This survey of manners and morals, and how they are expressed subtley or in a straightforward manner in 18th century novels, reflects very much on the author's own time as well, as his analysis uses many comparisons to his present day. He discusses issues like prisons, drinking, masquerades, religion, love, marriaige, refinement, swearing, gambling, duelling, and many more. A favorite section is "Danger of mistaking Satire and Caricature for Truth." Many novelists are discussed. Some of the most familiar include Smollett, Richardson, Fielding, Burney, Edgeworth, and Austen (of course, she was published after the 18th century ended but treated as taking place in the late 18th c. in this text).  Austen is wonderfully acknowledged for her skill as a novelist, but the husband-hunting described in the novels is thought to be distasteful, and reasons given for the improvement since Austen's time in women's behavior in this activity. Interestingly he mentions that people are still alive who knew Jane Austen. X-Library from Virginia McCormick Theological Seminary. Embossed brown cloth. Spine cover is missing. D. Appleton & Company, NY. 1871. Hb. $25.00