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exilic period, and of the apocalyptic and wisdom literature that greatly influenced New Testament thought. The imperial background of the Chris- tian movement is described, and chapters are de- voted to the language, text, canon, and chron- ology of the New Testament. The author sets forth judicially and with an admirable restraint the modern critical position. His fine literary in- stinct appears clearly in his treatment of the too unfamiliar apocalyptic literature in Part I., and in his account of the most finished literary achievement of the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews, in Part II. The book is well produced and remarkably free from serious errors. It deserves a grateful recep- tion from the mass of cultivated Welshmen. D.E.E. OUTLINES OF CENTRAL GOVERN- MENT INCLUDING THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM OF ENGLAND By J. J. Clarke Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd. Third Edition, 1928 It is not unlikely that historians in a few cen- turies hence will credit Mr. Clarke with no mean part in the formation of the British governmental system. His handbooks have been well-known for some years to students and public servants. The present volume consists of a careful diagnosis of what one eminent political writer has called the apoplectic centre of the British State. No com- ments are offered on the nature of the disease and no suggestions made for a cure. The review is brought absolutely up to date and closes with the Kellogg Pact. In addition, there is an exten- sive bibliography. B.B.T. THE DE-RATING ACT By J. E. Tomley, C.B.E. Montgomeryshire Express, Newtown. 52pp. 3d. This booklet is a descriptive and critical analysis of the De-rating Act, which attempts at reducing the chaos and anomalies of a system of local gov- ernment which is out of harmony with existing industrial and transport conditions. Following on clear definitions of the chief terms in the Act, the writer examines its provisions in their pro- bable effect on the finances of various public bodies in Montgomeryshire. This method of viewing the proposals makes for clarity and can well be adopted in assessing the position in other areas. The second part of the booklet describes the new administrative machinery which is to be set up and discusses the new position as regards highway administration. The closing sections illustrate the effects of previous steps in the direction of shifting the incidence of local taxation. The subject matter otf this booklet, owing to the far-reaching changes proposed in the new Act, should interest every citizen, but concerns particularly those connected with local govern- ment. To such persons Mr. Tomley has performed a signal service, and the value of the book is enhanced by the happy admixture of description and criticism. Can we not have a Welsh edition? J.M.J. Y POTSIER By J. 0. Francis Cyfieithiad i'r Gymraeg gan Mary Hughes. A Welsh translation of "The Poacher" has long been needed. We are now given one which is eminently competent and satisfactory. Miss Mary Hughes was well qualified for this under- taking both by her long experience of dramatic production and by her close familiarity with the setting of Welsh rural life which is the back- ground of this deservedly popular comedy. There is likely to be an increase of dramatic activity in rural Wales under the auspices of clubs, insti- tutes and W.E.A. classes in the course of the next few years, and the enterprise of issuing this translation should provide mutual satisfaction for the publishers and the producers. It is needless to add that the public will share in this, too. B.B.T. THE HIBBERT JOURNAL October 1928. Even reviewers have their points of view. There is far more in the current issue of the "Hibbert Journal" than can be encompassed within the range of intimate interest of one person. Here is a choice which might well be reflected in a similar degree from other contributions which cannot be mentioned. "Labour a manifestation of God" adequately represents a constant facet of each number. This article is personal, human and scientific. Middleton Murray's "The Birth of a Great Poem" is ingenious and splendid. It shows us literary criticism exercising its true function, in enhancing the aesthetic value of a recognised work of art and declining to make a parade of arid and meticulous canons. "The Inner Morality of Art" is a natural and congenial companion, while it is no conscious touch of irony which moves one to mention "The Ethic of Machiavelli" in the same breath. Religion and theology in a more explicit sense constitute the remainder and major portion of this number. B.B.T.