“The most notable feature of Professor Blaikie’s book—and none could be more commendable—is its perfect balance and proportion. In other words, justice is done equally to the private and to the public life of Chalmers, if possible greater justice than has been done by Mrs. Oliphant.”
Of JAMES BOSWELL, by W. Keith Leask,
The Morning Leader says:—
“Mr W. K. Leask has approached the biographer of Johnson in the only possible way by which a really interesting book could have been arrived at—by way of the open mind.... The defence of Boswell in the concluding chapter of his delightful study is one of the finest and most convincing passages that have recently appeared in the field of British biography.”
Of TOBIAS SMOLLETT, by Oliphant Smeaton,
The Weekly Scotsman says:—
“The book is written in a crisp and lively style.... The picture of the great novelist is complete and lifelike. Not only does Mr Smeaton give a scholarly sketch and estimate of Smollett’s literary career, he constantly keeps the reader in conscious touch and sympathy with his personality, and produces a portrait of the man as a man which is not likely to be readily forgotten.”
Of FLETCHER OF SALTOUN, by W. G. T. Omond,
The Leeds Mercury says:—
“Unmistakably the most interesting and complete story of the life of Fletcher of Saltoun that has yet appeared. Mr Omond has had many facilities placed at his disposal, and of these he has made excellent use.”