OPINIONS OF THE PRESS AND DISTINGUISHED MEN.
In setting forth what the Press think of the New American Cyclopædia, we hardly know where to begin, so numerous and flattering are the notices it has received. We can only give here and there a brief extract from the leading Reviews and Journals, and letters from distinguished men, bearing for the most part on special features of the work.
The great arts of condensation, of clear perception, and striking exposition of the essential parts of their subject have been fully attained; and will give the reader a library of universal knowledge in a convenient compass, arranged for ready use, and attractively presented in the concise and perspicuous style appropriate to such a work.—Letter from the late Hon. Thos. H. Benton.
This work, instead of being a mere dictionary—a stupid epitome of dry facts and dates—is made up of attractive and readable matter; scholarly and sparkling essays; fresh biographies of living and dead celebrities; records of important discoveries and inventions; and information on every subject that has attracted the attention of man up to the present period.—Examiner, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
I feel quite sure that it will be marked by distinguished ability, and that, when concluded, it will be a vast storehouse of late and very important information—such a work as almost every intelligent person will be glad to have always near him for reference. I can only express the hope that so large an undertaking may be duly sustained, and crowned with ultimate success.—Letter from the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, (Prot. Epis.) Bishop of N. Y.
The editors have done their duty with justice, fairness, and liberality. We see no instance of partisanship or partiality, and, as yet, no proofs of that hostile sectionality of which we have hitherto had reason, in all such publications, to complain.—Mercury, Charleston, S. C.
We esteem it the best and most comprehensive Cyclopædia that has yet been issued from the press of this or any other country.—News, Savannah, Ga.
When completed, this Cyclopædia will be the most complete library of knowledge which has ever been given to the world in the same space since the art of printing was discovered.—Union, Rochester, N. Y.
Its freshness and general thoroughness give it a decided advantage over any other Cyclopædia of its class hitherto issued on either side of the Atlantic—Daily Times, N. Y.
It is a perfect treasury of knowledge. In all branches of the arts and sciences, in literature, history, biography, and geography.—Pilot, Boston, Mass.