"The new series opens well with Mr. Leslie Stephen's sketch of Dr. Johnson. It could hardly have been done better; and it will convey to the readers for whom it is intended a juster estimate of Johnson than either of the two essays of Lord Macaulay."—Pall Mall Gazette.

"We have come across few writers who have had a clearer insight into Johnson's character, or who have brought to the study of it a better knowledge of the time in which Johnson lived and the men whom he knew."—Saturday Review.

"It must be admitted that Mr. Stephen has succeeded admirably in his task. No writer could be more competent to supply what is wanted in Boswell, a comprehensive sketch of his hero's position in the literature of the eighteenth century, and he has also shown great judgment and dexterity in his illustration of Johnson's personal oddities and his power as a talker.... All the traits of the personality which Boswell has immortalized are to be found here, as well as luminous sketches of the literature of the period, and a solid judgment of the work that Johnson did in the world."—Examiner.

"We could not wish for a more suggestive introduction to Scott and his poems and novels."—Examiner.

"The tone of the volume is excellent throughout."—AthenÆum Review of "Scott."

"As a clear, thoughtful, and attractive record of the life and works of the greatest among the world's historians, it deserves the highest praise."—Examiner Review of "Gibbon."