Unlike the book of casual impressions by the tourist or globe-trotter or a tedious work of reference for the library, Mr. McGovern's book on "Modern Japan," gives for the average educated man an interesting description of the evolution of Japan as a modern world Power, and describes the gradual triumphs over innumerable obstacles which she accomplished. The book relates how the Restoration of 1867 was carried out by a small coterie of ex-Samurai, in whose hands, or in that of their successors, political power has ever since remained. We see portrayed the perfecting of the Bureaucratic machine, the general, political and institutional history, the stimulation of militarism and Imperialism, and centralised industry. It is a vivid account of the real Japan of to-day, and of the process by which it has become so. Though comprehensible to the non-technical reader, yet the most careful student of Far Eastern affairs will find much of value in the acute analysis of the Japanese nation. The author is one who has resided for years in Japan, was largely educated there, who was in the Japanese Government service, and who, by his fluent knowledge of the language, was in intimate contact with all the leading statesmen of to-day. Furthermore his position as priest of the great Buddhist temple of Kyoto brought him in touch with phases of Japanese life most unusual for a European. While neither pro nor anti-Japanese, he has delineated the extraordinary efficiency of the machine of State (so largely modelled on Germany), while, at the same time, he has pointed out certain dangers inherent in its autocratic bureaucracy. _TRAVEL AND DESCRIPTION_ Byways in Southern Tuscany. By KATHERINE HOOKER. With 60 full-page Illustrations, besides sketches in the text and a removable Frontispiece, the end papers being a coloured map of Southern Tuscany by Porter Garnett. Demy 8vo, cloth. 18s. 0d. NET. Inland Postage, 6d. In addition to its absorbing historic interest this book has the claim of recording the impressions of a vivacious and observant lady who describes what she has seen in modern Tuscany from San Galgano to Sorano. Those who like books which conjure up beautiful historic places and fascinating romances of real life will be sure to enjoy this handsome volume. Among the stories related by the author is the harrowing one of Nello Pannocchieschi told by Dante, the scene of which is the ill-famed Maremma, mentioned in a proverb as a district where "You grow rich in a year, but die in six months." The Romantic Roussillon: In the French Pyrenees. By ISABEL SAVORY. With Illustrations by M. LANDSEER MACKENZIE. Super Royal 8vo. 25s. 0d. NET Inland Postage 6d.