— — —Cath. World. 81: 545. Jl. ‘05. 830w.

“In this striking novel Mr. Hickens immeasurably surpasses all his previous work.... Is a wonderfully handled tragedy, advancing with masterly logic from premise to conclusion.... Very rarely in an English book is there to be found such an exhibition of descriptive skill.” Olivia Howard Dunbar.

+ + +Critic. 46: 474. My. ‘05. 400w.

“In all the three essentials of invention, style and thought, this performance is highly commendable, and entitles Mr. Hichens to more serious consideration than ever before.” W: M. Payne.

+ +Dial. 38: 388. Je. 1, ‘05. 420w.

“Mr. Hichens has written his masterpiece.”

+ +Ind. 58: 787. Ap. 6, ‘05. 230w.
* Ind. 59: 1153. N. 16, ‘05. 50w.

“The critics have seemed to agree that in this novel Mr. Robert Hichens has done something big, strong and lasting.”

+ +N. Y. Times. 10: 394. Je. 17, ‘05. 170w.

“A singular but powerful story, in many respects the best work of this author. An absence of the morbidity that is too common with him. There are, however, a plain speaking ... that sometimes, it will seem to many readers, overstep the limits of taste. In manner the romance is in an intense style, sometimes a little exalté, but never, or rarely, falling into mere high-flown ‘fine writing,’ although single passages, taken out of their connection might give that impression. Brilliant with color and bathed in African atmosphere.”