WORKS B Y THE SAME A UTHOR 



CHARACTER 



A VOLUME OF NOBLE CHARACTERISTICS 



Post 8vo. 6s. 



OPINIONS OF THE PRESS, ETC. 



" This work is so exactly fitted for a gift-book (and indeed a school-boy or a boy 

 leaving school need desire no better one) that we are inclined to mention it here. 

 The value of character above all mere intellectual culture, the blessedness of work, 

 the necessity of courage and self-control, the sense of duty as the guiding star of 

 life these are some of the topics discussed in 'Character,' not, however, as 

 abstract propositions, but with the help of a store of illustrations drawn from the 

 biographies of great men. The book possesses, if we may use the expression, a 

 vital force, and can scarcely fail to stimulate the reader. The chapters headed 

 ' Companionship of Books,' and ' Companionship in Marriage,' will be read with 

 special interest." Pall Mall Gazette 



"To the lovers of a pure and healthy literature, this invigorating and high-toned 

 volume from the pen of the author of ' Self-Help ' will afford real and genuine 

 enjoyment. In the clear and attractive style which has rendered his previous 

 writings so deservedly popular, Mr. Smiles has here shown to what a height of 

 mental and moral excellence our weak and imperfect nature may attain, and how 

 much true nobility of character it may develop and sustain. . . . The last two 

 chapters, on Companionship in Marriage and the Discipline of Experience, form a 

 fitting conclusion to so excellent a book, and are pregnant with interest and 

 lessons of the highest wisdom. The breadth and soundness of the views enunci- 

 ated in the former on some delicate but universally important topics are especially 

 commendable, and should be read and pondered over by all who see a much- 

 neglected source of happiness for the people in the elevation of their home-life, 

 and a more extensive cultivation of the domestic virtues." Leeds Mercury. 



" Uniform in size with the author's very popular ' Self-Help,' this work is of the 

 same tone and cast of thought. Believing that Character is a great power in the 

 world, the author treats the various points in which it may be developed, or whicli 

 call it forth. Hence, we have chapters on Home Power, Companionship, Temper, 

 Marriage, Experience, and abundant citations of examples, so that the work is 

 full of interest. It is difficult indeed to limit the good that may arise from these 

 honest, earnest books, full of right thinking ; plain, sensible, and not too full of 

 sentiment." Publishers' Circular. 



"Readers of 'Self -Help' will need no further inducement to send them in 

 search of the new work by the author of that charming book. ... It would be 

 difficult to select a book more admirably adapted as a present to a young man or 

 young woman at the outset of life. The charm of the style is irresistible ; the 

 moral conveyed altogether unimpeachable." Manchester Courier. 



"The author of 'Self-Help' has produced another little book which will soon 

 run over the face of the land, and help to inspire the rising generation with ennob- 

 ling sentiments. In our hunger for facts, we must not overlook the value of 

 ideas. While we are striving to give- our young people technical information, we 

 must not omit to teach them to be truthful, high - thoughted, noble men and 

 women. We must foster their abilities, but not forget Character. . . . Mr. Smiles, 

 in this very charming volume, has brought together the opinions and sayings of 

 good and wise men of all times, as to the various qualities which go to form char- 

 acter. . . . The result is a valuable book, calculated as well to give delight as to 

 do good." Builder. 



"Mr. Smiles has been fortunate in the choice of his subject; and, as a work of 

 wise counsel and thoughtful instruction, the new book is quite as successful as 

 any of its author's previous works. Nor is it any less entertaining. It literally 

 teems with apposite and interesting anecdotes, and the writer's style is at once so 

 lively and dignified, that on the one hand he never becomes dry however earnestly 

 and seriously he discusses life and duty ; and, on the other, he never degenerates 

 into flippancy in his most amusing illustrations." Manchester Examiner. 



