Sainte- occasion search for a mean and paltry
adequate
details upon which Mr.
Athenaeum - London - 1912a
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,
29. Bd. 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
THE IMPERISHABLE WORD.
sonality and the impenetrability of his by Pater from the stained glass of Auxerre
gospel. He is vulgarized, and our respect
Cathedral-of a pagan revival in the Middle By W. CHARTER PIGGOTT. Crown 8vo,
for him wanes.
The creation of the wife is Ages.
cloth boards, 28. od. net.
more 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 stimu. .
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, 23. Bd. net
undercurront of delicate pathos with a blend must “ hustle. "
“A most roadable and acceptable book. . . . . .
of feeling and ingenuity. Miss Adeline
peculiarly profitable for the quiet hour.
Bourne as
Except for the speed with which it is be opened anywhere, and something worth while
Mrs. Trame made the most
courageous endeavours, but did not temper 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
chorus—which is boisterous, and descends moments, leaving suggestions to ferment in the
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 the intro-
BELIEF.
sionizing bishop and the mother of Mrs.
duction of a little more light and shade ;
By CHARLES REYNOLDS BROWN.
Trame, 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 laymen
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, reasonably, and attractively. ” -Scotsman.
matinées, Mr. Harold Brighouse has written Donny didn't,' and Beautiful Lady, the
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- By J. C. CARLILE, Author of 'Talks to
of Coal '--that admirable sketch of mining siastic audience.
Little Folks. ' Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 18.
life was in one act-form; and there is only
“ The 'talks' are direot, 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 a preceptor, lightening his
its level, what an exhilarating and delightful
moral counsel with apt allusions from the world of
entertainment we should have obtained !
experience and of books. ”-Oxford Chronicle.
Not since the days of The Importance of
AUTHORS' AGENTS
READY SHORTLY.
Being Earnest' have we had a droller scene
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, EXHIBITIONS
By E. DIGGES LA TOUCHE, M. A. Litt. D. ,
LONGMANS & CO.
and hesitates between her duty to the
428, 452 Author of Christian Certitude,' &c. Demy
sanctimonious humbug with whom she has MAGAZINES, &c.
8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 8s. net.
found happiness and that to the returned
MAUNSEL & Co. . .
This is the first series of Donnellan Lectures
MISCELLANEOUS . .
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
made his name as a suggestive and inspiring
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
a misery. Her choice, illogically, but natur-
writer on modern theology, a writer at once
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 SHIPPING
London :
wriggling in the clutches of this flabby, but SITUATIONS VACANT
JAMES CLARKE & CO. , 13 and 14, Fleet Street.
resolute matron is worth going far to see.
TYPR-WRITERS, &c.
WARD & LOCK
And of all Booksellers.
It may
BELL & Sons
CATALOGUES
CLARK
::::
:::
PAGE
426
423
425
448
425
425
428
MACMILLAN & Co.
PAUL & Co.
PRINTERS
450
451
425
451
450
449
460
426
425
426
450
426
426
427
SALES BY AUCTION
::
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## p. 455 (#341) ############################################
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
459
CONTENTS.
PAGE
459
THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE
460
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ISLAM
461
FORMAL LOGIC
462
THE CAPE OF ADVENTURE
463
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS
464
LADY ASHBURTON'S LIBRARY ; AUTOGRAPH LETTERS;
.
OF IDLENESS'; CUNNINGHAM'S EXTRACTS FROM
. .
. .
. .
fact may
VULGATE
468–471
471
LITERARY GOSSIP
472
BCIENCE EARTH FEATURES AND THEIR MEANING;
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SOCIETIES; MEETINGS
NEXT WEEK; GOSSIP
FINE ARTS-ARCHITECTURE; THE WORKS OF MAN;
. .
. .
PICASSO AND
MR. JOSEPH SIMPSON
AT
THE
. .
MUSIC - NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; GOSSIP; PER-
FORMANCES NEXT WEEK
479
GOSSIP
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
479-480
480
O
. .
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
the King and to royalty. I have sold five
Mr. Davidson, whose death occurred
editions of a book in which the name of a
before these pages were seen through the Bourbon occurs on every page. ”
VICTOR HUGO: HIS LIFE AND WORK
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
have left in abundance. He examined with a he gravely declared :-
THE ISCARIOT'; W. T. STEAD; BYRON'S 'HOURS critical eye the not too trustworthy state-
ments of the poet himself. The result is Republic my life wouldn't be worth three
“No, I am not a Republican. . . . In a
THE REVELS' BOOKS; THE REVISION OF THE
a history which is at the same time careful days' purchase. The different parties would
FORTHCOMING BOOKS . .
and lively, which for statements of mere wrangle with each other to get hold of
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 Pomposity, sublime belief in himself,
473—176 predilections, however, disqualified him vanity, arrogance, and inaccuracy as to
from being the ideal biographer of his own achievements, were defects which
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SALE; M. PABLO
Victor Hugo. Some element of hero-
STAFFORD GALLERY ; GOSSIP. .
478–478 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-THÉRKSE RAQUIN; NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; disgusted by the excessive hero-worship indictment too far. Without a shadow of
which Hugo's wiser contemporaries ridi 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
it was in Hugo the man which made the contract which the publishers could not
LITERATURE
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.
By pear. As one whose task it was to account 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
“ unwashed hands of the mob. England in 1912. Hugo went over to the
tasmagoric—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
Such was the verdict which Heine passed and arrogance would have been estimable ambition”
Hugo. His dislike of his hero's egoism matter of personal pique and personal
(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
he wrote those words, but there is
It must be admitted that few public he had with unfailing consistency in-
men have more conspicuously exposed yeighed against capital punishment, he
times detested the indiscriminate applause themselves to ridicule than did Victor had opposed the caprice of privilege, he
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
popular idolatry; and we agree that there writings. No man
in all its forms, and it is unthinkable that
was scarcely a moment in his literary and premely confident of his own genius or
political career when Hugo was not himself into prominence when he was still ministry which persisted in its espousal
more insistent in declaring it. He pushed he should have continued to support a
deserved, or did not over-estimate his in his teens, and rejoiced in the appellation of the Papal cause in Italy. The fact is
enfant sublime," the invention of which that Mr. Davidson, in respect of this and
own importance as prophet and man of Chateaubriand indignantly denied. He a hundred other points, accepts precisely
annexed the French Romantic movement,
those opinions which were held by the
But the “ cult” of Hugo has died out. i 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
powering presence has become in Paris ejaculate the words
'A
little more than an old wives' tale. His
another would exclaim 'A Gothic Arch: crite, Carlyle as a ranter and a public
a third ' An Egyptian pyramid ! '
nuisance, Ruskin as
exploits have long since reaped the benefits
a garrulous old
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.
was ever
more
SU-
## p. 456 (#342) ############################################
460
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
Τ
tain ;
66
Hugo, like all of those public characters
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 unpro-
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 80 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
which Racine affords the model. All this book describes forms an interlude
The book is a series of separate
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 of the fortunes of the successive Emperors
But it was the genius of Hugo which history with sympathy, no period in its in a dynastic view;, of the murders, con-
stepped in and made the new and freer long course seems uninteresting; and spiracies, and rebellions by which their
school an acceptable fact. The others Prof. Bury maintains the view that this fortunes worked themselves out; and the
had argued with the world; he per- period, “the Amorian Age,” meant a
theological controversies which agitated
suaded it.
new phase in Byzantine culture. ” The
their reigns. The great ecclesiastical
“Regularity is the taste of mediocrity interest, however, is in this case confined figures, Photius and Ignatius, have the
[he said), order is the taste of genius. . . . The to the specialist, and it is for the specialist sixth chapter to themselves. Then follow
.
spirit of imitation is the scourge of art; that the Cambridge Professor of Modern
let us admire the great masters, not imitate History writes. The revival of Iconoclasm Saracen Wars, the Saracen Conquests of
them. . . The poet should have only one by Leo, fostered also by his murderer and Crete and Sicily,,, relations with the
model-nature ; only one guide-truth. " successor Michael of `Amorion and by Western Empire, Bulgaria, the Conversion
His domineering spirit carried the world Theophilus, was unsuccessful, and only of. . Slavs and Bulgarians, Russia, and
by storm, and he had a great advocate weakened the Empire through disunion;
Art and Education.
in this country in Swinburne, whose the religious controversies were unedifying; Next comes a series of twelve Appen-
fervent eulogium of him as “one of the and the sternest and most zealous sup- dixes discussing some of the leading literary
very greatest among poets and among porter of Puritanism in doctrine and authorities, and some incidents that fail
is retained in the latest issue of the ritual would find little to satisfy him in the within the special scope of the preceding
' Encyclopædia Britannica. ' He would proceedings by which pictures were ban-chapters. Finally, there is a full and
have taken public opinion with him ished from the churches. Political cal- valuable bibliography. If, for example,
whether he had been right or wrong, and culation played more part than religious the reader wishes to study the Saracen
he was often considerably wrong. He was fervour. The Armenian Leo, who re- wars, he must turn to Appendix VIII.
one of the first great didactic novelists stored Iconoclasm as the dominant form for the wars of 830-32, while these and
and dramatists. Notre Dame' and ' Les of religion in the state, and Michael I. , the rest have been described in chap. viii.
Misérables' belong incontestably to the his Phrygian successor on the throne of Bulgaria has a chapter and an Appendix.
literature of the world, being admirable Augustus, were men of fair, but not out- Thus the same class of events, e. g. , Saracen
merely as stories, and the splendid con- standing ability, capable of forcing their wars, have to be sought in slight refer-
ception of 'L'Homme qui rit' almost way to the purple by military revolution
almost way to the purple by military revolution ences made in the chapters on the
reconciles us to absurdities which would and conspiracy, but not strong enough to Emperors, again in the special chapter,
be fatal to
any
other author.
atone for the violence of their entry into and the Appendix, and finally in articles
It must be confessed that Hugo's power by the skill and success with which which have been published elsewhere by
hatred of restraint led him to the they used the Imperial authority. Both the author.
wildest literary excesses.
His imaginative were of humble origin and rude manners ;
There is, however, a distinct plan in this
freedom led him to a fancifulness and a the Phrygian is said to have been barely rather complicated arrangement. All the
grotesquerie which were remote from able to read and write ; but both were investigations have been classified; but
truth. "He was rhetorical, theatrical, thau- strenuous, hardworking, dull, and, on
the plan is not that of a true history;
maturgic. Claptrap could be concealed the whole, unsuccessful sovereigns. The it is the plan formed by one who
clearly
under the strenuousness of his tours de Phrygian
had a three years' war to fight recognizes that his task is to lay the
force. But he had also the energy, the against another military claimant as
foundation for a history. Prof. Bury has
vitality, and intensity of one who had humble as, and even more foreign to the rightly gauged the situation and the needs.
the fullness of genius. His sympathies Roman dignity than, himself : this was
He has resisted (without any difficulty
on the side of humanism. His Thomas, a soldier of Slav blood, but born caused by a natural bent towards the
licence is more akin to that which abounds at Gazioura in Pontus. A struggle like other course) all temptation to make a
in English literature in the nineteenth and this between an illiterate Phrygian and picturesque narrative, or turn to account
twentieth centuries than to the qualities an illiterate Slav was undignified as
the indications of personality which do
which have distinguished France. Hugo spectacle, and injurious to the Empire.
after all survive even in the arid pages of
was no danger to his own country, which Yet there was abundant material for a Byzantine writers. He omits, for ex-
still tends towards excess of “classicism. " stirring narrative of the romantic type ample, the words of Theophilus, on his-
For the French, revolutionary in their in the “ Amorian” period, of whose death-bed, when the head of his brother-
politics, have always respected authority general character the incidents just men in-law and faithful subordinate Theo-
in literature. But Hugo was a Republican tioned form a fair specimen ; but the phobus was brought to him:
in his literary tastes long before he was a authorities are far from good. Even the art no more Theophobus, and I am no
Republican in his politics.
external aspect of events is often uncer- more Theophilus. There may yet be
men
>
>
a
were
a
## p. 457 (#343) ############################################
,
461
1912
THE ATHENÆUM
Α
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
variously
of whom
or unpro
historical
manner
The events,
historical
of. Burs
plans his
Ore a dis-
og study.
ry rather
2. There
To do it
lified by
ne detail
d biblio
essor in
and, and
3 reputa:
CC
66
>
-
66
6
separate
outline
mperors
Ers, con
Eh their
and the
agitated
ciastica
!
-re the
follow
on, the
ests of
h the
Fersion
6
and
written a history on the ideal standard, thoroughness by Prof. D. B. Macdonald, for the Malay Archipelago, and his contri-
even of the Amorian dynasty; but the who has other curious and original articles, butions on Banda, Banka, Bantam, and
writer will have to stand on the edifice very unlike the usual style of encyclo- Borneo are meritorious. Prof. Barthold
built by Prof. Bury, and will feel at every pædias, on Ba‘l, Bal'am, and Barsisa, treats in his best
of the
stage that without the latter his work and appears to be bringing his compara- Barmecides, Bashkirs, the Mongol Berke
would have been impossible.
tive studies in Oriental tales to the general (Baraka) and Batu, Bishbalik and Bitikci,
In the ly of the details, the trust- service of this useful work. He has also among other subjects. The article
worthiness of rival accounts from diverse an interesting article on the theological Berbers,' by M. René Basset, who also
points of view-in fact, one serious diffi- term “ Bid'a. ” 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.
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,
29. Bd. 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
THE IMPERISHABLE WORD.
sonality and the impenetrability of his by Pater from the stained glass of Auxerre
gospel. He is vulgarized, and our respect
Cathedral-of a pagan revival in the Middle By W. CHARTER PIGGOTT. Crown 8vo,
for him wanes.
The creation of the wife is Ages.
cloth boards, 28. od. net.
more 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 stimu. .
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, 23. Bd. net
undercurront of delicate pathos with a blend must “ hustle. "
“A most roadable and acceptable book. . . . . .
of feeling and ingenuity. Miss Adeline
peculiarly profitable for the quiet hour.
Bourne as
Except for the speed with which it is be opened anywhere, and something worth while
Mrs. Trame made the most
courageous endeavours, but did not temper 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
chorus—which is boisterous, and descends moments, leaving suggestions to ferment in the
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 the intro-
BELIEF.
sionizing bishop and the mother of Mrs.
duction of a little more light and shade ;
By CHARLES REYNOLDS BROWN.
Trame, 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 laymen
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, reasonably, and attractively. ” -Scotsman.
matinées, Mr. Harold Brighouse has written Donny didn't,' and Beautiful Lady, the
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- By J. C. CARLILE, Author of 'Talks to
of Coal '--that admirable sketch of mining siastic audience.
Little Folks. ' Crown 8vo, cloth boards, 18.
life was in one act-form; and there is only
“ The 'talks' are direot, 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 a preceptor, lightening his
its level, what an exhilarating and delightful
moral counsel with apt allusions from the world of
entertainment we should have obtained !
experience and of books. ”-Oxford Chronicle.
Not since the days of The Importance of
AUTHORS' AGENTS
READY SHORTLY.
Being Earnest' have we had a droller scene
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, EXHIBITIONS
By E. DIGGES LA TOUCHE, M. A. Litt. D. ,
LONGMANS & CO.
and hesitates between her duty to the
428, 452 Author of Christian Certitude,' &c. Demy
sanctimonious humbug with whom she has MAGAZINES, &c.
8vo, cloth boards, gilt top, 8s. net.
found happiness and that to the returned
MAUNSEL & Co. . .
This is the first series of Donnellan Lectures
MISCELLANEOUS . .
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
made his name as a suggestive and inspiring
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
a misery. Her choice, illogically, but natur-
writer on modern theology, a writer at once
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 SHIPPING
London :
wriggling in the clutches of this flabby, but SITUATIONS VACANT
JAMES CLARKE & CO. , 13 and 14, Fleet Street.
resolute matron is worth going far to see.
TYPR-WRITERS, &c.
WARD & LOCK
And of all Booksellers.
It may
BELL & Sons
CATALOGUES
CLARK
::::
:::
PAGE
426
423
425
448
425
425
428
MACMILLAN & Co.
PAUL & Co.
PRINTERS
450
451
425
451
450
449
460
426
425
426
450
426
426
427
SALES BY AUCTION
::
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## p. 455 (#341) ############################################
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
459
CONTENTS.
PAGE
459
THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE
460
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ISLAM
461
FORMAL LOGIC
462
THE CAPE OF ADVENTURE
463
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS
464
LADY ASHBURTON'S LIBRARY ; AUTOGRAPH LETTERS;
.
OF IDLENESS'; CUNNINGHAM'S EXTRACTS FROM
. .
. .
. .
fact may
VULGATE
468–471
471
LITERARY GOSSIP
472
BCIENCE EARTH FEATURES AND THEIR MEANING;
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SOCIETIES; MEETINGS
NEXT WEEK; GOSSIP
FINE ARTS-ARCHITECTURE; THE WORKS OF MAN;
. .
. .
PICASSO AND
MR. JOSEPH SIMPSON
AT
THE
. .
MUSIC - NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; GOSSIP; PER-
FORMANCES NEXT WEEK
479
GOSSIP
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
479-480
480
O
. .
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
the King and to royalty. I have sold five
Mr. Davidson, whose death occurred
editions of a book in which the name of a
before these pages were seen through the Bourbon occurs on every page. ”
VICTOR HUGO: HIS LIFE AND WORK
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
have left in abundance. He examined with a he gravely declared :-
THE ISCARIOT'; W. T. STEAD; BYRON'S 'HOURS critical eye the not too trustworthy state-
ments of the poet himself. The result is Republic my life wouldn't be worth three
“No, I am not a Republican. . . . In a
THE REVELS' BOOKS; THE REVISION OF THE
a history which is at the same time careful days' purchase. The different parties would
FORTHCOMING BOOKS . .
and lively, which for statements of mere wrangle with each other to get hold of
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 Pomposity, sublime belief in himself,
473—176 predilections, however, disqualified him vanity, arrogance, and inaccuracy as to
from being the ideal biographer of his own achievements, were defects which
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; SALE; M. PABLO
Victor Hugo. Some element of hero-
STAFFORD GALLERY ; GOSSIP. .
478–478 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-THÉRKSE RAQUIN; NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS; disgusted by the excessive hero-worship indictment too far. Without a shadow of
which Hugo's wiser contemporaries ridi 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
it was in Hugo the man which made the contract which the publishers could not
LITERATURE
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.
By pear. As one whose task it was to account 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
“ unwashed hands of the mob. England in 1912. Hugo went over to the
tasmagoric—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
Such was the verdict which Heine passed and arrogance would have been estimable ambition”
Hugo. His dislike of his hero's egoism matter of personal pique and personal
(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
he wrote those words, but there is
It must be admitted that few public he had with unfailing consistency in-
men have more conspicuously exposed yeighed against capital punishment, he
times detested the indiscriminate applause themselves to ridicule than did Victor had opposed the caprice of privilege, he
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
popular idolatry; and we agree that there writings. No man
in all its forms, and it is unthinkable that
was scarcely a moment in his literary and premely confident of his own genius or
political career when Hugo was not himself into prominence when he was still ministry which persisted in its espousal
more insistent in declaring it. He pushed he should have continued to support a
deserved, or did not over-estimate his in his teens, and rejoiced in the appellation of the Papal cause in Italy. The fact is
enfant sublime," the invention of which that Mr. Davidson, in respect of this and
own importance as prophet and man of Chateaubriand indignantly denied. He a hundred other points, accepts precisely
annexed the French Romantic movement,
those opinions which were held by the
But the “ cult” of Hugo has died out. i 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
powering presence has become in Paris ejaculate the words
'A
little more than an old wives' tale. His
another would exclaim 'A Gothic Arch: crite, Carlyle as a ranter and a public
a third ' An Egyptian pyramid ! '
nuisance, Ruskin as
exploits have long since reaped the benefits
a garrulous old
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.
was ever
more
SU-
## p. 456 (#342) ############################################
460
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
Τ
tain ;
66
Hugo, like all of those public characters
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 unpro-
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 80 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
which Racine affords the model. All this book describes forms an interlude
The book is a series of separate
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 of the fortunes of the successive Emperors
But it was the genius of Hugo which history with sympathy, no period in its in a dynastic view;, of the murders, con-
stepped in and made the new and freer long course seems uninteresting; and spiracies, and rebellions by which their
school an acceptable fact. The others Prof. Bury maintains the view that this fortunes worked themselves out; and the
had argued with the world; he per- period, “the Amorian Age,” meant a
theological controversies which agitated
suaded it.
new phase in Byzantine culture. ” The
their reigns. The great ecclesiastical
“Regularity is the taste of mediocrity interest, however, is in this case confined figures, Photius and Ignatius, have the
[he said), order is the taste of genius. . . . The to the specialist, and it is for the specialist sixth chapter to themselves. Then follow
.
spirit of imitation is the scourge of art; that the Cambridge Professor of Modern
let us admire the great masters, not imitate History writes. The revival of Iconoclasm Saracen Wars, the Saracen Conquests of
them. . . The poet should have only one by Leo, fostered also by his murderer and Crete and Sicily,,, relations with the
model-nature ; only one guide-truth. " successor Michael of `Amorion and by Western Empire, Bulgaria, the Conversion
His domineering spirit carried the world Theophilus, was unsuccessful, and only of. . Slavs and Bulgarians, Russia, and
by storm, and he had a great advocate weakened the Empire through disunion;
Art and Education.
in this country in Swinburne, whose the religious controversies were unedifying; Next comes a series of twelve Appen-
fervent eulogium of him as “one of the and the sternest and most zealous sup- dixes discussing some of the leading literary
very greatest among poets and among porter of Puritanism in doctrine and authorities, and some incidents that fail
is retained in the latest issue of the ritual would find little to satisfy him in the within the special scope of the preceding
' Encyclopædia Britannica. ' He would proceedings by which pictures were ban-chapters. Finally, there is a full and
have taken public opinion with him ished from the churches. Political cal- valuable bibliography. If, for example,
whether he had been right or wrong, and culation played more part than religious the reader wishes to study the Saracen
he was often considerably wrong. He was fervour. The Armenian Leo, who re- wars, he must turn to Appendix VIII.
one of the first great didactic novelists stored Iconoclasm as the dominant form for the wars of 830-32, while these and
and dramatists. Notre Dame' and ' Les of religion in the state, and Michael I. , the rest have been described in chap. viii.
Misérables' belong incontestably to the his Phrygian successor on the throne of Bulgaria has a chapter and an Appendix.
literature of the world, being admirable Augustus, were men of fair, but not out- Thus the same class of events, e. g. , Saracen
merely as stories, and the splendid con- standing ability, capable of forcing their wars, have to be sought in slight refer-
ception of 'L'Homme qui rit' almost way to the purple by military revolution
almost way to the purple by military revolution ences made in the chapters on the
reconciles us to absurdities which would and conspiracy, but not strong enough to Emperors, again in the special chapter,
be fatal to
any
other author.
atone for the violence of their entry into and the Appendix, and finally in articles
It must be confessed that Hugo's power by the skill and success with which which have been published elsewhere by
hatred of restraint led him to the they used the Imperial authority. Both the author.
wildest literary excesses.
His imaginative were of humble origin and rude manners ;
There is, however, a distinct plan in this
freedom led him to a fancifulness and a the Phrygian is said to have been barely rather complicated arrangement. All the
grotesquerie which were remote from able to read and write ; but both were investigations have been classified; but
truth. "He was rhetorical, theatrical, thau- strenuous, hardworking, dull, and, on
the plan is not that of a true history;
maturgic. Claptrap could be concealed the whole, unsuccessful sovereigns. The it is the plan formed by one who
clearly
under the strenuousness of his tours de Phrygian
had a three years' war to fight recognizes that his task is to lay the
force. But he had also the energy, the against another military claimant as
foundation for a history. Prof. Bury has
vitality, and intensity of one who had humble as, and even more foreign to the rightly gauged the situation and the needs.
the fullness of genius. His sympathies Roman dignity than, himself : this was
He has resisted (without any difficulty
on the side of humanism. His Thomas, a soldier of Slav blood, but born caused by a natural bent towards the
licence is more akin to that which abounds at Gazioura in Pontus. A struggle like other course) all temptation to make a
in English literature in the nineteenth and this between an illiterate Phrygian and picturesque narrative, or turn to account
twentieth centuries than to the qualities an illiterate Slav was undignified as
the indications of personality which do
which have distinguished France. Hugo spectacle, and injurious to the Empire.
after all survive even in the arid pages of
was no danger to his own country, which Yet there was abundant material for a Byzantine writers. He omits, for ex-
still tends towards excess of “classicism. " stirring narrative of the romantic type ample, the words of Theophilus, on his-
For the French, revolutionary in their in the “ Amorian” period, of whose death-bed, when the head of his brother-
politics, have always respected authority general character the incidents just men in-law and faithful subordinate Theo-
in literature. But Hugo was a Republican tioned form a fair specimen ; but the phobus was brought to him:
in his literary tastes long before he was a authorities are far from good. Even the art no more Theophobus, and I am no
Republican in his politics.
external aspect of events is often uncer- more Theophilus. There may yet be
men
>
>
a
were
a
## p. 457 (#343) ############################################
,
461
1912
THE ATHENÆUM
Α
No. 4409, APRIL 27, 1912
variously
of whom
or unpro
historical
manner
The events,
historical
of. Burs
plans his
Ore a dis-
og study.
ry rather
2. There
To do it
lified by
ne detail
d biblio
essor in
and, and
3 reputa:
CC
66
>
-
66
6
separate
outline
mperors
Ers, con
Eh their
and the
agitated
ciastica
!
-re the
follow
on, the
ests of
h the
Fersion
6
and
written a history on the ideal standard, thoroughness by Prof. D. B. Macdonald, for the Malay Archipelago, and his contri-
even of the Amorian dynasty; but the who has other curious and original articles, butions on Banda, Banka, Bantam, and
writer will have to stand on the edifice very unlike the usual style of encyclo- Borneo are meritorious. Prof. Barthold
built by Prof. Bury, and will feel at every pædias, on Ba‘l, Bal'am, and Barsisa, treats in his best
of the
stage that without the latter his work and appears to be bringing his compara- Barmecides, Bashkirs, the Mongol Berke
would have been impossible.
tive studies in Oriental tales to the general (Baraka) and Batu, Bishbalik and Bitikci,
In the ly of the details, the trust- service of this useful work. He has also among other subjects. The article
worthiness of rival accounts from diverse an interesting article on the theological Berbers,' by M. René Basset, who also
points of view-in fact, one serious diffi- term “ Bid'a. ” 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.
