The design of the Miscellany is to supply the increasing demand for useful, instructive, and entertaining reading, and to bring all the aids of literature to bear on the cultivation of the feelings and understanding of the people—to impress correct views on important moral and social questions—to furnish an unobtrusive friend and guide, a lively fireside companion, as far as that object can be attained through the instrumentality of books.
This work is confidently commended to Teachers, School Committees, and all others interested in the formation of "School Libraries," as the very best work for this purpose. Its wide range of subjects, presented in the most popular style, makes it exceedingly interesting and instructive to all classes. The most flattering testimonials from distinguished school teachers and others, expressing an earnest desire to have it introduced into all school libraries, have been received by the publishers.
From George B. Emerson, Esq., Chairman of the Book Committee of the Boston Schools.—"I have examined with a good deal of care 'Chambers's Miscellany of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge,' particularly with reference to its suitableness to form parts of a library for young persons. It is, indeed, a library in itself, and one of great value, containing very choice selections in history, biography, natural history, poetry, art, physiology, elegant fiction, and various departments of science, made with great taste and judgment, and with the highest moral and philanthropic purpose. It would be difficult to find any miscellany superior or even equal to it; it richly deserves the epithets 'useful and entertaining,' and I would recommend it very strongly, as extremely well adapted to form parts of a library for the young, or of a social or circulating library, in town or country."
From the Rev. John O. Choules, D. D.—"I cannot resist the desire which I feel to thank you for the valuable service which you have rendered to the public by placing this admirable work within the reach of all who have a desire to obtain knowledge. I am not acquainted with any similar collection in the English language that can compare with it for purposes of instruction or amusement. I should rejoice to see that set of books in every house in our country. I cannot think of any method by which a father can more materially benefit his children than by surrounding them with good books; and if these charming and attractive volumes can be placed in the hands of the young, they will have their tastes formed for good leading. I shall labor to see the Miscellany circulated among my friends, and shall lose no opportunity to commend it every where."
"They contain an excellent selection of historical, scientific, and miscellaneous articles in popular style, from the best writers of the language. The work is elegantly printed and neatly illustrated, and is sold very cheap."—Independent Democrat, Concord, N. H.
"It is just the book to take up at the close of a busy day; and especially will it shed a new charm over autumn and winter in-door scenes."—Christ. World, Boston.
"The information contained in this work is surprisingly great; and for the fireside, and the young particularly, it cannot fail to prove a most valuable and entertaining companion."—New York Evangelist.
"We are glad to see an American issue of this publication, and especially in so neat and convenient a form. It is an admirable compilation, distinguished by the good taste which has been shown in all the publications of the Messrs. Chambers. It unites the useful and the entertaining."—New York Commercial Advertiser.
"It is an admirable compilation, containing interesting memoirs and historical sketches, which are useful, instructive, and entertaining. Every head of a family should supply himself with a copy for the benefit of his children."—Corning Journal.
"The enterprising publishers deserve the thanks of every lover of the beautiful and true, for the cheap and tasteful style in which they have spread this truly valuable work before the American people."—People's Advocate, Pa.