'The name of George Eliot rises to our lips once again as we read "The
Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains." ... The author is honoured in her
own country as Miss Mary N. Murfree. She is indeed worthy of honour.
This book gives her an indisputable place in the first rank of American
novelists. Yet it is scarcely accurate to say that she stands in the
rank; her station is abreast, yet apart. Amid all the charms of the
American school of fiction, we look for one in vain--to wit, robustness.
This quality Miss Murfree possesses. Her work may be called the most
virile of recent American writing. The heroine is a really exquisite
creation, full of health, grace, and womanly loyalty.'--_Pall Mall
Gazette._
'The tale is really good, and gives graphic pictures of ways and manners
far removed from any that are within our ken.... A story which shows
appreciation of the beauties of nature, and much knowledge of the human
heart. The heroine is earnest and charming--a gem.'--_Morning Post._
'A remarkable story.... We have seldom, if ever, read a book with
greater delight, or one more rich in the quaint and grim humour, the
rare pathos, the touching simplicity, and the picturesque descriptions
which are only to be found in stories of this kind.'--_Society._
'Unquestionably the most remarkable story that has been received
from America for a very long time indeed.... The whole picture,
as a study both of nature and of human nature, is wonderfully
impressive.'--_Graphic._