“A pure and graceful style of conversation cannot be learned from books; but much may be done in the way of suggestion, which is well done in this volume. It deserves to be studied.”—Watchman and Reflector.
“The design and execution of this work are alike felicitous. It is intended to secure the legitimate end of conversation, by correcting what is amiss, and elevating its general tone and character. It consists of several lectures and brief treatises, partly American, and partly English, which, taken together, form as good a manual on the subject as could be desired.”—Puritan Recorder.
“Conversation: Its Faults and its Graces.—A little volume, but instructive and highly valuable.”—Christian Register.
“We welcome this volume as a timely and valuable auxiliary in the cause of polite learning—a branch of the education of the present day which does not receive sufficient attention from our authors and teachers of grammar and rhetoric. It is not, however, a book for teachers alone, but one that is happily adapted to general use. It should be read and consulted by all persons who desire to speak the English language with that elegance which adorns the conversation of ladies and gentlemen of genuine cultivation, of taste, and true refinement of mind.”—Christian Examiner.
“This is a very useful little work, pointing out the true ends of conversation, and exposing a number of current improprieties in writing and speaking.”—Methodist Quarterly Review.
“One of the most useful books the season has produced. It should be in every family.”—Boston Mercantile Advertiser.
“It is a work of great use, and should be in every family. The hints here given would tend more to purity of language than a year’s study otherwise devoted.”—Portsmouth Journal.
“The greatest faults in our conversational habits do indeed require a more deep and vital cure than is to be found in simple external omissions or improvements; and these are admirably treated by the compiler in the address delivered by him before the Newburyport Female High School, which introduces this little volume. We cannot too earnestly commend this Address to the consideration of readers of all ages. The compilation is most judiciously made, and should be widely circulated. We welcome this little volume as indicating the gravest dangers which threaten sometimes to make conversation more of a hindrance than a help, and also as one which in a lively manner will suggest to young people the absurd errors into which so many unconsciously fall.”—Salem Gazette.
“This neat little work is made up of a lecture by Rev. A. P. Peabody, and several English essays. Its aim is not only to direct us in conversation, so as to make it entertaining and morally pure, but also to furnish rules against the most common verbal faults. It carries out its purpose admirably.”—Portland Advertiser.