~THE LITERARY WORLD.~--This "STORY OF A SISTER'S LOVE" will, we should
imagine, be read with delighted satisfaction by all who have come to
feel an interest in Wordsworth and his home and family. It is a most
welcome and interesting book. We give it a very hearty commendation,
and are sure it will have a loving welcome from Wordsworthians of all
sorts and conditions.
~THE CHRISTIAN WORLD.~--Told with considerable skill and feeling. We
have found it to be a very fascinating story, and have unfeigned
pleasure in commending it to our readers. The story of that life of
devotion has left a tender and powerful lesson for many.
~GREENWICH OBSERVER.~--This is a delightful book, and one that will
be much appreciated by Wordsworthian students. The story is told
with considerable detail, and in a manner calculated to rouse very
tender emotions in all who read it. Admirers of Wordsworth will be
exceedingly thankful to Mr. Lee for filling this vacancy in the list
of notable Englishwomen. It is the story of a life rich in that
blended strength and grace of character which made Dorothy Wordsworth
loved by women and reverenced by men. We commend the book, to earnest
and thoughtful young women especially, as a volume that is intensely
interesting and full of noble impulse.
~WAKEFIELD FREE PRESS.~--All admirers of the poet Wordsworth will be
pleased to learn that an admirably-written biography of the poet's
sister Dorothy, by Edmund Lee, has just been issued. Mr. Lee's choice
and arrangement of his material is admirable.
~WEST CUMBERLAND TIMES.~--Every member of the Wordsworth Association
should become acquainted with the new work from the pen of Edmund Lee,
of Bradford. Every tourist halting beneath the hoary yews of Grasmere
Churchyard, and honouring the graves of the Wordsworth household,
should first be versed in the biography of Dorothy Wordsworth and her
sweet example of sisterly love. We heartily commend the book.
~CONTEMPORARY REVIEW.~--To Lake literature "Dorothy Wordsworth" is a
pleasant addition.
~AMBLESIDE HERALD.~--We can remember no life of the poet which so
vividly brings to light the immense influence which the sister
exercised over her brother. Addressing those (if any) who are still
unacquainted with the life of the Rydal bard, we would say:
If in thine inmost soul there chance to dwell
Aught of the poetry of human life,
Take thou this book, and with a humble heart
Follow these pilgrims in their joyous walk.
~ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS.~--An appreciative monograph, presenting a
pleasing picture of this remarkable woman.
~MANCHESTER EXAMINER AND TIMES.~--In performing what has evidently
been a labour of love he has produced a singularly charming biography.
The book is one to which we extend a hearty welcome. The writer
modestly speaks of it as a compilation, and such, indeed, it largely
is; but there are compilations and compilations, and the present
volume is more artistically harmonious and homogeneous in construction
than many works of more obtrusive originality. Mr. Edmund Tree's name
is new to us, but we shall be glad to hear of him again.
~THE BOSTON LITERARY WORLD.~--An agreeable and valuable narrative. He
has done his work with sympathy and good taste.
~THE CHURCH, (PHIL.)~--A charming memoir, and will supply its readers
with pleasure, instruction and moral power.
~THE NATION.~--The whole volume breathes the peace, quiet pleasures,
and domesticity of Wordsworth's home; the closing chapters, which
contain in a few words the story of how his sister's mind became
weakened and dull in consequence of a severe illness, and how the care
of her was one of the poet's most cherished occupations in his last
aged years, are full of pathos.
~UTICA PRESS.~--Mr. Lee pays a beautiful tribute to the memory of
Dorothy Wordsworth. It is a charming book, exceedingly graceful in
style, abounding in interest from the first page to the last--in fact,
it is one of the most delightful biographies written for many a day.
~DAYTON DEMOCRAT.~--The author modestly claims for himself no more
credit than is due to a compiler; a claim, however, which those who
read his book will be disposed to dispute.... It is a mosaic so nicely
fitted together, and pervaded by the appreciative spirit of her
biographer that it seizes upon the reader with the inexpressible charm
of a well-written book.
~BOSTON COURIER.~--Mr. Lee has written enthusiastically, yet with
judicious restraint. The tender regard of the brother and sister,
their close intellectual union, and the influence Dorothy had upon the
development of the poet's genius, are clearly shown and well treated.
The book adds to the reader's knowledge of Wordsworth, by presenting
his character in a new point of view, and will be heartily welcomed by
all lovers of the poet.
~PITTSBURGH CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.~--The author has rendered valuable
service. With fidelity, delicacy and true appreciation of her
character and worth, he presents the life of this excellent woman.
~NEW YORK INDEPENDENT.~--A delightful sketch. An altogether charming
book.
~NEW YORK TIMES.~--It may be said, as praise of Mr. Lee's monograph,
that he prepares the reader to accept without criticism his final
declaration that Dorothy Wordsworth was the most perfect sister the
world hath seen.
~BOSTON GAZETTE.~--Told with a literary skill that makes it very
interesting reading.
~BOSTON TRAVELLER.~--He writes with enthusiasm and charm of style.
~BOSTON COMMONWEALTH.~--An altogether delightful book.
~PHILADELPHIA BULLETIN.~--The volume has a peculiar charm.
~PHILADELPHIA RECORD.~--The delightful and simple manner in which he
has done his work, and the impress of his individuality, which he has
left on almost every page, give the book a decided originality.
~PALLADIUM.~--Just and appreciative. Will fill a long-felt want.
~CHICAGO JOURNAL.~--The book has a singular sweetness and charm about
it.
~THE CRITIC.~--An idyll surely, and one which could scarcely be better
told than in the volume before us. The writing of the book has
evidently been a labour of love with Mr. Lee, and it has been even
better done than such labours are apt to be. It is a delightful
picture that he gives us of William and Dorothy.
Transcriber's Note:
Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.
Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as
printed.
Words printed in italics are marked with underlines: _italics_.
Words printed in bold are marked with tildes: ~bold~.