In the mechanical execution of the work, the Publishers take an honest pride. They have spared neither money nor trouble to make it worthy of the subject-matter. Its portraits represent the best work of the best workers, and the likenesses are as faithful as the execution is artistic.

Finally, the Publishers venture to hope that they have not misconceived the temper of the time, and that to every one of the thousands of homes which the book may enter, it will bring something of the courage, patience, steadfastness of purpose, cheerfulness, and lofty aspiration which fill the lives whose history it records.