New-York tribune., 1902-05-13
WESSEX
ANOTHER BOOK ON THOMAS HARDY's
COUNTRY

Sherren. With illustrations. octave, PIP Al, BIZ
London Chapman Hall
Professor Windle's book on Thomas Hardy's
Wessex was published only short time ago.
II is admirably comprehensive survey of the
region, and. with Mr. News clever illustrations,
IL would seem to make a sufficient guideboOk.
But Mr.. Sherren's contribution to the subject
is so good that il should prove no less indispen-
sable than its predecessor. In fact II has some
entirely original merits The author begins
with chapters on the character Of the people Of
Wessex and on the customs, superstitions and
folklore Of the country. He follows these with
some biographical notes the novelist and
then traverses the towns and places dealt with
in the stories. Then come some specially valu-
able pages devoted TO brief and very well made
synopses Of the novels a glossary Of Wessex
words is given. Wessex place names are identi-
fed, and there is a good photography The book
Is well planned and il is we'll executed, MI
sherren writing in pleasant style.
He has some anecdotes Of his own to tell
gathered at first hand among the rustiCs. whom
he understands by virtue cf his lifelong associa-
ton with the county. His family he remarks
has resided on the soil since the seventeenth
century. ore of his stories is Of a carter slouch-
ing along Wessex lane in July. behind two
heavy footed horses.
Oppressed by the heat cf the sun. he turned
aside to gate and leant over it for few mo,
nents and then continuing his way. noticed
that the quadrupecs were about to take wrong
turning. and deserving a lad in the distance,
shouted HI there, just speak word to they
'osses" With imperturbable gravity the boE
stepped aside and said: "Marnen, 'osses. and
allowed Them to wander on IN the wrong ulrec-
tion.
Mr. Sberren describes the typical native as
shy man usually contented with contemplative
silence He is not without natural wisdom of
horleIy kind and though his criticism OF
men and things generally falls short Of modern
perspicacity. it is characterized by a shreWd-
ness that is sometimes oaustic' While the au-
thor admits that there is some truth IN the
allegation that morality is at low ebh in the
wesseX villages. he protests that 1t is unfalr
in its inclusive condemnation, saying Com
pared with the ethical level of towns. it can
safely be averred that the moral tone of WesseX
villages is healthier. Notwithstanding the po-
tencv of certain conditions which make for
Iaxity" He notes one point particularly inter
ssting as showing that the prevailing tone OF
the novels is not due altogether to Mr. Hardy
personal view of the universe. In face OF the
Inisfortunes incident to life" he says, speaking
of the Wessex peasants, their attitude Is al
most Eastern in its fatalism." There is much
that is curious and picturesque in What MI.
Sherren has TO say about the ancient customs
of Wessex. Here is one illustration:
The nuptials of a quarter used be af-
fair of some pomp and circumstance, peculiar
ized by now obsolete customs. An anvil from
the nearest blacksmith's shop placed on the
line of route ana the hollow of 1t charged with
gunpowder, and fred the bridal party went
by. The rear Of the procession was brought up
by several quarters carrying guns, which were
discharged at intervals a feu de joie. On
his temperance in the quarry the bridegroom
was subjected TO a curious method of eXtortion,
the handles of a tool similar TO large pair of
shears were squeezed round his neck till he
cried Beer" and then all the gang retired TO
the nearest tavern, TO drink randy quart
at the young husbands expense.
Mr. Sherren has included only half a dozen
illustrations in his book. These from good
photographs. : does not matter that they are
few m number. The book is altogether credita-
BILE to the author. being full of interesting ma
terial. adequately treated. 1t is well printed
and is light in the hand. 1t ought to accom-
pany every traveller in ThC.--s Hardy's coun-
fry