It fills completely its place in the purpose of this series of volumes.—The Critic (New York).
“HENRY D. THOREAU.”
Mr. Sanborn’s book is thoroughly American and truly fascinating. Its literary skill is exceptionally good, and there is a racy flavor in its pages and an amount of exact knowledge of interesting people that one seldom meets with in current literature. Mr. Sanborn has done Thoreau’s genius an imperishable service.—American Church Review (New York).
Mr. Sanborn has written a careful book about a curious man, whom he has studied as impartially as possible; whom he admires warmly but with discretion; and the story of whose life he has told with commendable frankness and simplicity.—New York Mail and Express.
It is undoubtedly the best life of Thoreau extant.—Christian Advocate (New York).
“GEORGE RIPLEY.”
Mr. Frothingham’s memoir is a calm and thoughtful and tender tribute. It is marked by rare discrimination, and good taste and simplicity. The biographer keeps himself in the background, and lets his subject speak. And the result is one of the best examples of personal portraiture that we have met with in a long time.—The Churchman (New York).
He has fulfilled his responsible task with admirable fidelity, frank earnestness, justice, fine feeling, balanced moderation, delicate taste, and finished literary skill. It is a beautiful tribute to the high-bred scholar and generous-hearted man, whose friend he has so worthily portrayed.—Rev. William H. Channing (London).
“JAMES FENIMORE COOPER.”
We have here a model biography. The book is charmingly written, with a felicity and vigor of diction that are notable, and with a humor sparkling, racy, and never obtrusive. The story of the life will have something of the fascination of one of the author’s own romances.—New York Tribune.