troubled themselves but little concerning what was doing in the Levant. Hence the fame of Don John of Austria was less celebrated in these islands than on the Continent; and hence, perhaps, no Englishman of former times troubled himself to compile a history of that commander. It is matter of wonder that Shakespeare, who was so prompt to gather and to use the striking stories and events of the world, had not something interesting to say of such a man as Don John and such a victory as Lepanto. The explanation must be that we did not regard the battle as of much importance to us, and that we had but little sympathy with "the bragging Spaniard."
Sir William Stirling-Maxwell has not only given us the results of careful study and patient judgment; he has in large measure supplied, and he has most copiously indicated, in his appendix, the sources from which the history of the times with which he deals is to be obtained. He has enriched his work with copies of portraits, of curious medals, of arms, and of trophies. Indeed he has done all that was possible to place the whole of his subject before his reader, and to save the trouble of reference and verification. We do not think that he has so much presented to us new facts, or new views of the time of which he treats, as that he has raised a new and proper interest in a time which is eminently worthy of a student's regard. We have heard of such thing as a biographer choosing his subject that
he might set up an idol, execute literary fetich-rites himself, and endeavour to make his readers idolaters. This has not been Sir William Stirling-Maxwell's failing. He has observed towards Don John the strictest fairness and impartiality, and not forgotten that he owed a duty to his readers as well as to his hero. In traversing a field so wide as that which his history covers, he cannot but have formed and expressed opinions of persons and events from which many may differ; yet the most uncompromising dissentient ought to, and probably would, admit that he has done all in a laudable and equitable spirit.
The style of the book is, in our opinion, happy. The narration is lively and entertaining; but the dignity and sobriety which become history are nowhere wanting. Clearly, the matter to be told was, in the author's mind, more important than the manner of telling; and yet the manner is worthy of much commendation. Some of the war scenes are depicted with great force; the description of the waters of Lepanto, covered with wreck after the great action, being very picturesque. The accounts of shows and pageants are all lively and impressive. The notices of the life and death of Pope Pius V. are attractive pieces. Whether or not, before this book was published, the public were aware how much such a work was wanted, certain it is that, having such a work, the public will consider no library complete, on the shelves of which 'Don John of Austria' has not a place.
