7–4160.
Hiram Ranger is a wealthy western manufacturer who deplores the idleness into which his two children lapse after a lavish eastern education. His conscience forbids bequeathing them any of his money, and their struggles to work out their own salvation form the burden of Mr. Phillips’ preachment.
“Written in a hasty, crude style, but the story is forceful, absorbing, and timely.”
| + − | A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 51. F. ’07. ✠ |
“‘The second generation’ is not only Mr. Phillips’ strongest and best novel; it is the most virile and vital romance of the present year.”
| + + | Arena. 37: 438. Ap. ’07. 3710w. | |
| Current Literature. 42: 459. Ap. ’07. 690w. |
“Unfortunately, Mr. Phillips has no style, and thus his management of a strongly-conceived situation becomes bald and unconvincing. The moral of the story is so fine and true despite a slight tincture of unwholesome socialism, that we could wish the author’s literary gift were in proportion to his ethical insight.” Wm. M. Payne.
| + − | Dial. 42: 314. My. 16, ’07. 250w. |
“On the whole the book teaches us to be thankful that the social and industrial salvation of the country is not in the hands of these ingenious fiction makers, particularly those who have a socialistic heaven in view which none of us are fit by nature or grace to enter.”