“Mr. Runciman is endowed with a vigorous and pleasing style, and his facile pen has obviously been made expert by much use.  In dealing with some of the more threadbare problems, such as the drink question and the sporting mania, he brings considerable novelty and freshness to their treatment, and when fairly roused he hits out at social abuses with a vigour and indignant sincerity which are very refreshing to the jaded reader ...He has been successful in producing a delightfully readable book, and even when he does not produce conviction, he will certainly succeed in securing attention and inspiring interest.”—­Bradford Observer.

“The essays are a fine contribution in the cause of manly self-culture and elevation of moral tone.”—­Pall Mall Gazette.

“To those who enjoy essays on current topics, this will be found an acceptable and instructive volume.”—­Public Opinion.

“His essays are always entertaining and suggestive ...Mr. Runciman, as is well-known, has a forcible and effective style.”—­Star.

“Mr. Runciman is a bard hitter, and evidently speaks from conviction, and there is such an honest and clear-minded tone about these papers, that even those who do not agree with all the conclusions drawn in them will not regret having read what Mr. Runciman has to say on social questions.”—­Graphic.