PREFACE THIS book has been written, in the first instance, to meet the requirements of my own classes in their preparation for the Leaving Certificate, the University Local, and other Public Examinations. I have good reason, however, for believing that the want of a new text-book of Literature is pretty generally felt, and in that belief the book is published for the use of secondary schools and private students. It embodies the practical experience of nearly twenty years' teaching of the subject with which it deals. The book is a brief review of English Literature. throughout its entire extent, from 449 to 1894. This long stretch of history is taken in six convenient periods, and a survey is made of each period, first in its political, and secondly in its literary aspect. A classification of the leading authors of the period is then made, and is followed by biographical and critical sketches, containing the most recent results in fact and fair criticism. In treating of the poets I have made it a special feature of the book to give specimens from their work at once characteristic of their style and illustrative of their genius. Notice is taken of most, if not all, of the minor authors of established reputation; and each period is closed with pretty full chronological lists of the various authors belonging to it, and the more important works which they produced. While mostly meant for pur poses of reference, these lists will also serve to show the nature and extent of the literary wealth of each successive period. By an arrangement of type the book is adapted for various courses of study. It will probably be enough for beginners to keep to the larger type, and it may even be advisable for the teacher to restrict their studies to a selection of the more important authors. In a book of this kind, involving the record of thousands of facts, it is impossible that perfect accuracy can at once, if at last, be attained. It is as accurate, so far as it goes, as I have been able by a considerable amount of reading and study to make it. I shall be thankful to receive notes of correction, and any suggestions that I may be favored with will be carefully considered. In its preparation I have necessarily been indebted to many writers. Where my obligations are so manifold and various, it would be invidious to particularize them; but I cannot avoid expressing my indebtedness, direct or indirect, to the professorial teaching and published work of Professor Masson, of Edinburgh. Whatever of merit the book contains is largely due to him; the faults are my own. American Literature being an important branch of English Literature, I have attempted some notice, however inadequate, of its producers and their work; and in dealing with living authors, American or British, while endeavoring to omit no name of conspicuous note or promise, I am conscious of the tentative character of my selection. This part of my task, I feel, must be supplemented by the intelligent teacher. J. L. R. |