Samuel Smiles, author of Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct, was born in Edinburgh on 23 December 1812.

To mark the day, here is a very interesting newspaper review (from 29 December 1859) of his most famous book, ‘Self-Help’, which was published in late November 1859.

The Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette – Thursday 29 December 1859

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000360/18591229/019/0004

Edinburgh Evening News – Tuesday 19 April 1904

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000452/19040419/065/0004