Literature.—'The old series of State Trials has long been known as containing some of the best reading in our historical literature. A selection of the more interesting trials, consisting mainly of a reprint, but with the longueurs judiciously abridged, was eminently desirable; and this is what Mr. H. L. Stephen has given us in two dainty little volumes offering the greatest possible contrast to the unattractive form in which the trials have hitherto been presented.’
Speaker.—'Mr. H. L. Stephen deserves the thanks of critics, and of the reading public, for the two neat volumes into which he has compressed all the essential points, and much of the text, of ten accounts of trials which are to be found in the “one-and-twenty stately volumes of Howell’s.” A creditable undertaking.’
Punch. (The Baron de B.-W.).—'A fascinating work in two handy volumes. More entrancing than the average novel. All the trials, whether of high State portent, or of flat burglary, are intensely interesting.’
Law Journal.—'A collection of State trials, selected with admirable judgment and edited with learning and care. We have read these two volumes with great interest. Well printed, daintily got up, and published at a modest price, they ought to meet with a favourable reception.’
Daily Mail.—'There is no reading in the world so good as the State Trials, which are at once stranger than truth, and truer than fiction. History will tell us of Raleigh’s prowess and Russell’s treachery, but in the pages of the State Trials we are confronted not with abstract vices or virtues, but with Raleigh and Russell themselves. In the two slim volumes we have more incident and character than a whole library of fiction can afford. There is not one trial in the book that has not an interest of its own. All the details are realised with a singular energy and precision. There is not a single trial that does not give a living picture of a past age, and we recommend Mr. Stephen’s selection with all possible cordiality.’
DUCKWORTH and CO.
3 HENRIETTA STREET
FOOTNOTES:
[1] As the king’s eldest brother was called.