Mr. Sharp's lyrics and shorter pieces, are always pleasing in sentiment, and are often sweet in expression.—Scotsman.
The book of poems which we introduce to our readers to-day has, we think, amply justified its issue in the beautiful form in which it is presented to the public.... This delightful book will do something to modify that conception, and to show that mercantile pursuits and the exalted, if traditionally prosaic, dignity of Bailieship are not incompatible with a successful cultivation of the Muses. In depicting one of the most tragic chapters in our national annals, Mr. Sharp has attained charming results in his use of those heroic measures which the genius of Scott and of Edmonstone Aytoun has made classic, and through which these masters have made the dim shadows that erewhile flitted across the stage of Scottish history to stand forth as living men.... We have directed the attention of our readers to these poems because of their intrinsic merits.—Strathearn Herald.
If it be the poet's task to feel pleasure in life and discern beauty in nature, to praise virtue and rejoice in love, and make his readers do the same, then Mr. Sharp has succeeded admirably in effecting his purpose.—Dundee Advertiser.
Mr. Sharp is seen at his best in his shorter poems. In these, as a rule, healthy sentiment is expressed in unpretentious verse.—Academy.
SECOND AND ENLARGED EDITION.
LAW LYRICS. Fcap. 8vo, 3s. 6d.
"The anonymous author of the 'Lyrics'—is he not to be met with among the sheriffs?—plays his tunes for session and vacation on the 'goose-quill of the law,' and he manages to produce from that ancient instrument a considerable variety of expression.... His pronounced national tastes are admirably shown in 'Oatmeal,' etc.; in lyrics like 'Stornoway Bay,' there is the true lyrical gush; while in such poems as 'A Still Lake,' there is revealed an exquisite power of word-painting...."—Scotsman.
"For neatness and aptness of expression, it is equal to anything we have seen."—Scots Law Review.
"A very agreeable little book for an idle hour. The author shows himself equally at home in the serious as in the comic."—Graphic.