The Sun.
London, England, 1870-12-24 00:00:00

" Mr. W. Evill has written a lively and agreeable account o
' A Winter Journey to Rome.' His descriptions of scenery in the
Alps and of the Italian cities are exceedingly graphic, showing
much sympathy with nature, and a refined intelligence, Though
the style of the book is somewhat sketchy, it is thoroughly
readable, especially in the passages referring to the Council,
which have in some degree the value of contemporary history."—
Daily Telegraph.
" Those who have followed the well-known route, and visited
the spots described by Mr. Evill, are scarcely likely to add much
to their fund of information by reading his lively sketches ; yet
we are far from saying that the publication is superfluous. To
gain knowledge is not the only object which induces a man or
woman to take ap a new volume •, and if Mr. Evill does not add
distinctly to our stock, he has the art—a rare one—of placing
familiar scenes in a fresh and agreeable light. . . . . The
book has the merit of being thoroughly readable."—Pall
Mall
Gazette.
" Having read the book through from cover to cover—of itself
an eulogium from any reviewer—we could certainly not spare
Mr. Evill's always animated, often graphic, and more than once
or twice really eloquent descriptions, any moro than we could
spare his account of the wonderful pageantry of the Papal func-
tions in Rome, and of the marvellous masterpieces in sculpture
and painting scattered among the Palaces and Basilicas. . . . As
a graphic delineator of the superb scenery and the renowned
cities through which he made this winter journey, he has
acquitted himself admirably well."—Sun.
" The author has evidently a feeling for the beautiful and the
picturesque, and describes what he saw in forcible and some-
times eloquent language. . . Notwithstanding his well-
worn subject, Mr. Evill has produced an agreeable little volume,
which may not unprofitably detain the reader."—Daily News.
" There is no pretension whatever about the book of travels,
and though it relates very little of what is new, it tells of nothing
that is uninteresting, vapid, or dull. To the truthfulness of its
descriptions of places and works of art we can thoroughly testify,
and assure our readers that such of them as are meditating an
Italian tour could not possibly do better than furnish themselves
with a copy."—Bell's Weekly Messenger.
" Mr. Evill's visit to Rome was opportunely timed. to enable
him to witness the great gathering of prelates in attendance
at the opening of the (Ecumenical Council ; his journey was
accomplished with great rapidity, but his hasty en route
sketches are lively and amusing."—Record.
" In this pleasant little book we have an abundance of inter-
esting matter, such as a professed bookmaker might extend into
the compass of two goodly volumes ln the very fast
page we are satisfied with the book, and are engrossed with its
contents We recommend the entire little volume as
well to readers as to intending tourists in search of continental
information."—News of the World.
" The ground was all new to Mr. Evil, and, 'in spite of the
season of the year, he saw it under peculiarly favourable cir-
cumstances. He has an eye quick to see, and a pen that enables
him to tell right pleasantly, and not a little vividly, what he has
seen. . . . Mr. Evill was fortunate enough, in company
with his friend, Mr. Charles Kent, the poet, to see the pro-
cession in St. Peter's, on the opening day of the Vatican
Council. His description of it is very graphic."—Western
Morning News.
"Italy has been described to the reading world again and
again, and, therefore, the charm of Mr. Evill's book is not the
charm of novelty, but it has a charm. There is a fresh, Inge
imous manner, that appeals to the reader. The author records
his impressions and describes minutely the beauty of the Italian
scenery without a thought of the travellers who have gone
before. Some passages, descriptive, are really excellent. The
exterior and interior of Milan cathedral are put before us in
glowing terms, and the long ceremonies of the opening of the
(Ecumenical Council are forcibly described. His description of
Venice is excellent. Mr. Evill's word-painting is far above the
average of such descriptions. We are sure that readers, after a
perusal of this book, will have a vivid impression of the scenery
described, and be grateful to Mr. Evill for his pleasant recollec-
tions."—Lloyd's Weekly News.
" Accuracy of description will cause this little book to be
read, and probably enjoyed, by those Englishmen and English-
women whom necessity keeps at home year after year . . •
The profits are to be given to a charity, and we heartily wish it
every success, and think that many untravelled Englishmen
will find something to interest them in Mr. Evill's "Winter
Journey to Rome—The Examiner.
"This little volume, containing, together with careful descrip-
tions of places and cities, an account of the opening of the
(Ecumenical Council, it is worthy of notice, is dedicated, not in
irony or without permission, but in friendship and with full
authority, by a Protestant to a Roman Catholic. There may be
many worse preparations for a visit to the city which still is
queenlike, if no longer queen, than a perusal of this unpreten-
tious, but instructive volume ; and the author's remarks touching
that Church, the services and worship of which serve to make
up the entire life of modern Rome may grieve, but will not
affront, a liberal Roman Catholic, and may command the assent,
but will not shock the better feelings, of a Liberal Protestant."—
Illustrated London News.