A solicitor’s son, destined by his father for a legal career, prefers painting and writing.
Edward Dutton Cook (1831-1883), himself a solicitor’s son who studied painting, wrote some eleven novels between 1861 and 1877; this, his first, represents Bohemian London in a lively style.
Cook “depicts the various phases of Bohemian life with perfect truthfulness...and considerable humour; and, at the same time, with a consistent delicacy of touch” that will protect “the most susceptible reader.” Spectator, July 20, 1861
“It is not often that a novel so witty, wise, and healthful in spirit offers itself for perusal.... There is not much plot in the book, but great play of character. . . . The book is spirited and the style easy.” Athenaeum, August 3, 1861
“The incidents and explanations cluster cleverly at the climax, and the best teaching abounds, whilst there is not the least shadow of lecturing or preaching.” Illustrated Times, October 21, 1865
Download this week’s novel here:
v.1 https://archive.org/details/paulfostersdaugh01cook