WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 441 



By the same Author, post 8vo, 65., 



CHARACTER: 



A COMPANION VOLUME TO 'SELF-HELP' AND 'THRIFT. 



"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 enunciated 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 inuch- 

 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 which call it forth. 

 Hence, we have chapters on Home Power, Companionship, Temper, Marriage, Expe- 

 rience, 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 ennobling 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 character 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 * <--*- * 



and interesting anecdotes, and the writer's style is at once so livel 

 the one hand he never becomes dry however earnestly and serious 

 duty ; and, on the other, he never degenerates into flippancy in his most amusing illus- 

 trations. "Manchester Exam iner. 



