New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-02
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

SAvONAROLA: HIS LIFE AND TINES. BY William
Clark. NJ. A Ii. D., l2mo. PIP 49,. Chcaso'
A. G. McClurg Co
So many lives Of Savonarols have been written
of late years that it is becoming questionable
whether the subject is not in danger OF being
overworked Professor Clark has i'll this volume
set a commcndable example of industry and
thoronghness. and if any demur is made to his
attitude H. will be on the score OF a somewhat
extensive enthusiasm Generally speaking, he
takes the views of Villar whose biography OF
Savonaro 4 is certainly the best yet written nut
in some respects he goes beyond WHAT III MS
estimates Annarently Professor Clark is not
prcpered TO admit that Savonarola was ever sell
deceived or that his action was ~ ali hinged by
fanaticism The evidence, however seems To rem
der serious doubts upon either OF the$ points
impossible II must surely be believed. on the
hrnotbess Of the Frate's absolute sincerity-which
we consider the true one-that IN regard TO the
cxnected miracles he laborcd under delusion while
in the record of his rule over Florence there is
more than sufficient proof of his tendency 10
fanaticism No doubt his career seems to in
dictate a character of such compexity that II Is
difficult to analy2e and explain; but precisely
because of this all attempts 10 represent him as
consistent and practical must fail.
There were in him elements and qualities rarely
found together. lie at once mystic and
man Of action: dreamer and a lawmakers
prophet and a statesman. Had he indeed chosen
and followed closely either of the lines OF life
for which he was fitted ne might have won great
successes. As H. his TWO characters were
always in conflict, one with the other; and their
operation proved mutually destructive. No DOUBT
mis- fatal mistake was calling in the Frenchman;
next TO that his rash dependence upon floren
tine opinion. The light and tickle mob of course
tbp
cumstance ceased TO reinforce his teachings and
policies. When he set hi2iself. virtually single
handed against Alexander the Sixth, he knew
that he was taking his life In his hand, and that
he would he crushed if all the tremendous power
Of the Popcry could compass that end. lie failed
as hundreds Of reformers have failed before ana
since through mistaking popular enthusiasm ior
permanent moral reform. The people VINO lol-
lowed him did so for the most part from rear OF
from curiosity They certain 10 grow urea
Of his austerity and 10 resent his ATTACKS upon
the profligacv of the time. lie was sacTlnced
precisely because the Italy Of the hfeenth century
was what be declared it 10 he. Had II peeh
hotter he would have been spared hut in that
case his mission would have been work OF super
erogation. He was. however largely . visionary.
and therefore practical only by hts ana starts
He himself made it impossible for Alexander 10
srore him for his very existence standing
rebuke TO that corrupt pontif and his pontih'T'te
Professor Clark seems 10 us 10 regard SaTonaroia
rather 100 much from mo lern point Of view
and thus 70 lose the effect of those among his
traits which while belonging especially 10 MS
era nevertheless serve TO interpret his character
With this reservation, the rev life Is deserving
of much praise, and it is hNquc~tionably both an
able and honest study of a deeply interesting
period.