Works Published by' MODERN PALTERS, Vol. IV^ ON MOUNTAIN BEAUTY. Bt JOHN RUSKTN, M.A., Imperial 8wo, vnih Thirty-five Illustrations engraved on Steel, and 116 Woodcuts, drawn by the Author, "price 21. s. cloth.
- Of all fhe volumes which Mr. Raskin has issued, th^re is probably none that exhibits his two
counterbalancing fisculties of speculation and observation in a state of such intense actiylty.
- * * If the reader's entertainment flags, his deference fbr the author's immense study and
knowledge of natural phenomena, and fbr his consequent Judgment in art matters, must rifle conriderably. He will find that it is not without reason, not without labour and preparation and experiment, that Ruskin claims to know when nature is truthftilly or untruthftilly rendered.
- * * Considered as an illustrated volume, this is the most remarkable which Mr. Ruskin has
yet Issued. The plates and woodcuts are proftue, and include numerous drawings of mountain fbrm by the author, which prove Mr. Ruskin to be essentially an artist. Keen sight, keen iieeling, and keen power of expression are the qualities which go to the makhig of an artist, and all these Mr. Ruskin possesses. He adds to them a peculiarly subtle turn fbr theory, investiga- tion and exposition. This combination maked him an unique man, both among artists and writers." — Spectator.
- The present volume of Mr. RuskJn's elaborate work treats chiefly of mountain scenery, and
discusses at length the principles involved in the pleasure we derive fi*om mountains and their pietorial representation. The author is more philosophical and less critical than before. Mr. Ruskin is establishing what he considers to be true principles, and only casually notices adversa- ries who advocate theories which contradict his own. The work is essentially positive, and we have less negation than we are accustomed to meet with in treatises by this author. There is less declamation and more proof. Mr. Ruskin does not wish the reader to adopt his oondu- sions merely on his authority. He labours diligently to give evidence ol * the fiiith that is in him.' Mr. Ruskin occupies a peculiar portion as a writer. He compels his most vehement adversaries to admire even while they dissent. The singular beauty of his style, the hearty sympathy with all Ibrms of natural loveliness, the profusion of his illustrations, and above aU the £amest denunciation of cant, form irresistible attractions. Ton may quarrel with the critic, bntyou cannot foil to admire the writer and respect the man. High thoughts, clothed in elo- quent language, are the characteristics of Mr. Raskin's productions. * ••»•«• The present volume contains the most connected exposition of the author's theory which he has yet given to the ^otIA."— Daily ifewt.
- All Art is one, and Mr. Ruskin writes of painting with the ever present consciousness of
poetry, sculpture and architecture, as equally implied. This it is which gives the wide and per- manent charm to his writings. Interesting as they are to pidnters, they almost equally fitscinate the general public, because in them may be read rare criticisms of natural appearances and of artistic representations. » • • We must all feel subdued by his eloquence, enlightened by his novel views, stimulated by his thoughts, instructed by his accurate observations of nature. Such a wrtter is really a national possession. He adds to our store of knowledge and enjoy- ment.**— Z^oder. MODERN PAINTERS, Vol. HI. With Eighteen Illustrations drawn by the Author, and engraved on Steel, price 38«. chth.
- This book may be taken up with equal pleasure whether the reader be acquainted or not
with the previous volumes, and no special artistic culture is necessary in order to enjoy its excellences or profit by its suggestions. Every one who cares about nature, or poetiry, or the story of human development— every one who has a tinge of literature or philosophy, will find something that is for him in this volume." — Wettmiruter Review. " Mr. Ruskin's third volume of * Modern Painters' will be hailed with interest and curiosity, if not with submissive attention, by the Art-world of England. • » • Mr. Raskin is in possession of a dear and penetrating mind ; he is undeniably practical in his fimdamental ideas ; ftiU of the deepest reverence for all that appears to him beautifiil and holy, and, tbongfa owning to very strong preferences, founding those preferences on xeason. • » « His style is, aa usual, clear, bold, and racy. Mr. Ruskin is one of the first writers of the day."— fbonomitf .
- The present volume, viewed as a literary achievement, is the highest and most striking
evidence of the author's abilities that has yet been published. It shows the maturity of his powers of thought, and the perfection of his grace of style."— Zcoder. " All, it is to be hopedj will read thelbook for themselves. They will find it weU worth a carefhl perusal. This third volume fully realizes the expectations we had fenned of it."— Saturday Review. Digitized by Google
