Page:The Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage of the British Empire Part 2.djvu/811

 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Both externally and internally this volume is an exceedingly hand- some one, and its graphic beauties have been bestowed on it by sympa- thetic hands. The illustrations which adorn it are not only ex- tremely numerous but they have been designed in a congenial spirit, and executed with taste and a finish that cannot fail of appreciation. The work as a whole is admirably arranged for all purposes of re- ference, whether by professional men, students, or general readers ; alike in its structure, its details, and its inti'oductory notices, it affords clear proof of its author's having obtained a firm grasp of the materials with which he has had to deal. Mr. Foster has produced a Peerage, the very first issue of which takes its place at once in the front rank of books of its own class. — Tlie Morning Advertiser. Viewing this work as a whole, we have no hesitation in declaring it to be vastly superior to any modem Peerage in existence; and, if carried on in future with the same elaborate care with which it has been originated, is destined at no distant date to supplant in public estimation those older works which lack the authenticity and trustworthiness to be found in its pages. — I'he National Church. Mr. Joseph Foster's " Peerage," just published by Messrs. Nichols and Sons, has some distinctive features which will commend it to the classes for which it is designed. The heraldic portions of the work appear to have been the object of especial pains and the genealogies generally seem calculated to sustain the honourable association of the publishers with genealogical works of a trustworthy kind. . . . The coat- armour, revised and corrected by the records of the College of Arms and the Lyon Office, is a special characteristic of the book, which is not a mere instrument for gratifying vulgar curiosity regarding the titled classes, but a work of reference, useful alike to the man of the world, the genealogist, and the student of English history and biography. — The Daily News. Mr. Foster has produced a work that is vastly more reliable than the less carefully prepared "Peerages" and similar publications that abound. An admirable and striking feature in this great work is the artistic care that is manifested in the illustrations, all of which are original, and must have cost immense labour. The various orders and heraldic devices are portrayed with much artistic spirit, and quite elevate the work out of the ordinary rank of publications of this kind. — The Liverpool Albion. The quaint and picturesque designs adopted for the arms are a novel and striking feature of the book, and one which will doubtless commend it to the favoui'- able notice of many. . . . The Baronetage is remarkably full and interesting. Mr. Foster has accomplished his enterprise in an admirable manner. Nor can we with- hold a meed of praise from the publishers, who have produced a book which is in all respects worthy of praise. — The Queen.