Reviews : Cambridge Medieval History. (2d Vol.) Pp. xxiv, 891. Price, $5.00. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1913

• Author: A.C. Howland
• DOI: 10.1177/000271621405300131
• Published date: 01 May 1914
• Date: 01 May 1914
• Subject Matter: Articles

319
The papers constituting the volume may be grouped under four topics.
In the first three papers the case for imperial unity is presented in broad
outline. Without attempt at elaborate proof Mr. Amery gives reasons in favor
of federation, sketches the essential features of such an organization, and
suggests several changes in the existing system as preliminary steps along
the desired road. On the subject of imperial defense, which occupies over
half the book, the treatment becomes more argumentative and detailed. A
graphic and instructive survey of the geography of the empire from the view-
point of the possibilities of attack and defense leads the author to conclude
that existing defenses are hopelessly inadequate. As the principal means of
supplying this deficiency he argues at length for a method of compulsory
military service similar in principle to the German. Imperial preference is
dealt with rather cursorily. Some of the anticipated advantages of this policy
are indicated, but the most substantial contribution here is a discussion of
the probable effects of such a relation with South Africa. The last two papers
are occupied with an interesting estimate of the resources and future possi-
bilities of British East Africa and the Hudson Bay region.
Taken as a whole the book deserves an eminently respectable place among
its fellows. It
represents only one side of the case, but of that side it is a
well-balanced and conservative statement.
W. E. LUNT.
Cornell University.
Cambridge Medieval History. (2d Vol.) Pp. xxiv, 891. Price, $5.00. New
York: The Macmillan Company, 1913.
The second volume of the Cambridge Medieval History covers the period
from the accession of Justinian to the coronation of Charlemagne and bears the
sub-title &dquo;The Rise of the Saracens and the Foundation of the Western Em-
pire&dquo; as an indication of the two most important phases of the three hundred
years in question, though all aspects of the period are treated by the twenty-
...