In an age of many books, there must needs be some, highly worthy of attention, with which the general reading-public will be but imperfectly acquainted. Though probably known to many of our readers, we think it likely that the writings of Mr Helps are yet unknown to many others, who might profit by the study of them, and more or less appreciate their excellence. Under this conviction, it is proposed to notice them in the present pages; and we have little doubt of being able to substantiate their claims to consideration. To readers who require of a book something more than mere amusement, or a passing satisfaction to their curiosity; who have any regard or relish for independent thinking--for an enlarged observation of human life--for the results of study and experience--for practical sense and wisdom, and a general understanding and appreciation of the varied motives, ways, and interests of men and of society--these volumes cannot fail to prove delightful and profitable reading. All Mr Helps's writings have been published anonymously; and it is only within the last two years that he has become known, out of his own circle, to be the author. His earliest publications were, _Essays written in the Intervals of Business_, and _An Essay on the Duties of the Employers to the Employed_, otherwise entitled _The Claims of Labour_. He has also published a work in two volumes under the title of _The Conquerors of the New World and their Bondsmen_; a historical narrative of the principal events which led to negro slavery in the West Indies and America. But the books from his pen with which we are best acquainted, and which have obtained the largest measure of public attention, are a series of essays intermixed with dialogues, called _Friends in Council_, and a supplementary volume, somewhat different in plan, which he calls _Companions of my Solitude_.[1] As the whole of his characteristics as an essayist are displayed with a more perfect effect in these two latter works than in the others, and as they will afford us as much extract as we shall have space for, we propose to confine our remarks to them exclusively. Matter enough, and even more than enough, will be found in them for illustrating whatever we may find to say respecting the author's powers and attainments.