FLEET PRISON (10 S. x. 110, 258, 478). If Q. V. will visit the Manuscript Department of the British Museum, he will find there the original work of "Fleta" among the Cottonian MSS. (Julius B. viii.), Of course, in the words of Q. V., "there ain't no sich person now; but that his identity is concealed under the name of "Fleta" is unquestioned. Under this name the Latin textbook of English law is supposed to have been projected by one of the corrupt judges whom Edward I. imprisoned (cf. the

The Oxford Thackeray. With Illustrations. Edited by George Saintsbury. Vols. VII.-XVII. (Oxford University Press.)

SINCE our notice of the first six volumes of this edition (ante, p. 259), two more batches of books have appeared, which complete the whole issue of seventeen volumes. Readers can now secure at a moderate cost an edition which is well printed, well edited, and exceptionally well provided with illustrations, and abundance of those pictures which Thackeray threw off in his inimitable style. All the volumes are priced at two shillings net, though in older days publishers would have had no hesitation in charging more for, say, 'The Virginians' and 'The Newcomes,' which both run to over 1,000 pages of Introduction, Text, and Appendix. The last feature is one of special interest, for it gives us the passages which Thackeray thought it well to reject in his latest revision. Among the illustrations must be mentioned the charming initial letters with which Thackeray adorned his chapters. Many artists have tried their hand on Becky Sharp, but none has come up to Thackeray, who is seen here as his own best illustrator, though Dicky Doyle is his equal in "The Newcomes,' and reigns unsurpassable in 'The Rose and the Ring."

Prof. Saintsbury's introductions are full of knowledge and enthusiasm for his author. He seems to us to spend too much time and energy in refuting opinions and views which are not seriously regarded, and he often adopts an exaggerated strain, which provokes combat. We wish, too, that he would write more intelligibly for the average reader; we should prefer to see in plain English such a sentence as this: "But variations from the blue bed to the brown' like 'infantile' for 'infantine' are hardly tanti."

It is right that an admirer should edit a great author, even if he is apt to strike, rather than which indicates that if any one disapproves of listen to, detractors. The sort of knock-down blow such-and-such a work, he knows nothing about it, and should not be heeded, is a handicap to proper criticism, and is occasionally to be discovered here. But as a whole the Professor is admirable in his appreciations, especially of the big novels, which are the eternal delights of the world of men and the in his use of slang, and of daring and unusual world of letters alike. He is singularly unacademic words, such as "triplicity" and "triumfeminate"; but he achieves a pungency of expression which, perhaps, justifies his boldness. Such things are understandable, but the wit which depends on references to funny stories and allusions which are dragged into their context is unnecessary. When he writes in a straightforward and unadorned style about Becky Sharp or Ethel New

come, he pleases us best, and we want no further critic to enlighten us as to their real significance.

There are some parts of Thackeray's work which show obvious deficiencies in point of view, or even distortions of fact. On referring to the Introduction to The Four Georges' and The English Humourists,' we find a recognition of their faults, and a suggestion that there is more than a sufficient balance to credit. We agree; but we cannot regard truth as "rather a minor" matter in any historical presentment, such as 'The Four Georges.' The Professor refers to N. & Q.' in his Introduction to 'The Virginians.' That same book contains, as was pointed out in our columns, a reference to the First Series of N. & Q.,' which was also one of Thackeray's sources for 'Denis Duval.' In fact, in almost every blue or grey volume of our recent Series which we have taken up, we have found references to the author of Vanity Fair' which any commentator would gain by consulting. The present edition is not, of course, an annotated text, but the editor has dealt with

many points of textual interest. He must, we think, regret the conclusion of a labour which has evidently given him delight, but he can assure himself that he has added much to the pleasure with which

a crowd of readers will welcome this admirable edition. It has an excellent index to every separate item of verse and prose, and a remarkable collection of portraits of Thackeray.

The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift. Edited by Temple Scott. Vol. XII. (Bell & Sons.) THIS Volume completes the edition of Swift's prose works, and "the publishers," in their prefatory note, "hope that the value of the contents may compensate in some measure for the delay in its appearance." Their hope is fully justified by the excellence of this final volume. Indeed, the whole set of volumes constitutes an admirably equipped text of Swift, and will secure the permanent regard of readers for years to come. It is sad to think of the death of Sir Frederick Falkiner, who contributes here an able Essay on the Portraits of Swift,' and also of his gifted son C. Litton Falkiner, who was engaged on an edition of Swift's correspondence to form a companion to the 'Prose Works.' "It is hoped that this work may now be carried out by his friend and executor, Mr. F. Elrington Ball."

This volume contains, besides the essay on the question of various presentments of Swift, another on 'The Relations between Swift and Stella,' by Dean Bernard, who holds that the two were married. All the available evidence is produced, and ingeniously worked up; but it is not of a character to make us certain one way or the other. No one can live in the world to manhood without having ample evidence of the extraordinary confidence with which mendacious gossip is circulated.

Two more parts of this volume are of exceptional importance-a Bibliography of the Writings of Swift,' compiled by Mr. W. Spencer Jackson, and a thorough index to the whole twelve volumes by Miss Constance Jacob. No bibliography on such a scale has been attempted before, though Mr. Jackson had the advantage of using Dr. S. LanePoole's considerable notes in that way published in 1884. We have tested the index, and found it of a character which deserves special commendation. It is a real aid to the busy student.

BOOKSELLERS' CATALOGUES.-January. MR. RICHARD CAMERON'S Edinburgh Catalogue 224 contains Kay's 'Portraits,' 2 vols., 4to, morocco, 87. 108.; Craig's Ground-Plan of the Proposed New Town of Edinburgh,' 1768, 3s. 6d.; a water-colour of the Canongate Tolbooth, 16s. 6d.; one of Lady Stair's house (now Lord Rosebery's), 15s.; and Bruce Home's Old Edinburgh Houses,' 54 plates, imperial 4to, 1907, 17. 5s. Under Glasgow is Baldwin Brown's Glasgow School of Painters,' 1908, 57. 58. There is a cheap copy of the Maclise Portrait Gallery, 9s. 6d.: and a set of old copperplates of the Kings of Scotland and Mary, 1680, 17. 15s. Under Scott are Henderson's edition of "The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border,' 4 vols., 17. 1s.; : and a portrait after Sir Watson Gordon, 22 in. by 18 in., framed, 18s. 6d. Under Scottish Folk-lore is Ancient Scottish Tales,' by Peter Buchan, now first printed, with introduction by Fairley, 1908, 10s. 6d.

·

books from the libraries of Augustus and Augustus Mr. Bertram Dobell's Catalogue 168 contains J. C. Hare. An album of water-colours and sketches and views, 21. 28. Under Drama is Rockstro's is 31. 58.; and an album of photographic portraits Otto Goldschmidt, 21. 58. There are three manuscript 'Memoir of Jenny Lind,' presentation copy from volumes relating to the family of Edward Stanley, Bishop of Norwich. The first contains A Parent's Notes Year by Year,' in which there is much about the Dean of Westminster when a child: this is priced 41. 48. There are also two volumes of manuscript poems by him and his brother Owen. We wonder if the writing of the future Dean is as mystical as it became later. The Dean, at the instance of H. F. Turle, who succeeded Dr. Doran as editor of N. & Q.,' took our printing staff over the Abbey, and entertained them to tea in the Jerusalem

Chamber.

In expressing the pleasure he felt at receiving them, he said the compositors and readers. of The Athenæum and N. & Q.' were the only ones who deciphered his writing, and had not to fill the proofs sent to him with queries. The general portion includes Milton's pamphlet on 'Church Discipline,' 287.; The Doctrine of Divorce,' 10s. 6d. ; and "The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates,' 87. 10s. (all first editions); Paltock's Peter Wilkins,' first edition, 1751, 57. 5s.; first edition of Morris's 'Guenevere,' 1858, 21. 28.; and Shelley's Alastor,' 1816, 20., and 'The Cenci,' 1819, 287. (both first editions). There are first editions of Ruskin and Thackeray, and a number of items about Scotland, including laws and tracts. The catalogue closes with a list of pamphlets.

6

Mr. Francis Edwards sends us Part VIII. of his valuable Military Catalogue, perhaps the most complete that has ever been issued. The items amount to close upon seven thousand, and the last, "In Morocco with General d'Amade,' by Reginald Rankin, Times War Correspondent, brings it to the present year. In this last part there are pamphlets on the Volunteers and on national defence, 1852-71. A section is devoted to British Regimental Records; and under Napoleon is Arnault's 'Vie Politique et Militaire de Napoleon,' illustrated after designs by French artists. The compiler of the catalogue, Mr. Edward A. Petherick, at the desire of Mr. Edwards, has written a short introduction. Mr. Petherick tells us that it is "probably the last catalogue I shall have the oppor

tunity of compiling for him, for I am returning to Australia. the 'Sunny South,' after a long period of years spent in London." Mr. Petherick explains that "the arrangement of the titles is chronological, save in the biographical sections, which are in alphabetical order." Mr. Petherick, we are sure, carries with him good wishes from the readers of 'N. & Q.,' to many of whom he is well known. Mr. Edwards also sends a short Remainder Catalogue. We note The Horn Expedition to Central Australia,' 4 vols., 4to, for 17. 15s.; Hafiz,' by Bicknell, Trübner, 1875, 18s. (only 40 copies published at 21. 28.); Alldridge's Sherbro and its Hinterland,' 6s. (the most curious chapters are those dealing with the secret societies of the natives); and the best edition of the Paston Letters, 6 vols., 21. (in the sixth volume is a full index). Mr. Edwards gives special prominence to the Edition de Luxe of Meredith's Works, and offers the 32 vols. for 15. (each set numbered and signed by the author's son).

Messrs. W. Heffer & Sons, of Cambridge, in their List 45 have The Oxford and Cambridge Magazine for 1856, extremely rare, containing contributions by Rossetti, Morris, Burne-Jones, Madox Brown, and others, blue levant by Rivière, 11l. A collection of 120 pamphlets on Political Economy, 6 vols., 1792-1817, is 37. 3s. There are lists under Folk-lore, Occult, Orientalia, and Indian Languages. The 1602 edition of Chaucer is priced 6/. 108. General works include many handsomely bound, suitable for presents, such as Charles II.,' by Osmund Airy, 4to, 4.; Jane Austen, 5 vols., 1903, 17. 128.; Kingsley, 6 vols., 2. 58.; Lytton, 25 vols., Philadelphia, 1877, 41. 78. 6d. ; and Green's 'Short History,' .4 vols., 47.

Messrs. Lupton Brothers of Burnley have in their Catalogue 101 the Thornton Edition of the Brontë novels, 12 vols., half-morocco, 4l. 48.; The Cambridge Modern History,' 12 vols., 77. 10s.; Cross's Autobiography of a Stage Coachman,' 2 vols., 5l. 5s.; the National Dickens, 40 vols., 21.: the Doré Bible, 41. 48.; Hogarth,' by Austin Dobson, 47. 10s.; and Kinglake's Crimea,' 8 vols., 47. 10s. There is a fine copy of Millais's 'Mammals of Great Britain,' 3 vols., 12. 128. Under Queen Elizabeth is the scarce Edition de Luxe of the work by Creighton, 157. 15s.; and under Ruskin is the Library Edition, 38 vols., .331. The Catalogue contains a number of the Camden Society publications

There is a

its editor, Mr. Henry Cecil Sotheran. complete set of Bentley, 271.; also a fine set of the Dictionary of National Biography,' 66 vols., with revolving case, 351. A beautiful copy of Browning, 17 vols., half blue levant, is 97. 98.; and a fine set of Burton's Voyages and Travels, chiefly first editions, new half-calf, 29 vols., 22/. 10s. There is what is well described as a sumptuous set of Byron, Murray's Library Edition, including Moore's 495 views, 10 thick vols., 4to, in 12. large paper, 'Life, extra-illustrated with 40 portraits and three-quarter levant, 1830-39, 60%. include Carlyle items Centenary Edition, 137.; and Shooting Niagara,' the Library Edition, 13. 13s.; The include Racinet, 12. 128., and Planché, 71. 78. original wrapper, 10s. 6d. Works on costume There are many valuable Dickens items, among them a set of 38 vols., all first editions, calf gilt, 1837-79, 487. 227. 10s.; Pickwick,' original parts, 12. 12s; and Andrew Lang's Gadshill Edition, twenty-four etchings to Oliver Twist,' royal 4to, 67. 10s. There are beautiful sets of GalleriesNational, Historique, Louvre, Munich, and Musée Français. A charming set of Gardening Lore, 37 vols., 1856-1907, is 217. the collected edition, 13 vols., large paper, halfSwinburne items include levant, 1904-8, 201. The Edition de Luxe of George Meredith, half-levant by Rivière, 32 vols., is 50. Messrs. Sotheran issue with this Catalogue á list of Desiderata.

'THE HOODENING HORSE,' an investigation of an East Kent Christmas Custom, is being printed privately by Mr. Percy Maylam, of 32, Watling Street, Canterbury. The custom of a group of men going round at Christmas with a horse's head crudely carved in wood, known as the "hoodening horse," is still practised in Thanet and a few other places in East Kent. The writer has been engaged for several years in getting together information on the subject, and the result of his research will be embodied in the forthcoming work.

Messrs. Henry Sotheran & Co.'s Price Current 688 is, as usual, full of interest, thanks to the valuable notes to many of the items appended by

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