A STRANGE MANUSCRIPT FOUND IN A COPPER CYLINDER.
A Romance. Richly Illustrated by Gilbert Gaul. 12mo, Cloth, Extra, $1 25.
The writer of this book, whose name is still kept from the public, is in every way qualified to rank with Mr. Haggard. Indeed, his clever analysis of Kosekin social laws is far more able, from a strictly literary point of view, than anything Mr. Haggard has ever done—N. Y. Herald.
A story of remarkable power and originality, as weird and as wild as the most extravagant of Rider Haggard's romances, but better fiction and better literature in every way.... The book is well worth the reading, not only for the strangeness of the story, but for the fancy and poetic sentiment that pervade it, for the brilliancy of the invention that has been brought to bear upon it, and for the immense vividness and animation of the descriptive narrative.—Saturday Evening Gazette, Boston.
In close connection with the author's fanciful creations there is noticeable a fine play of irony and humor, which lends a special charm to the story. The latter is full of movement, and even in the more exciting passages the exaggeration necessarily employed has no effect in wearying the reader's attention.—N. Y. Sun.
Written in an inviting manner, it preserves throughout a lively pictorial charm and dramatic interest. The theme is original in the extreme.... Withal the book is marvellously entertaining. Mr. Gaul's illustrations are unusually fine, as we should expect.—Brooklyn Times.
It surpasses the best of Haggard's works in literary tone, and its fine dramatic construction and peculiar power of diction will readily be acknowledged by all readers.... Taking it altogether, this book is the most remarkable piece of fiction the new year has yet seen, and a revelation of the identity of the author would be welcomed.—Boston Commonwealth.
A book original in conception and most powerful and dramatic in development. It is to be regretted that the author has not seen fit to reveal his name.—Washington Post.
It is not possible for any one, much less a youth of either sex, to read "A Strange Manuscript" without feeling that wonderful charm that stole over us all when children upon the perusal of our favorite adventures. The cathedral clock may chime the fast-speeding hours, and the midnight taper burn to its socket, but this rare volume will remain before the eager eyes until the last page is finished.—Hartford Post.