THE STAR RECITER: A Collection of Brose and Poetical Gems, GRAVE AND GAY, FROM BRITISH & AMERICAN AUTHORS. SELECTED AND ARRANGED BY J. A. FERGUSON, Author of "Wot aw seed ut th' Preston Eggsibishun,” &c., &c., and MANCHESTER: JOHN HEYWOOD, 141 AND 143, DEANSGATE, LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO, 260. g. 269. INTRODUCTION. THE object of the Compiler of the present volume of Recitations is to present as many high-class Recitations as could be conveniently given within the compass of one small volume. There are many books of Readings and Recitations already published of considerable merit, but hitherto no single volume has been published including the majority of the best well-known British and American "gems" suitable for recitation. Most of the works published contain long selections suitable for reading only; and, from his experience as member and president of an elocutionary association, the Compiler feels assured that a volume such as the present will be a desideratum to members of literary and elocutionary societies. The Compiler desires to acknowledge thankfully the very prompt and courteous permission accorded to him by Charles Mackay, Lord Lytton, E. Waugh, W. C. Bennett, Charles Swain, and other authors, to publish the selections from their works given in this volume. He also cordially thanks those publishers who have granted a similar boon by allowing him to include several of their copyright poems. Preston, 1873. |