"We would wish for this little volume an attentive perusal on the part of
all to whom inclination or duty, or both, give an interest in the moral,
the social, and the religious condition of their fellow-men; above all,
we should wish to see it in the hands of bishops, and other
ecclesiastical dignitaries--of metropolitan rectors and fashionable
preachers--of statesmen and legislators--and of that most mischievous
class of men, well-meaning philanthropists. The picture of life in
London, of its manifold pitfalls of temptation and corruption, which are
here presented to the reader's eye, is truly appalling. No one can rise
from it without a deep conviction that something must be done, ay, and
that soon, if the metropolis of the British Empire is not to become a
modern Sodom and Gomorrah."--_John Bull_.
"There is a matter-of-fact reality about the sketches, but they are
chiefly remarkable for the moral tone of their reflections. Generally
speaking, painters of these subjects rather throw a purple light over the
actual scenes, and say nothing of the consequences to which they lead;
Mr. Ritchie is ever stripping off the mask of the mock gaiety before him,
and pointing the end to which it must finally come."--_Spectator_.
"We have kept Mr. Ritchie's book lying on our table, hoping that we might
find an opportunity for making it the basis of an article on the fearful
evils which it discloses. We must be satisfied, however, for the
present, with recommending all our readers who are anxious to promote the
social and moral regeneration of our great cities to read it carefully;
and to remember, while they read, that London does not stand alone, but
that all our larger towns are cursed with abominations, such as those
which Mr. Ritchie has so vigorously and effectually
described."--_Eclectic Review_.
"Mr. Ritchie is favourably known to us; nor do we think this little
volume will detract from his reputation."--_Daily News_.
"Not ill done in parts, it is not done in a fast spirit or affectedly;
and the moral tone throughout is healthy enough."--_Illustrated London
News_.
"Mr. Ritchie's sketches are lively and graphic in style, and convey
truthful pictures of some of the dark phases of London life. His book
may be regarded as supplementary to the Hand-books and Guides of the
Metropolis, which lightly touch upon topics which are here specially
described and vigorously commented on."--_Literary Gazette_.
"Mr. Ritchie's graphic descriptions, though painful, may be
useful."--_Patriot_.
"Mr. Ritchie's work merits the attention of philanthropists and those
interested in the education and improvement of all classes, since it will
enable them to see the land of evil with which they have to
deal."--_Daily Telegraph_.
"Mr. Ritchie's object is evidently to disclose to the view of less
venturous philanthropists the fountain heads of the floods of iniquity
which overflow large portions of this population of three millions, and
he has fully succeeded. His array of statistics in the introduction may
be made good use of, and the watchful parent, or zealous minister of
religion, the friends of city missions, or contributors to the press, may
derive much useful information from all the pages."--_Christian Times_.
"In the 'Night-Side of London' Mr. J. Ewing Ritchie draws a most painful,
but, we have reason to believe, not an over-coloured picture of the
fearful temptations which abound in our great metropolis. The evils
which seduce many a young man from the path of duty, and keep down the
poor in their poverty and degradation, are traced to the love of
intoxicating liquors, and the abundant facilities which are afforded for
the gratification of that fatal passion. Mr. Ritchie writes in an
earnest manner, and his book contains information which demands the
careful consideration of the moralist and the social
reformer."--_Inquirer_.
"The author of 'The Night-Side of London' has graphically described the
scenes of debauchery which are to be found at night. It is a fearful and
shocking _expose_."--_Illustrated Times_.