Abstract

Tanner's Lovejoy

This article presents information on the book "The Martyrdom of Lovejoy," by Henry Tanner. It is opined that although one may, with moderate trouble and expense, pick up the three books-- "Life of Lovejoy," "Alton Riots" and "Alton Trials"-- which are the original sources of information about the man and the event commemorated by Mr. Tanner; and although his modest narrative adds nothing of moment to the materials of history, his labor has by no means been superfluous. The public are neither students nor antiquarians, they have a short memory, and they must be drawn into the past by what is newly written or newly printed. They will find in this book sufficient outline of Lovejoy's career, characteristic extracts from his writings and speeches, and the main facts in the culmination of his savage persecution.