This work, being now complete, is recommended to all who desire acqaintance with Ireland. In testimony of its impartiality, the Publisher refers to the recorded opinions of the several leading Journals of England and Scotland of all parties; more especially to those of the two great political organs, after the volumes were brought to a close:—
"Many books and pamphlets have been written, since the beginning of the present century, in regard to the social, moral, and physical condition of Ireland; but generally those works have resulted from meditation in the closet rather than from actual observation of the country and its inhabitants. Most of them, too, have been composed for party purposes, or party objects; and, if we except a few books of an historic character, and one or two others limited to particular subjects, there was, till the appearance of the volumes before us, hardly a single work, within our knowledge, relating to Ireland, which we should be inclined to praise for its moderation, accuracy, and impartiality. The book presents us with a body of facts relating to the sister kingdom, which, being the result of personal observation and investigation, ought at this moment to command the attentive consideration of all who are interested in its welfare and prosperity. Written in a spirit of great moderation, although not entirely free from political bias, the work evinces throughout a desire to exhibit things as they really are, and to extend equal-handed justice to all parties and to all sects. The work abounds with illustrations, which are beautifully executed, and the sketches of national character with which it is interspersed will afford ample amusement to those who would, without them, have perhaps but little inclination to peruse the more valuable portions of the work."—Times, October 12, 1843.
"The most popular work on the beauties and characteristics of Ireland, as a whole, which has appeared for many years, has been brought to a close. For its impartiality and truthfulness the two editors have been more than once complimented by persons of every party; and the same distinguishing features which marked the early numbers have been preserved to the very close. Partisans may differ from the conclusions at which Mr. and Mrs. Hall have arrived, but no one will venture to say that either the lady or her husband have misstated or misrepresented any thing."—Morning Chronicle, Nov. 10.
"Next to Maria Edgeworth, there is no writer to whose pen Ireland is more deeply indebted for the generous advocacy of its claims, and graphic delineation of its living manners, by which the sympathies of the reader are engaged on behalf of its long oppressed population, than Mrs. Hall. No one more competent, as well as willing, to do justice to Ireland, could have been selected for the present task, than this very lively writer and her literary partner."—The Patriot.
TORRINGTON HALL;
Being an Account of Two Days, in the Autumn of 1844, passed at that philosophically conducted Asylum for the Insane. By Arthur Wallbridge. Foolscap 8vo. with Two Engravings, Price 2s. 6d.
"Instead of a silly puff of some real lunatic asylum, as we surmised from the advertisement, it proves to be a quaint jeu d'esprit, satirising the present arrangements of society. Torrington Hall is, in fact, a clever little volume of innovatory ideas with regard to the definition of madness and the principle of competition.
"The volume contains conversations on the present arrangements of society, and the means of improving them—all pointing to a plan which shall realise fully the dictates of Christianity, and make the world a scene of pleasant affection, instead of one of fretful contention."—Chambers' Edinburgh Journal.
2 Vols., Half-a-crown each.
THE EPICURE'S ALMANACK;
Containing a choice and original receipt, or a valuable hint, for every day in the year, the result of actual experience, applicable to the enjoyment of the good things of this life, consistently with the view of those who study genteel economy. By Benson Hill, Esq.
"Very many of Mr. Hill's receipts are recherché affairs, that have not hitherto appeared in print; and the report of a small committee of taste, which we have directed to test them, assures us that any one of them is worth the whole price of the volumes."—United Service Gazette.
"A capital manual for the lover of good eating, in which every day in the year has its appropriate dish or drink for the season assigned to it. The writer greatly enhances the intrinsic merits of his book by the pleasant style in which he occasionally garnishes his subjects as he serves them up."—Argus.