Note 455 — Front matter (continued 15)

An instance of the effect of perfect knowledge of Rome by personal residence, on the style of expression and description, may be seen in Mr. T.A. Trollope's interesting book, The Papal Conclaves, as compared with the unreal and conventional forms kept up by Englishmen who know neither the language nor the spirit of the people. Some of the latter, ever since the days of the Tracts for the Times, provoke smiles, and have gradually been acquiring for our country a reputation very unlike the old reputation of England for strong common sense, love of reality, and contempt for shows and fables.