MARK-LANE EXPRESS.
"A most interesting record of the history and opinions as to the probable results of the World's Fair, to be held in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park. The author has condensed into a most readable work every transaction which has given rise to this exhibition of the choice products of the world."
THE BUILDER.
"This book gives, in a concise and agreeable manner, a narrative of the progress of the scheme towards fruition, and an account of the building. The account is put together pleasantly, and makes a pretty book."
CHRISTIAN TIMES.
"A valuable and elegant introduction to the Great Industrial Exhibition. It contains much useful information, lucidly and carefully arranged."
NORTHERN STAR.
"Mr. Berlyn's book is all it professes to be. It contains an ample and popular narrative of the circumstances connected with the conception and ultimate realisation or the idea; and incidentally throws much light upon the progress and effects of similar exhibitions abroad. The author deserves the greatest credit for the lively, interesting, and accurate manner in which he has recorded all the leading events connected with the Exhibition. In doing this we are happy to perceive also that he has the manliness to do justice to those who first introduced the idea of such Exhibitions into this country, and who had to struggle with all the difficulties which usually dog the footsteps of innovators and inventors. The first exhibitions had to encounter prejudice and apathy, and the funds for carrying them out were comparatively small, and difficult to be procured; they had not the prestige of princely and titled names, to give them acceptance with the vulgar herd, who eagerly copy the fashion set by the great. They were the production of a pure love of art, and science, and industry, and a desire to promote the improvement of public taste and skill. One of the first promoters 'of the plan of National Expositions, similar to those on the Continent,' was Mr. George Wallis, formerly master of the Manchester School of Design; of whose exertions Mr. Berlyn makes honourable mention. It is exceedingly interesting to have presented at one view the gradual expansion of the original idea, through a succession of varied phases, to its ultimate development as an Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations. It appears clear that Prince Albert is entitled to the merit of giving it this cosmopolitan character; other exhibitions have always been either local, provincial, or national. The idea of making that of 1851 universal is due to the Prince Consort alone. The circumstances under which Mr. Paxton conceived the idea of the structure which now attracts the admiration of every beholder, in Hyde Park, read more like a sketch of the imagination than a sober reality; and the almost incredible rapidity with which the plan has been translated into a great fact is one of the proudest testimonies that can be borne to the industrial resources, skill and enterprise of this country. Of all the marvels that will be exhibited at the World's Fair next May, none will be so marvellous as the structure in which they are collected; and we confidently commend Mr. Berlyn's book as an agreeable companion and guide to every visitor, as well as a record of the growth of the Exhibition, well deserving of preservation on account of its intrinsic merits and historical value."
MANCHESTER EXAMINER AND TIMES.
"Mr. Berlyn (whom many of our readers will remember as an active and earnest promoter of the interests of our Athenæum, in his character of honorary secretary to that institution), having held an official situation in connexion with the Royal Commission for carrying out the business detail of the intended Exhibition, finds means to present us with an extremely able and instructive volume. His narrative is cleverly written, and affords ample information of the origin and progress of a movement which has already acquired a world-wide fame. The gradual advance of public opinion and feeling in reference to the study of art, and to the more general cultivation of a love for the ideal and the beautiful among the people, are care fully traced, and we have every reason to believe that credit is justly given to the humble but earnest workers in the cause."