(1) Ancient Egypt the Light of the World: a Work of Reclamation and Restitution (2) Primitive Traditional History: the Primitive History and Chronology of India, South-Eastern and South-Western Asia, Egypt, and Europe, and the Colonies thence sent forth

Abstract

(1) ONE of the recreations of an archaeologist is the reading of the various remarkable works that are produced by persons of untrained mind who know a little of the subject on which they write and are possessed of violent prejudices either for or against some particular form of religion. The latter element adds spice to the recipe. The peculiar nature of the late Mr. Massey's preface to his present “work of reclamation and restitution in twelve books,” as he called it, disarms the critic, however, to some extent. He does not know what he ought to say in the circumstances. Mr. Massey had in the course of a long life read much and noted much. Unluckily he had not read deeply enough. He never attempted to get his own knowledge, but depended on what others said. Hence in any case his book would be of no value except as a compilation. But, further, he had little idea of what is and what is not permissible in logical argument; very few of his syllogisms are without a flaw; he had no perception of what is possible or impossible in respect of philological comparisons, and he was dominated by a fanatical belief with regard to the origin of Christianity which at onCe takes his book out of the realm of science.

(1) Ancient Egypt the Light of the World: a Work of Reclamation and Restitution.

In twelve books. By Gerald Massey. Two vols. Vol. i., pp. vi + 544; vol. ii., pp. iv + 545 944. (London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1907.)

(2) Primitive Traditional History: the Primitive History and Chronology of India, South-Eastern and South-Western Asia, Egypt, and Europe, and the Colonies thence sent forth.

By J. F. Hewitt. Two vols. Vol. i., pp. xxviii + 448; vol. ii., pp. viii + 449 1024. (London: James Parker and Co., 1907.)