Books of Interest to Friends

BOOKS OF INTEREST TO FRIENDS.79 BOOKS OF INTEREST TO FRIENDS. Life and Letters of Thomas Hodgkin, Fellow of University College, D.C.L. Oxford, and Durham, D.Litt. Dublin. By Louise Creighton. With Portraits and other Illustrations. Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1917. 9x5/^ in., pp. xiii, 445. 12s. 6d. $4.50. To write even a brief review of a book when both subject and author are personal friends of the reviewer is not easy. On the one hand, there is the fear lest justice be not done to the subject, and on the other hand, lest the author do less than justice to himself. In the present case, the author's literary skill and judgment have not failed her, while her personal knowledge and sympathy have given her narrative that warmth without which, however accurate, it would be cold and formal. The family were wise in entrusting the biography to Mrs. Creighton. To the world at large Thomas Hodgkin (1831-1913) was the historian ; to his family and friends he was a man lovable and loved to an unusual degree; to the Society of Friends he was, certainly until his latter years, a quiet, though powerful influence. The historian Hodgkin is ably and clearly set forth in his aims, his careful research, his manner of work, his completed product. The man himself shines through all—a strong yet loving spirit, clear and decided in his own views, but tolerant of those of others; a mind always open to receive, and always seeking new light; a sweet Christian spirit illuminating everything; a household welcoming numerous guests ; an ideal family life—such is the picture one receives as he reads the book. But the strongest impression left upon the mind of the reader is the man himself—integer vitae scelerisque purus, strong of will, rich in work and service ; loving in spirit. Thomas Hodgkin was an indefatigable worker; besides his opus magnum, " Italy and Her Invaders," in eight octavo volumes, and many other books, he was a constant contributor to periodicals, particularly those of his own church. From the first number of the Friends' Quarterly Examiner , 1867, every year saw one or more articles from his pen—essays, reviews, poems—seventy-two in all. He was a contributor to the Encyclopedia Britannica and other works of reference. He wrote for the " Leaders of Religion " series, " George Fox "—an admirable condensed account of the man and of the rise of the Society of Friends. This volume from its broad treatment, its recognition of certain weaknesses and its somewhat unconventional treatment of the subject, was not acceptable to some Friends, but it remains the most impartial and the best brief account of the great Quaker leader. American readers of the Life of Thomas Hodgkin will naturally feel rather surprised that Thomas Hodgkin seemed to take little interest in American affairs or American Quakerism. His mind and interests were so fully occupied with his business, his own country, and with British 8oBULLETIN OF FRIENDS' HISTORICAL SOCIETY. Quakerism, in the present, and with Italy in the past, that with his multitudinous occupations and the claims of family and friends, no time was left for other things. To Americans he was always cordial, and to his special American Friends he was warmly affectionate. The high cost of the book will prevent a large circulation, and its high intellectual and spiritual level will not attract those who desire popular reading. But those who read with the heart to understand will receive an inspiration. It seems almost ungracious to point out any slips, but the name of Archbishop Whately is spelled, in the Index and elsewhere, Whateley. John William Pease, Thomas Hodgkin's partner, was not the son of John Pease, the distinguished minister of Darlington (page 72), but of a first cousin, John Beaumont Pease, an Elder in Darlington Meeting. A full and excellent Bibliography, two poems, and a fairly good Index, complete the volume. In conclusion, a word should be said in recognition of the admirable fairness with which Mrs. Creighton, a Church of England woman, has treated Friends.A. C. T. A Book of Quaker Saints. By L. Vfiolet] Hodgkin, author of " Pilgrims in Palestine," etc...