(1) The Nations of the Modern World: an Elementary Study in Geography (2) A Geography of Ireland (3) Aberdeenshire (4) Huntingdonshire (5) Worcestershire

Abstract

(1) THE first of these works must not be regarded merely as a reading book for schools. It is, as its author observes, “a book of mingled geography and history,” and contains so much matter that it was surely worthy of an index. While it develops the theme of three previous works, and brings out the bearing on human relations of the geographical conditions there described, it forms at the same time an independent treatise, which will stimulate the memory of many readers of full age. It is these, indeed, who will enjoy it thoroughly. A knowledge of modern history, and much of it obtained at first hand, is necessary for the complete appreciation of the changes of the map of Europe. Mr. Mackinder brings the older stages, such as those accompanying the Seven Years' War and the Napoleonic epoch, tersely and vividly before us. The later steps, the freeing of Venice, the partition of Lorraine, the uplifting of Bosnia, belong to our own eventful times. But we are led also to trace the rise of the United States and of Japan, and to take a large and scientific view of the inevitable expansion of Germany (p. 250), wrhere men almost of our own blood are looking out also on the world. It may be somewhat ironic to suppose (p. 257) that the immense progress of Egypt under British organisation incited the Turks to improve their own home government; but the author's treatment of the British Empire as a whole forces a sense of responsibility upon the most insular and reluctant conscience. We may not like the reference nowadays (p. 258) to Japan and Turkey as “two heathen Powers,11 a phrase that has slipped in somehow from Mr. Mackinder's studies of the early nineteenth century; but his outlook is elsewhere that of the philosophic traveller. Under his direct and closely written sentences, we trace always that fine feeling for duty which is man's highest possession on this strange rotating globe.

(1) The Nations of the Modern World: an Elementary Study in Geography.

By H. J. Mackinder. Pp. xvi + 319. (London: G. Philip and Son, Ltd.; Liverpool: Philip, Son, and Nephew, Ltd., n.d.) Price 2s.

(2) A Geography of Ireland.

By O. J. R. Howarth. Pp. 224. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1911.) Price 2s. 6d.

(3) Aberdeenshire.

By A. Mackie. Pp. x + 198.

(4) Huntingdonshire.

By the Rev. W. M. Noble. Pp. ix + 152.

(5) Worcestershire.

By L. J. Wills. Pp. ix + 154. (Cambridge: University Press, 1911.) Price 1s. 6d. each.