possible nation. Without entering into the in-
the height of his literary fame. Sainte- occasion search for a mean and paltry adequate details upon which Mr. Davidson
Beuve, in youth the intimate friend of motive for the poet's action. Hence it relied, we may point out that a more
Hugo and the extoller of his genius, is that the material, and to some extent sympathetic biographer would have shown
denounced his “ lack of proportion,” his the method, of an exceptionally capable that Hugo had been tending in this direc-
* false imagery,” his " forced and thea- biography are diverted to the purposes of tion for years. He had been a passionate
trical lyricism. " The critic had re- depreciation and prejudice.
exponent of the sufferings of the poor,
cently quarrelled with his friend when
words,
It must be admitted that few public he had with unfailing consistency in-
justice in his strictures. Heine at ali men have more conspicuously exposed had opposed the caprice of privilege, he
justice in his strictures. Heine at all themselves to ridicule than did Victor had shown his impatience with Clericalism,
,
times detested the indiscriminate applause
which turned living men into objects of Hugo, both in his conduct and in his had shown his impatience with
Clericalism,
he was an ardent supporter of nationalism
was scarcely a moment in his literary and premely confident of his own genius or he should have continued to support a
popular idolatry; and we agree that there writings. No man was ever
in all its forms, and it is unthinkable that
political career when Hugo was
more insistent in declaring it. He pushed
greeted with praise more lavish than he himself into prominence when he was still of the Papal cause in Italy. The fact is
own importance as prophet and man of Chateaubriand indignantly denied. He
enfant sublime," the invention of which that Mr. Davidson, in respect of this
and
a hundred other points, accepts precisely
letters.
annexed the French Romantic movement,
those opinions which were held by the
But the “cult” of Hugo has died out. and took the credit of it to himself. He most bitterly hostile of Hugo's contem-
His “ romanticism ” has lost its vogue in surrounded himself with flattering ad- poraries.
France. His Republicanism is not now mirers who, when he recited his verses, If Mr. Davidson's method of criticism
a fetish even in an ardently Republican would not be content with ordinary were universally applied, few of our
country, and his is no longer the magical compliments.
national heroes would be left decently
name identified with that of Liberty.
The fame of his pompous and over-
“A voice tense with emotion would be stigmatized as an opinionated hypo-
on their pedestals. Dr. Johnson would
words
'A Cathedral ! '
powering presence has become in Paris ejaculate the
crite, Carlyle as a ranter and a public
another would exclaim 'A Gothic Arch! '
little more than an old wives' tale. His
a third ' An Egyptian pyramid ! '"
nuisance, Ruskin as a garrulous old
exploits have long since reaped the benefits
woman. Chatham would become a worse
of legend; it is for the biographer to When he writes to decline a pension creature even than the hypochondriac
sift the wheat from the tares ; to examine offered by the King, he must needs dwell painted by Lord Rosebery, and Glad-
his life and his work dispassionately, upon his services to Royalty :
stone little more than a stage effect.
66
>
more
SU-
>
>
## p. 460 (#346) ############################################
460
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
66
a
Hugo, like all of those public characters
tain; the details are often variously
who lived up to their parts, had the A History of the Eastern Roman Empire described by authorities, none of whom
defects of his qualities. But let it be from 802 to 867. By J. B. Bury, can be classed as impartial or unpre-
remembered that he sustained the illusion, Regius Professor of Modern History in judiced or possessed of much historical
if illusion it was, during more than sixty the University of Cambridge. (Mac- insight. The inner nature of the events,
,
years of public life. He was theatrical, millan & Co. )
and the personality of the leading historical
impulsive, domineering, easily swayed by
figures, remain obscure.
Prof. Bury
passing prejudice, easily convinced that PROF. BURY has accustomed us to a frankly recognizes this, and plans his
his least utterance was inspired. Good very high standard of work, and does not narrative accordingly. It is more a dis-
or bad, his influence was immense. Mr. fall below his highest standard in this cussion of details than a living study.
Davidson has not sufficiently shown how account of a short period of Byzantine It is the foundation for a history rather
great was the part he played in the history, the sixty-five years that elapsed than a history in the highest sense. There
adoption of what was called “ Romanti- between the end of the Isaurian dynasty was great need for such a work. To do it
cism. " It is perfectly true that he did (under which the Christian Empire re- no other person so well qualified by
not invent this movement in the form it newed its strength and stemmed the tide extensive and minute study of the details
assumed on the Continent. As Mr. David- of Arab conquest) and the beginning of the of Byzantine administration and biblio.
son points out, Schlegel, Madame de Staël, Macedonian dynasty (under which took graphy as the Regius Professor in
and Stendhal had all ridiculed the arti- place the expansion of the “Roman” Cambridge could have been found, and
ficiality of the classical drama ; they had power to wider limits than it had ever he has added to and confirmed his reputa-
exploded the Aristotelian Unities, they before attained). Between these two great tion by the performance.
had attacked the formal compositions of dynasties and periods the time which
The book is a series of separate
which Racine affords the model. All this book describes forms an interlude
that was stilted, limiting, and purely that in comparison seems rather mean and chapters. The first five give an outline
conventional had been already exposed. dull
. But to those who read Byzantine in a dynastic view; of the murders, con-
of the fortunes of the successive Emperors
But it was the genius of Hugo which history with sympathy, no period in its
stepped in and made the new and freer long course seems uninteresting; and spiracies, and rebellions by which their
school an acceptable fact.
culty lies in the lack of sufficiently diverse original and interesting in his treatment tribes and their religion, is of great
points of view, owing to the comparative of out-of-the-way subjects, such as Bilkis, importance and opens up many debatable
success of the Orthodox party in sup- but he is apt to be too slight, notably on questions. Mr. H. Beveridge's Indian
pressing Iconoclast testimony--the chro- the Batiniya. Though there is a decided biographies are naturally authoritative,
nology, the topography, the finance, and improvement in the English translation though perhaps rather brief and dry:
so on, there will yet be in some cases con- (despite momentuous, 6996 ; Bal- | he has omitted to mention that Bairam
siderable discussion, but every discussion duin,” 596a, &c. ), and also in the matter Khan's Diwan has been printed by Prof.
will have to start from this fundamental
of cross-references, we still observe a E. Denison Ross, but perhaps it was not
book. With regard to Rodentos, Prof. singular lack of proportion in the various published when the article was written.
Bury wrongly follows the hypothesis articles. For instance, M. Ch. Huart Mr. J. S. Cotton, besides contributing
printed by Prof. Ramsay in 1891, but now carries his ideal of conciseness to an some clear, succinct sometimes too
antiquated by the recent discoveries of extreme of meagreness, and skimps succinct accounts of Indian towns,
M. H. Grégoire. The name of this young the great Turkish sultan Bayazid (there has written the article Bengal,'
Belgian scholar and traveller does not is no cross-reference, by the way, for the following extract from which possesses
occur in the Bibliography; but Prof. Bajazet) most undeservedly. On the special interest at the present time :
Bury's book must have been long in the other hand, Dr. Streck has a comparatively
printer's hands, and Grégoire's work immense article on the Batiha or Meso province, the number of Muhammadans in
“In 1901, before the division of the
belongs only to the last three years or so. potamian swamps, which is, we admit, Bengal was 254 millions, being two-fifths
In a subject which is growing so rapidly as
full of valuable information on the history of the number in all India. The proportion
this such lists of modern research need of the Arab tribes and on the revolt of to the total population was 33 per cent,
to be revised and enlarged every year or the Zenj, but is out of all proportion though in some districts of Eastern and
two. We may mention that the Per- to the scale of the
the scale of the Encyclopædia. ' Northern Bengal the proportion rises above
sarmenians of p. 252 become Persa- The like, in a less degree, may be said of 75 per cent, and in the new province of
Eastern Bengal and Assam the proportion
menians in the Index.
the same scholar's articles on Bender
It is a matter for congratulation that (why not Bandar ? ) 'Abbas and Biredjik ; in Western Bengal, and only 1 per cent in
is 56 per cent, compared with 10 per cent
within little more than a year the subject the latter, however, is of great interest. South Bihar. This irregular distribution
has been enriched both by Mr. Bussell's Dr. R. Hartmann, writing on Basra, keeps can best be explained by assuming that
philosophic and suggestive study of the the just mean, but is hardly full enough on
the inhabitants of the delta belong to
general movements and spirit of Byzan- | the Bisharin. The important Bahmani aboriginal races, who were never admitted
tine history and by this admirable work.
into the higher castes of Hinduism, and
dynasty of the Deccan is dismissed in a
single column, whilst equal space is given conquerors. It has been proved by anthro-
therefore received Islam readily from their
to the wretched little village of Balaklava, pometric evidence that the vast majority
The Encyclopedia of Islām. - Nos. X. - though without the obvious reference to of the Muhammadans in Eastern Bengal
XII. ; Bahira–Bu'ath. (Luzac & Co. ) Kinglake. Bairut is described without cannot be distinguished physically from
THE most considerable articles in the any notice of the celebrated American their Hindu fellows; and it is also true that
three parts of this · Encyclopædia'-lately and Jesuit educational missions. Under they preserve to this day many Hindu
issued with commendable regularity— Bahr al-Ghazal the bibliography should added that, apart from some slight amount
observances and superstitions. It may be
are Mr. Longworth Dames's exhaustive have comprised the recent books of of conversion, they certainly increase at a
account of Baluchistan-here spelt Balo- Yakub Artin Pasha and Mr. Comyn. quicker rate' than the Hindus, which is
čistan-of which nothing need be said This article contains a misprint : 1843 for attributed to their occupation of a
except that it is the right article by the 1873. We would draw special attention fertile region, their use of a more nourishing
right man, and an admirable notice of to the valuable articles which Dr. J. diet, and their permission of widow marriage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina by Dr. J. Krcs- Schleifer is contributing on South Arabian The article following Bengal touches on
márik. The other contributors continue localities and Arab tribes : Baihan al-
another actual topic, Benghazi, and
to write on their chosen lines, except that Kasab and Bakr are excellent examples. is written by Mr. Ewald Banse. It will
Dr. Soberheim undertakes the later Egyp- Prof. Brockelmann, always, need
be seen that The Encyclopædia of Islām,'
tian history, and does not seem to be so hardly say, with his well-known biblio-though primarily addressed to Orientalists
complete in his bibliography as Dr. C. H. graphical learning, treats of the biographies and students of the Mohammedan East,
Becker was in earlier numbers. He has of authors, and has an interesting essay does not disdain subjects which are of
omitted, moreover, to refer to the mosques on the Bakhtishu family of physicians, but general interest. Among such articles
of Baibars as well as to mention one of shows little critical appreciation of al- in Part XII. we note
especially Dr.
T. W.
his names, al-Bundukdari, familiar to Biruni. Prof. Becker is careful and well- Arnold's account of Bhopal and its three
readers of William of Tyre. In a follow- informed, as usual, in dealing with such successive Begams of exceptional ability
ing article on Baibars the dawadar a subjects as Bait al- Mal, Bedja, Bakt, and high character; and M. G. Yver's
similar archæological deficiency is to be though we do not quite agree with him descriptions of the oasis of Bilma in the
noticed, since no account is taken of his that this last was not a tribute ” from Tripolitan Sahara, and other North
ruined palace at Cairo. The statement the Nubians, merely because the Egyp- African places, such as Bizerta, Biskra, and
(p. 5886) that there was “a carpet on a tians made some return. Dr. Seybold has Blida, and a notably full and important
Mahmal, as is done to the present day," made the Western Mediterranean his article on Bornu.
is surely an error. The Kiswa, or so-called own subject~his article on the Balearic
The bibliographies, as usual, are a very
“ Holy Carpet ”-really the covering des- Islands is excellent, and he refrains from useful feature ; but R. Pococke’s travels
tined for the Ka'ba—is not and could not expatiating on Boabdil and Bobastro ; should not have been cited in the Ger-
)
be enclosed in the litter or Mahmal. Nor whilst M. G. Yver on the French Sudan translation * Beschreib. des
can we accept the statement that Baibars, (Bambara), on the Bardo of Tunis, and on Morgenl. ” (7256); and Capt. Chesney,
in capturing Hisn al-Akrad, "annihilated Barka, is” in his proper element. The whose Euphrates books are not included
the Knights of St. John. " * The Romance Encyclopædia' is fortunate in having in the bibliography, should have been
of Baibars' is discussed with his usuall the services of Mr. A. W. Nieuwenhuis referred to as General F. R. Chesney.
-Ppen
terart
+ a/
vling
and
ople,
acen
TII.
and
7701.
morᎾ
cen
fero
the
er,
Jes
we
6
is
e
1
6
man
as
6
## p. 458 (#344) ############################################
448
Τ Η Ε Α Τ Η Ε Ν Ε UM
No. 4408, APRIL 20, 1912
n
6
>
In point of fact, as we learn later, Daniel,
JAMES CLARKE
CLARKE & CO.
Dramatic Gossip.
another matrimonial partner, and has only
come home to make the acquaintance of his A SELECTION OF NEW BOOKS.
We continue to follow the ramifications daughter-a crushed little girl whom he
of the Censor's ban with breathless interest.
saves from a marriage of convenience, and FIGHTERS AND MARTYRS FOR
Wo observed his crusade against Puritan.
helps to the man of her heart. Barbara's THE FREEDOM OF FAITH.
ism; we beheld his ægis uplifted to protect
love-affairs can have but one ending, when
By LUKE 8. WALMSLEY. 512 pp. Large
the display of irresponsible and inconse-
once her father appears, and it is the
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 38, 6d.
quential immorality; and now we see him ludicrous predicament of the victims of
net.
withholding from the public gaze a play
bigamy which is the centre of interest.
The book has & frontispiece in colours and
which, if it carry a didactic motive with it, In his second act Mr. Brighouse concentrates 16 illustrations on art paper of Wyolif, Savonarola,
is a vindication of the cardinal doctrines on these with the happiest results, thanks to Luther, Tindale, Knox, Henry Barrowe, the
of Christianity. We think, indeed, that Mr.
the clever acting of Mr. Dennis Eadie, Miss Pilgrim Fathers, Cromwell, Milton, George Fox,
Zangwill does injustice to the “Next Helen Haye, and Mr. Hubert Harben. Bunyan, Watts, Wesley, William Carey, John
Religion. ” As a constructive faith, it is
His first act, besides being tame and con- Williams, and Livingstone ; each having a long
given no substance, and its equipment in ventional, gives away his plot, while the chapter in the book.
“ The author has carried out his task with much
the shape of a temple, a ritual, an organ and third is mere uproarious farce, and really
choristers in the last act does not impress
unnecessary
success, and the book may be commended as in
every way accurate and satisfying to the imagina-
us with the originality of its pioneers. The MESSRS. W. HEFFER & Sons of Cam- tion. ”- Bookman.
Next Religion is inferior in technique, bridge will shortly publish, an edition of
grasp of reality, and massiveness of con- Shakespeare's Twelfth Night' which has CHARLES DARWIN AND OTHER
coption to ‘Tho War God,' powerful as it is. been specially arranged and adapted for ENGLISH THINKERS: With Reference
It alternates between the subtle dialectics performance at the Cambridge Theatre on
to their Religious and Ethical Value.
of destructive criticism and volcanic action April 30th and May 1st by the Cambridge
By S. PARKES CADMAN, D. D. Large
in such a way as to obfuscate a central Repertory Company. The edition has been
crown 8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 5s. net
impression. It is too long, lingers where it prepared by Mr. Orlando Barnett and Mr. ЕUCKEN AND BERGSON. Their
should be quickened up, and is inclined to A. F. M. Greig.
be unwieldy. Moreover, the credulity of
Significance for Christian Thought.
the religion-maker in the third act, his
DENYS OF AUXERRE' is the title of a new By E. HERMANN. Crown 8vo, cloth boards,
23. 6d, net.
surrender to the arts of commercial exploita poetical drama in five acts by James Barton,
tion and garish publicity, leave us rudely which will shortly be published by Messrs.
“A study marked by ability. "— Timos.
disillusioned as to the strength of his per Christopher. Its theme is the story-traced
IMPERISHABLE WORD.
sonality and the impenetrability of his by Pater from the stained glass of Auxerre THE
gospel. He is vulgarized, and our respect
Cathedral of a pagan rovival in the Middle By W. CHARTER PIGGOTT. Crown 8vo,
for him wanes.
The creation of the wife is Ages.
cloth boards, 28. 6d, net.
moro vital characterization. She is handled PLAYGOERS who go to the Globe Theatre the average man, who will find in his clear and
“Mr. Piggott writes on subjects of interest to
with poignancy, insight, and rare sympathy to hear lilting music, and to see pretty careful expositions much that will at once stima-
The force of the play lies really in the dia- dresses and scenery vivified by attractive late and comfort. ”-Dundee Advertiser.
logue of the first two acts-always trenchant, principals and chorus, will probably come
ironic, masterful, and at times broadening away well content with The Pink Lady, PROBLEMS AND PERPLEXITIES
into lofty and full-mouthed harmonies.
which was produced on the 11th inst. It is By W. E. ORCHARD, D. D. , Author of
Mr. Fisher White realized the founder of a French farce, set to music, and played by • Modern Theories of Sin,' •Evolution of Old
the new religion with unflinching per. an American company, all the members of Testament Religion,' &c. 304 pages, printed
spicuity, conveying at the same time an
which are possessed by one idea—that they
on India Paper, cloth boards, 2s. Bd. net.
undercurrent of delicate pathos with a blend must “ hustle. ? !
“A most readable and acceptable book. . . . . .
of feeling and ingenuity. Miss Adeline
Bourne as
Mrs. Trame made the most Except for the speed with which it is peculiarly profitable for the quiet hour.
be opened anywhere, and something worth whilo
courageous endeavours, but did not tempor chorus-which is boisterous, and 'descends moments, leaving suggestions to ferment in the
acted, the accent of the performers, and the will be found; and it can be laid down after a few
herself finely enough to the part. She was
either too lachrymose or too cyclonic, and sometimes into merely making a noise—the reader's mind. It can also be easily carried in the
was prone to excessive gesticulation. Mr. play does not differ essentially from the pocket, and a book of this sort ought to be. "
Horace Hodges as the farmer who becomes English musical comedy. Miss Hazel Dawn
Aberdeen Daily Journal.
the sacristan of the new religion, and Mrs. looked very pretty in the name-part, but The MAIN POINTS in CHRISTIAN
Theodore Wright as the wife of the mis-
her singing would be improved by tho intro-
duction of a little more light and shade ;
BELIEF.
sionizing bishop and the mother of Mrs.
By CHARLES REYNOLDS BROWN.
Tramo, gave the most delightful renderings Miss Alice Dovey, the least tumultuous
of their parts.
Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 28. 6d. net.
member of the company, sang well; while
Mr. Frank Lalor was exceedingly funny as
“Endeavours to restate for thoughtful laymon
THOUGH in “The Odd Man Out, which Dondidier, a dealer in antiques, forced against of the orthodox faith, and it does this clearly,
rather than technical students the staple articles
is being given this month at Royalty his will to pose as a satyr. Donny did,
matinées, Mr. Harold Brighouse has written Donny didn't,' and 'Beautiful Lady, the
reasonably, and attractively. "-Scotsman.
a full-sized comedy, he must still be classed latter reminiscent of the Chocolate Soldier SHORT TALKS TO BOYS & GIRLS.
as an author of one-act plays. . The Price waltz, won instant approval from an enthu-
of Coal ? -that admirablo sketch of mining siastic audience.
By J. C. CARLILE, Author of "Talks to
Little Folks. ' Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 18.
life-was in one act-form; and there is only
“ The 'talks' are direct, homely, and pleasant.
one act, the second, in his more ambitious
They will be found admirably adapted for young
effort, which shows him to advantage.
If the rest of his new play had but reached
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS.
minds. The writer talks to his youthful listeners
as a friend more than & preceptor, lightening his
its level, what an exhilarating and delightful
moral counsel with apt allusions from the world of
entertainment we should have obtained i
experience and of books. "-Oxford Chronicle.
Not since the days of 'The Importance of
AUTHORS' AGENTS
Being Earnest’ have we had a droller scene
READY SHORTLY.
on the stage than that in which the twice-
THE PERSON OF CHRIST IN
married Mrs. Enderby, is confronted by EDUCATIONAL
MODERN THOUGHT.
the husband she has long thought dead,
By E. DIGGES LA TOUCHE, M. A. Litt. D. ,
and hesitates between her duty to the
428, 452 Author of Christian Certitude,' &c. Domy
sanctimonious humbug with whom she has MAGAZINES, &c.
found happiness and that to the returned
MAUNSEL & Co. . .
8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 68. net.
MISCELLANEOUS . .
This is the first series of Donnellan Lectures
prodigal, Daniel Weir, whose cynicism MURRAY
for 1911-12. Mr. Digges La Touche has already
and roving habits made marriage with him NOTES AND QUERIES
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
made his name as a suggestive and inspiring
a misery. Her choice, illogically, but natur-
writer on modern theology, a writer at onco
ally enough, falls on the man who does not
scholarly and popular.
want her and offends her every sense of PROVIDENT INSTITUTIONS
propriety, and the spectacle of the reprobate SAURPIRSA!
London :
wriggling in the clutches of this flabby, but SITUATIONS VACANT
resolute matron is worth going far to see.
TYPR-WRITEKS, &c.
JAMES CLARKE & CO. , 13 and 14, Fleet Street.
WARD & LOCK .
And of all Booksellers.
It may
.
BELL & Sons
CATALOGUES
CLARK
:::
::::::
PAGX
426
423
425
448
425
425
428
EXHIBITIONS
LONGMANS & Co.
MACMILLAN & Co.
.
. .
PAUL & Co.
PRINTERS
450
451
425
451
450
449
460
426
425
426
450
426
426
427
. .
BY AUCTION
. .
. .
:
## p. 459 (#345) ############################################
2912
459
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
CO.
S.
CONTENTS.
FOR
PAGE
159
LART
VICTOR HUGO: HIS LIFE AND WORK
THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ISLAM
FORMAL LOGIC
THE CAPE OF ADVENTURE
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS
B. 6d.
460
461
462
463
464
3 Sed
narols
a
*THE ISCARIOT'; W. T. STEAP; BYRON'S 'HOURS
Fox
John
. .
89 D
gida
VULGATE
468-471
FORTHCOMING BOOKS
471
LITERARY GOSSIP
472
SCIENCE EARTH FEATURES AND THEIR MEANING ;
NOTICES OF NE BOOKS; SOCIETIES; MEETINGS
473-475
FINE ARTS-ARCHITECTURE; THE WORKS OF MAN;
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SALE; M. PABLO
PICASSO AND MR. JOSEPH SIMPSON AT THE
STAFFORD GALLERY ; GOSSIP . .
MUSIC - NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; GOSSIP; PRR.
FORMANCES NEXT WEEK
479
TRE
alne
.
delete
it
. .
. .
nei
Gossip
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
479-480
480
. .
D
>
F1
was
and to assess their value at what they “I myself have perhaps been fortunate
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1912.
may be worth.
enough to render some humble service to
Mr. Davidson, whose death occurred editions of a book in which the name of a
the King and to royalty. I have sold five
before these pages were seen through the Bourbon occurs on every page. ”
press, devoted to his subject the wide
research and the exact study which are As politician no less than as man of letters
necessary to a scrupulous biography. he believed himself indispensable to the
He spared no pains in mastering the State, and boasted loudly of his influence.
evidences which Hugo's contemporaries When he had not yet become a Republican
LADY ASHBURTON'S LIBRARY ; AUTOGRAPH LETTERS ;
have left in abundance. He examined with he gravely declared :
critical eye the not too trustworthy state-
“No, I am not a Republican. . . . In a
OF IDLENESS'; CUNNINGHAM'S EXTRACTS FROM ments of the poet himself. The result is Republic my life wouldn't be worth threr
THE REVELS' BOOKS; THE REVISION OF THE
a history which is at the same time careful days' purchase. The different parties would
and lively, which for statements of mere wrangle with each other to get hold of
fact may be relied upon, and is written me, and in less than three days my head
with an individual style-polished, inci- would fall. "
sive, mordant. His temperament and
NEXT WEEK ; GOSSIP
predilections, however, disqualified him Pomposity, sublime belief in himself,
predilections, however, disqualified him vanity, arrogance, and inaccuracy as to
from being the ideal biographer of his own achievements, were defects which
Victor Hugo. Some element of hero-
176478 worship is indispensable to the true grew into monstrous proportions in the
biographer of any man who is claimed sixty years of his public life.
among the great. Mr. Davidson, evidently
But Mr. Davidson has carried his
DRAMA-THÉRISE RAQUIN; NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS;
disgusted by the excessive hero-worship indictment too far. Without a shadow of
which Hugo's wiser contemporaries ridí evidence, he accuses Hugo of “sharp
culed, went to the other extreme. A practice” in transferring the publication
cold admission of his genius as a writer of “ Marion Delorme' from one publisher
is unsupported by any explanation of what to another (p. 100)—an alleged breach of
LITERATURE
it was in Hugo the man which made the contract which the publishers could not
poet, the novelist, the dramatist. As the prove. When “Le Roi s'amuse
biographer of a Republican, the author censored by the Government, Mr. Davidson
has no business to let his own hatred of puts it to the dramatist's discredit that
Republicanism appear. But it does ap- he allowed his publishers to advertise it
Victor Hugo : his Life and Work. By pear. As one whose task it was to account as a prohibited_play (p. 103). In his
A. F. Davidson. (Eveleigh Nash. ) for the democratic professions of Hugo, strictures upon Hugo's relationship with
he is particularly unfortunate in revealing Juliette Drouet (p. 117) he forgets that
He is forced and artificial. . . . essentially constantly his own anti-democratic bias, the code of private morals in the France
cold and icy even in his most passionate
outbursts. His enthusiasm is merely phan- the
as when he speaks scornfully (p. 175) of of 1833 was not identical with that of
the “unwashed hands” of the mob. England in 1912. Hugo went over to the
tasmagoricma calculation into which no
love enters except self-love. He is an
Mr. Davidson's political opinions would Republican side in October, 1849. The
egoist, and to be still more exact
he is
have been of no concern to us had he not author endorses the charge of“ apostasy,”
a Hugoist.
allowed them to warp his sympathy for but his argument that it was just a
Hugo. His dislike of his hero's egoism | matter of personal pique and personal
Such was the verdict which Heine passed and arrogance would have been estimable ambition (p. 191) will not bear exami-
on Victor Hugo when the latter was at if it had not made him on every possible nation. Without entering into the in-
the height of his literary fame. Sainte- occasion search for a mean and paltry adequate details upon which Mr. Davidson
Beuve, in youth the intimate friend of motive for the poet's action. Hence it relied, we may point out that a more
Hugo and the extoller of his genius, is that the material, and to some extent sympathetic biographer would have shown
denounced his “ lack of proportion,” his the method, of an exceptionally capable that Hugo had been tending in this direc-
* false imagery,” his " forced and thea- biography are diverted to the purposes of tion for years. He had been a passionate
trical lyricism. " The critic had re- depreciation and prejudice.
exponent of the sufferings of the poor,
cently quarrelled with his friend when
words,
It must be admitted that few public he had with unfailing consistency in-
justice in his strictures. Heine at ali men have more conspicuously exposed had opposed the caprice of privilege, he
justice in his strictures. Heine at all themselves to ridicule than did Victor had shown his impatience with Clericalism,
,
times detested the indiscriminate applause
which turned living men into objects of Hugo, both in his conduct and in his had shown his impatience with
Clericalism,
he was an ardent supporter of nationalism
was scarcely a moment in his literary and premely confident of his own genius or he should have continued to support a
popular idolatry; and we agree that there writings. No man was ever
in all its forms, and it is unthinkable that
political career when Hugo was
more insistent in declaring it. He pushed
greeted with praise more lavish than he himself into prominence when he was still of the Papal cause in Italy. The fact is
own importance as prophet and man of Chateaubriand indignantly denied. He
enfant sublime," the invention of which that Mr. Davidson, in respect of this
and
a hundred other points, accepts precisely
letters.
annexed the French Romantic movement,
those opinions which were held by the
But the “cult” of Hugo has died out. and took the credit of it to himself. He most bitterly hostile of Hugo's contem-
His “ romanticism ” has lost its vogue in surrounded himself with flattering ad- poraries.
France. His Republicanism is not now mirers who, when he recited his verses, If Mr. Davidson's method of criticism
a fetish even in an ardently Republican would not be content with ordinary were universally applied, few of our
country, and his is no longer the magical compliments.
national heroes would be left decently
name identified with that of Liberty.
The fame of his pompous and over-
“A voice tense with emotion would be stigmatized as an opinionated hypo-
on their pedestals. Dr. Johnson would
words
'A Cathedral ! '
powering presence has become in Paris ejaculate the
crite, Carlyle as a ranter and a public
another would exclaim 'A Gothic Arch! '
little more than an old wives' tale. His
a third ' An Egyptian pyramid ! '"
nuisance, Ruskin as a garrulous old
exploits have long since reaped the benefits
woman. Chatham would become a worse
of legend; it is for the biographer to When he writes to decline a pension creature even than the hypochondriac
sift the wheat from the tares ; to examine offered by the King, he must needs dwell painted by Lord Rosebery, and Glad-
his life and his work dispassionately, upon his services to Royalty :
stone little more than a stage effect.
66
>
more
SU-
>
>
## p. 460 (#346) ############################################
460
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
66
a
Hugo, like all of those public characters
tain; the details are often variously
who lived up to their parts, had the A History of the Eastern Roman Empire described by authorities, none of whom
defects of his qualities. But let it be from 802 to 867. By J. B. Bury, can be classed as impartial or unpre-
remembered that he sustained the illusion, Regius Professor of Modern History in judiced or possessed of much historical
if illusion it was, during more than sixty the University of Cambridge. (Mac- insight. The inner nature of the events,
,
years of public life. He was theatrical, millan & Co. )
and the personality of the leading historical
impulsive, domineering, easily swayed by
figures, remain obscure.
Prof. Bury
passing prejudice, easily convinced that PROF. BURY has accustomed us to a frankly recognizes this, and plans his
his least utterance was inspired. Good very high standard of work, and does not narrative accordingly. It is more a dis-
or bad, his influence was immense. Mr. fall below his highest standard in this cussion of details than a living study.
Davidson has not sufficiently shown how account of a short period of Byzantine It is the foundation for a history rather
great was the part he played in the history, the sixty-five years that elapsed than a history in the highest sense. There
adoption of what was called “ Romanti- between the end of the Isaurian dynasty was great need for such a work. To do it
cism. " It is perfectly true that he did (under which the Christian Empire re- no other person so well qualified by
not invent this movement in the form it newed its strength and stemmed the tide extensive and minute study of the details
assumed on the Continent. As Mr. David- of Arab conquest) and the beginning of the of Byzantine administration and biblio.
son points out, Schlegel, Madame de Staël, Macedonian dynasty (under which took graphy as the Regius Professor in
and Stendhal had all ridiculed the arti- place the expansion of the “Roman” Cambridge could have been found, and
ficiality of the classical drama ; they had power to wider limits than it had ever he has added to and confirmed his reputa-
exploded the Aristotelian Unities, they before attained). Between these two great tion by the performance.
had attacked the formal compositions of dynasties and periods the time which
The book is a series of separate
which Racine affords the model. All this book describes forms an interlude
that was stilted, limiting, and purely that in comparison seems rather mean and chapters. The first five give an outline
conventional had been already exposed. dull
. But to those who read Byzantine in a dynastic view; of the murders, con-
of the fortunes of the successive Emperors
But it was the genius of Hugo which history with sympathy, no period in its
stepped in and made the new and freer long course seems uninteresting; and spiracies, and rebellions by which their
school an acceptable fact.
