University of Virginia Library

"I am glad to learn that you are publishing this work. It is precisely that kind of
information that every public and intelligent man desires to see, especially in reference
to the distinguished men of Europe, but which I have found it extremely difficult to
obtain."

"In its practical usefulness this work will supply a most important desideratum."

"It forms a valuable manual for reference, especially in the American department,
which we can not well do without; we commend it to the attention of our `reading
public.' "

"Just the book we have desired a hundred times, brief, statistical and biographical
sketches of men now living in Europe and America."

"It is a book of reference which every newspaper reader should have at his elbow—
as indispensable as a map or a dictionary—and from which the best-informed will derive
instruction and pleasure."

"This book therefore fills a place in literature; and once published, we do not see
how any one could do without it."

"It is evidently compiled with great care and labor, and every possible means seems
to have been used to secure the highest degree of correctness. It contains a great deal
of valuable information, and is admirable as a book of reference."

"It is, to our notion, the most valuable collection of contemporary biographies yet
made in this or any other country. The author acknowledges that its compilation was
a `labor of care and responsibility.' We believe him, and we give him credit for having
executed that labor after a fashion that will command general and lasting approval."

"This is one of the most valuable works lately issued—valuable not only for general
reading and study, but as a book of reference. It is certainly the fullest collection of
contemporary Biographies yet made in this country."

"This is emphatically a book worthy of the name, and will secure an extended popularity."

"A book of reference unequalled in either value or interest. It is indeed a grand supplement
and appendix to the modern histories, to the reviews, to the daily newspapers
—a book which a man anxious to be regarded as intelligent and well-informed, can no
more do without than a churchman can do without his prayer book, a sailor his navigator,
or a Wall street man his almanac and interest tables."

"The volume once known will be found indispensable, and will prove a constant
source of information to readers at large."

"For a book of reference, this volume will recommend itself as an invaluable companion
in the library, office, and studio."

"It is a living breathing epitome of the day, a directory to that wide phantasmagoria
we call the world."

"We know of no more valuable book to authors, editors, statemen, and all who
would be `up with the time,' than this."

"Men of all nations, creeds and parties, appear to be treated in a kindly spirit. The
work will be found a useful supplement to the ordinary biographical dictionaries."

"The value of such a work can scarcely be over-estimated. To the statesman and
philanthropist, as well as the scholar and business man, it will be found of great convenience
as a reference book, and must soon be considered as indispensable to a library
Webster's Dictionary."