PREFACE THIS Volume follows the general plan of the author's American Literature. Simplicity of treatment and usefulness are the chief objects sought. Detailed treatment is given to those writers only whose works have a basis of appeal to the average student. The personal, biographical element predominates; but consistent effort has been made to bring the writers into relation with the national and world currents of thought of their times. As in the American Literature, much thought has been given to illustrations. The study of what may be called literary geography and topography is a valuable aid to the study of literature. The usefulness of pictures of homes and haunts, and of portraits of the authors themselves, has long been recognized; and it is the experience of many teachers that facsimiles of manuscripts and title-pages are also of much value. Many unusual reproductions appear here, some for the first time in print. In preparing a book of this kind, where the first and last. thought is adaptability to students' needs, it is desirable to get as many points of view as possible. The author has received help from many sources, especially from his colleagues at Swarthmore and from former students now teaching in secondary schools. He is also particularly indebted to Miss Harriet G. Martin, of Wadleigh High School, New York City, and to Miss Emily F. Sleman, of Central High School, Washington, D. C., who read much of the manuscript and made many helpful suggestions. SWARTHMORE COLLEGE, ROY BENNETT PACE. July 4, 1918. |