was first published in an elegant octavo volume, and sold at
the unusually low price of $1.50. At the solicitation of numerous
benevolent individuals who were desirous of circulating the work--so
remarkably adapted to do good, especially to young men--_gratuitously_,
and of giving those of moderate means, of every class, an opportunity of
possessing it, the royal duodecimo, or "_cheap edition_," was issued,
varying from the other edition, only in a reduction in the size
(allowing less margin), and the _thickness_ of the paper.

Within six months after the first publication of this work, _twenty-two
thousand_ copies had been sold. This extraordinary sale is to be
accounted for by the character of the man and the merits of the book. It
is the memoir of a Boston merchant, who became distinguished for his
great wealth, but more distinguished for the manner in which he used it.
It is the memoir of a man, who, commencing business with only $20, gave
away in public and private charities, _during his lifetime_ more,
probably, than any other person in America. It is substantially an
_autobiography_, containing a full account of Mr. Lawrence's career as a
merchant, of his various multiplied charities, and of his domestic life.

"We have by us another work, the 'Life of Amos Lawrence.' We heard
it once said in the pulpit, 'There is no work of art like a noble
life,' and for that reason he who has achieved one, takes rank with
the great artists and becomes the world's property. WE ARE PROUD OF
THIS BOOK. WE ARE WILLING TO LET IT GO FORTH TO OTHER LANDS AS A
SPECIMEN OF WHAT AMERICA CAN PRODUCE. In the old world, reviewers
have called Barnum THE characteristic American man. We are willing
enough to admit that he is a characteristic American man; he is ONE
fruit of our soil, but Amos Lawrence is another. Let our country
have credit for him also. THE GOOD EFFECT WHICH THIS LIFE MAY HAVE
IN DETERMINING THE COURSE OF YOUNG MEN TO HONOR AND VIRTUE IS
INCALCULABLE."--MRS. STOWE, IN N.Y. INDEPENDENT.

"We are glad to know that our large business houses are purchasing
copies of this work for each of their numerous clerks. Its
influence on young men cannot be otherwise than highly salutary. As
a business man, Mr. Lawrence was a pattern for the young
clerk."--BOSTON TRAVELLER.

"We are thankful for the volume before us. It carries us back to
the