Warren Hastings : and the founding of the British administration / by L.J. Trotter.

  • Trotter, Lionel J. (Lionel James)
Date:
1897
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Warren Hastings : and the founding of the British administration / by L.J. Trotter. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    232/250 (page 226)
    ON SIR WILLIAM HUNTER’S‘DALHOUSIE.’ ‘ An interesting and exceedingly readable volume Sir William Hunter has produced a valuable work about an important epoch in English history in India, and he has given us a pleasing insight into the character of a remarkable Englishman. The “ Rulers of India” series, which he has initiated, thus makes a successful beginning in his hands with one who ranks among the greatest of the great names which will be associated with the subject.’—The Times. ‘ To no one is the credit for the improved condition of public intelli- gence [regarding India] more due than to Sir William Hunter. From the beginning of his career as an Indian Civilian he has devoted a rare literary faculty to the task of enlightening his countrymen on the subject of England’s greatest dependency. .. . By inspiring a small array of fellow-labourers with his own spirit, by inducing them to conform to his own method, and shaping a huge agglomeration of facts into a lucid and intelligible system, Sir W. Hunter has brought India and its innumer- able interests within the pale of achievable knowledge, and has given definite shape to the truths which its history establishes and the problems which it suggests.. .. Such contributions to literature are apt to be taken as a matter of course, because their highest merit is to conceal the labour, and skill, and knowledge involved in their production; but they raise the whole level of public intelligence, and generate an atmosphere in which the baleful influences of folly, ignorance,prejudice, and presumption>dwindle and disappear.’—Saturday Review. ‘Admirably calculated to impart in a concise and agreeable form a clear general outline of the history of our great Indian Empire.’—Economist. ‘ A skilful and most attractive picture. . . . The author has made good use of public and private documents, and has enjoyed the privilege of being aided by the deceased statesman’s family. His little work is, consequently, a valuable contribution to modern history.’—Academy. ‘ The book should command a wide circle of readers, not only for its author’s sake and that of its subject, but partly at least on account of the very attractive way in which it has been published at the moderate price of half-a-crown. But it is, of course, by its intrinsic merits alone that a work of this nature should be judged. And those merits are everywhere conspicuous. ... A writer whose thorough mastery of all Indian subjects has been acquired by years of practical experience and patient research.’—The Athenceum. ‘ Never have we been so much impressed by the great literary abilities of Sir William Hunter as we have been by the perusal of “The Marquess of Dalhousie.”. .. The knowledge displayed by the writer of the motives of Lord Dalhousie’s action, of the inner working of his mind, is so com- plete, that Lord Dalhousie himself, were he living, could not state them more clearly. ... Sir William Hunter’s style is so clear, his language so vivid, and yet so simple, conveying the impressions he wishes so per- spicuously that they cannot but be understood, that the work must have a place in every library, in every home, we might say indeed every cottage.’—Evening News. ‘ Sir William Hunter has written an admirable little volume on “ The Marquess of Dalhousie ” for his series of the “ Rulers of India.” It can be read at a sitting, yet its references—expressed or implied— suggest the study and observation of half a life-time.’—The Daily News.