Beginnings or Glimpses of vanished civilizations
The present little book is devoted to an at- tempt to simplify the story of the early beginnings of our world and to trace the origin of the vanished civilizations, the remains of which are now being brought to light every day by distinguished archaeologists.
The treatment of such subjects in so small a compass may well deserve the name of " Glimpses," and only merits consideration from the fact that the author confesses to having annexed without qualm or compunction (but she hopes with care) the writings of learned men, and has tried to re-tell their discoveries in plain language suitable to her youthful readers.
Some reviews from the book preface
The Times. — "The book contains much learning, based on research in the Vatican and other libraries." Tablet. —
"The work is not only interesting but useful, and likely to have a permanent value." Morning Post. — " The author has evidently gone to infinite trouble in order to secure accuracy and usefulness of detail, and the result attained cannot but prove satisfactory to the reader." Westminster Gazette.
— "The work shows great research and keen interest on the part of the authors, who deal at greater length with Raleigh's search for the El Dorado." Rome.— "Mrs. Mulhall needs no introduction to students engaged in historical research. . . , There is much that is striking in her work, and very much that is valuable." Pall Mall Gazette. —
"To gain distinction in this subject today a writer must have great courage, a personality that shows itself in the work, and the good fortune to be a discoverer in old archives. These desiderata appear to be in the happy possession of Mrs. Mulhall." Scotsman. — "
The book has a much higher value than attaches to mere stories of adventure; for it is soberly as well as interestingly written and well based on sound historical authorities." Spectator. — " Mrs. Mulhall conducts us along many picturesque by-ways of history." Athenaeum.—
" The author can be congratulated upon the industry expended by her in the collection of her facts, and the literary skill with which she has presented the results." Saturday Review. — " Mrs. Mulhall's researches in the Vatican library and elsewhere have provided her with a good deal of new material for her book, especially concerning the rise and fall of the Jesuit Missions of Paraguay."