Publisher's Synopsis
"A Study of Genius," by N. K. Royse, is not and does not profess to be an original contribution to this much discussed theme. Neither can it be accurately described as a mere compilation. It is in effect a collection of the words spoken by men of genius about genius, so digested and arranged that the whole forms a veritable enchiridion of the subject. Beginning with the classic definitions of the word genius, several chapters are devoted to the relations of the divine afflatus to character, precocity, madness, heredity and the like; following which yet other chapters treat of the influence of environment, race, and the age upon the genius of each period, in all of which copious citations are admirably dovetailed so as to form a connected essay. It must not be assumed from what is here said that the author does not himself contribute to his subject. Apart from his editorial work, Mr. Royse advances some notions of his own anent genius not at all unworthy of consideration. Upon the whole the book is valuable in its way, and will repay perusal for its suggestiveness, apart from its permanent usefulness as a work of brief reference.
-"The Critic," Volume 15
