University of Virginia Library

“We cannot doubt it will find its way into the hands of scholars and thinkers at once, and we
shall be surprised if it does not prove to be one of the most popular, as it certainly is one of the
most useful issues of the season.”

“As a record of discoveries it is equally wonderful and important; confirming in many particulars
the incidental histories of Sacred Writ,, disentombing temple-palaces from the sepulchre of
ages, and recovering the metropolis of a wonderful nation from the long night of oblivion.”

“Taking this only as a book of travels, we
have read none for a long time more interesting
and instructive.”

“We repeat that there has been no such picture
in any modern book of travels. Park is not
braver or more adventurous, Burkhardt is not
more truthful, Eothen not more gay or picturesque
than the hero of the book before us.”

“This is, we think, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY
WORK OF THE PRESENT
AGE, whether with reference to the wonderful
discoveries it describes, its remarkable verification
of our early bilbical history, or of the
talent, courage, and perseverance of its author.
* * * * * * We will only add in
conclusion, that in these days, when the fulfillment
of prophecy is engaging so much attention,
we cannot but consider that the work of
Mr. Layard will be found to afford mary extraordinary
proofs of biblical history.”

“Of the historical value of his discoveries, too
high an estimate can hardly be formed.”

“It has been truly said, that the narrative is like a romance. In its incidents and descriptions it
does indeed remind one continually of an Arabian tale of wonders and genii.”

“The work of Mr. Layard has two prominent and distinct characters. Its narration of wonderful
discoveries is of high and absorbing interest; but as a book of modern travels, abounding in
living and piquant descriptions of the manners and habits of a people always regarded with intense
interest, it is second to none.”

“The book has a rare amount of graphic, vivid, picturesque narrative.”

“The work of Layard is the most prominent contribution to the study of Antiquity, that has
appeared for many years.”

“Not one excels in interest the account of Nineveh and its Ruins, given by Mr. Layard.”

“As we follow the diggers with breathless interest in their excavations, and suddenly find ourselves
before a massive figure carved with minute accuracy, now lifting its gigantic head from the
dust of 3000 years, we are ready to cry out with the astonished Arabs, `Wallah, it is wonderful, but
it is true!”'