Old Honest. By Sir James D. Linton, P.R.I.
FROM "BUNYAN'S PILGRIM'S PROGRESS."
Published by Mr. Alexander Strahan.
There were other men of distinction to help Strahan with the full-page pictures. E. F. Brewtnall had ten drawings, all good. "The Three Shining Ones" is very refined and original in treatment. William Small's "Slough of Despond," and "At the Gate," are both worthy of this accomplished artist. E. G. Dalziel had five pictures, of which "Christian Climbing the Hill of Difficulty," and "Christian and Faithful Crossing the River of Death," are most remarkable works. John Ralston, another of the clever young Scotch artists who came to London, had three pictures, "The Ladies of the House—Beautiful Reading to Christian," being by far the finest. Sir James D. Linton, P.R.I., had four very powerful drawings, which were typical of all the work of this long-distinguished and painstaking artist, who always gives good sound readings of his subjects: "Old Honest" is an admirable example. Of Towneley Green's four pictures, "The Bundle Falls off Christian's Back," we like best; but all are good. The one picture by Joseph Wolf, "Lions in the Path," is simply grand.
A most important and comprehensive work which Messrs. Routledge entrusted to us was the production of the pictures for the "Illustrated Natural History," by the Rev. J. G. Wood. They were, of course, to be under the superintendence of the author, who was at that time Chaplain of St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
During the publication of the book, which was issued in monthly parts, and extended over a period of nearly four years, it was our custom to go there and see him every Monday morning, accompanied generally by Mr. George Routledge, to receive new lists of subjects, to report progress of those in hand, and to discuss the matter generally. From there we went on to the printing office of Richard Clay & Sons, who were printing the work under our supervision.