"It is just the right sort of book for a prize or present, and should find a place in every Band of Hope and Sunday School library."—The Abstainer's Advocate.
"A pathetic interest attaches to this volume, it being the last legacy of Mr. Jackson Wray. It is a story with a purpose—to advocate the claims of total abstinence. The plot is laid in a small village of the East Riding of Yorkshire, and the author sketches the awful ravages of intemperance in that small community. The victims include a minister, doctor, and many others who found, when too late, that the red, red wine biteth like a serpent. Though terribly realistic, the picture is drawn from life, and every tragical incident had its counterpart among the dwellers in that village. It is a healthy and powerful temperance tale, and a fearless exposure of the quiet drinking that was so common in respectable circles thirty years ago. It should find a place in our school libraries to be read by elder scholars."—Methodist Times.
"This is a powerful story, the last from the pen of an indefatigable worker and true friend of the total abstinence cause. The scene of the o'er true tale is laid in East Yorkshire, the author's native district, which he knew and loved so well. The characters appear to be drawn from life, and every chapter has a vivid and terrible interest. The friendship between old Aaron Brigham and Little Kitty is touching. The tale of trouble, sorrow, and utter ruin wrought by the demon of strong drink might well rouse every man, woman, and child to fight the destroyer, which, in the unfolding of the story, we see enslaving minister and people, shaming the Christian Church, breaking hearts all round, and wrecking the dearest hopes of individuals and families. A striking and pitiful tale, not overdrawn."—Alliance News.
Trancribers Note:
The text contains unpaired double quotation marks which could not be corrected with confidence.
Brian Fitzcount and Brien Fitzcount (or Fitz-Count) in "Historic Berkshire" and "Wallingford Castle" may or may not be the same person. The authors didn't say and I cannot reliably determine.
Hugh Farringdon and Hugh Faringdon in "The Last of the Abbotts" most certainly were the same person. Which is correct, the reader can take his choice. An on-line search shows both, hopefully Hugh knew.
The same applies to Colonel Whichcott and Colonel Whitchcott in "Windsor Castle".