We earnestly recommend it to
their attention: when once in their hands, it will speak for itself.
Several emendations, some in the composition, others in the construction,
will, doubtless, in another edition, suggest themselves to the judgment
and good taste of the author. There are no arguments to chapters, no
index, and no table of contents. These, in a work of history, are
indispensable, and should be added forthwith. A novelist who brings five
or six characters on the stage, can afford to let them explain their own
story; but a historian, who is involved in the transactions of five or six
hundred, has need of every mechanical aid which industry can furnish, to
enable his readers to follow the complicated thread of events, or turn to
them again, when required on reference. It is to be wished, also, that Mr
James would intersperse his spirited narrative, especially in the scenes
of memorable events, with a few of those beautiful descriptions of Nature
with which his novels abound, and which would be peculiarly appropriate in
a work on French history, from his intimate acquaintance with the
topography and scenery of the places where his story is laid.

_Printed by William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh._

Footnotes:

[1] "Gentlemen," said a quondam acquaintance of ours, rising to return
thanks to a party of fox-hunters who had proposed his health--"I thank you
all for drinking my health, and E. for speaking as he has just done of my
riding. You all know that a younger son has not much choice in
horse-flesh; but should it please Providence to take my elder brother, you
would see me differently mounted, and I might then, perhaps, be able to do
something more worthy of your commendation; so allow me to propose in
return for your kindness, '_The chances of the chase_.'"

[2] _Out-doors_--because, as we have said in _Birboniana_, it would take
years to explore the numismatic and other treasures of the museums.

[3] _Anas Boschias._

[4] In allusion to the ancient name of Paris, "Lutetia,"--from _lutum_,
_mud_.

[5] "Invita que Jovi nectar Junone ministrat."--OVID.

[6] Divine honours were first paid to this snake in Rome on occasion of a
great pestilence which prevailed during the consulate of Q. Fabius and J.
Brutus. His form, rudely sculptured, and much water-worn, is still to be
made out on the side of a stone barque, stranded in a Tiber-washed garden
belonging to a convent of Franciscans, which convent, r