OPINIONS OF THE PRESS ON THE PROPHET OF THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
'The name of George Eliot rises to our lips once again as we read "The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains." ... The author is honoured in her own country as Miss Mary N. Murfree. She is indeed worthy of honour. This book gives her an indisputable place in the first rank of American novelists. Yet it is scarcely accurate to say that she stands in the rank; her station is abreast, yet apart. Amid all the charms of the American school of fiction, we look for one in vain—to wit, robustness. This quality Miss Murfree possesses. Her work may be called the most virile of recent American writing. The heroine is a really exquisite creation, full of health, grace, and womanly loyalty.'—Pall Mall Gazette.
'The tale is really good, and gives graphic pictures of ways and manners far removed from any that are within our ken.... A story which shows appreciation of the beauties of nature, and much knowledge of the human heart. The heroine is earnest and charming—a gem.'—Morning Post.
'A remarkable story.... We have seldom, if ever, read a book with greater delight, or one more rich in the quaint and grim humour, the rare pathos, the touching simplicity, and the picturesque descriptions which are only to be found in stories of this kind.'—Society.
'Unquestionably the most remarkable story that has been received from America for a very long time indeed.... The whole picture, as a study both of nature and of human nature, is wonderfully impressive.'—Graphic.