REVIEWS OF THE PRESS. "This book is full of varied interest, and reveals a character of great force, of sturdy independence, of real elevation, and of genuine generosity. It is in many respects a valuable contribution to the political, social, intellectual, and even revolutionary history of our time."-Times. "This is a book which veteran reformers will read with great interest, and from which the Liberals of the younger generation may derive much profit and instruction."-Daily News. "One of the greatest merits of Mr. Holyoake is the pertinacity with which he brings forward the names of comparatively unknown reformers and thinkers, and claims for them their title to the world's recognition. These obscure agitators, who have done a great deal to build the England of to-day, are found at every page, and their adventures and characters do much to enliven these interesting volumes."-Daily Telegraph. "Mr. Holyoake always speaks like a gentleman about women. His various references to his wife and his praise of her are very pleasant things indeed, in thorough taste, without gush and with feeling, and nearly as good as such things can be."-Saturday Review. "The book is full of interest: it produces a vivid personal impression, it contains contemporary notes on men and women of the century, it has shrewd and vigorous sentences, and illustrates our own progress in civilising thought."-The Spectator. "The instructiveness of Mr. Holyoake's book is even deeper than its interest, and I should advise any statesman to read it who ponders the socialistic problem before him, and wishes to 'look into the seeds of time and see which grain will grow and which will not.'"-Truth. Having played an active and important part in public affairs for more than half a century, Mr. Holyoake has set down his reminiscences of what he has seen for the benefit of a generation that has grown up since. The world in general has recognised his steadiness of aim, and looks upon changes, for advocating which he was persecuted, as part of the necessary order of things."-The Athenæum. "Mr. Holyoake is not one who merely champions an 'ism' and is satisfied when it is adopted. He has always stood for a principle-the principle of free enquiry. He has been more interested in trying to induce others to think out opinions for themselves, than in persuading them to accept his."-The Academy. "With certain phases of English life Mr. Holyoake knows absolutely what he is talking about. The subjects he discusses simply justify the aggressiveness of his title. May we try to guess what will be the estimate of the future upon this indefatigable propagandist? They will find him as we do, a courageous and contentious man, very lucid, somewhat intellectually proud, boundlessly unselfish, with two main characteristics-absolute honesty and absolute clearness of design."— Black and White. "Mr. Holyoake says he never put himself forward as representing other than the average stupidity of mankind. Stupidity is not the word. Mr. Holyoake is an honest, humorous, witty, strong person. His chapter on 'Murder as a Mode of Progress' is temperate, philosophic, and even Aristotelian."- National Observer. "We all know Mr. Holyoake as a co-operator. He has been well-nigh everything else. His autobiography is as miscellaneous a collection of facts and reminiscences as could be constructed from any man's memory. As a contribution to the history of Radicalism and the progress of Democracy in England, they have a value which time will add to rather than diminish."-Pall Mall Gazette. "Mr. Holyoake's threescore years of public life is laid before us in these two interesting volumes. A fascinating biography. It should find an immediate resting-place in every free library in the kingdom."-Weekly Star. |