times, yet it is hoped that all the more important names have been included. For the others not included, want of space, and the fact of their works still remaining copyright, must stand as a sufficient reason. Some names, on the other hand, will be found included, not commonly recognised as Essayists in the sense of contributors to periodical literature, or otherwise, such as Milton, Sir Thomas Browne, John Locke, Ruskin, and others. On examination, however, it will be found those portions of their writings now given, harmonise in style of treatment and rounded completeness, with our idea of what an Essay should be. With the exception of the above authors, whose writings are qucted from their larger works, unless specially mentioned, the essays are given T in their complete and original form, as left by the respective authors. RA 0 Short biographies of the Essayists, compiled from various sources, o have been arranged at the end of the volume in alphabetical order. The 0 Introduction is given from a paper on "Essayists Old and New," by th late Alexander Smith. The judgment of the reader may not harmonis with that of the writer on every point, but his main conclusions will be found correct. Regarding the choice of the vignette, Holland House, it may be sufficient to say, in the words of a recent writer, that, "from 1799 till 1840, there was hardly in England a distinguished man in politics, science, or literature, who had not been a guest at Holland House." In conclusion, the warmest thanks are here accorded to those authors and publishers who have so readily given permission to use copyright matter. In particular might be mentioned: Mr Thomas Carlyle, Mr John Ruskin, and Mr Thomas Aird; Messrs Chapman and Hall, Messrs Daldy, Isbister, & Co., Messrs William Blackwood and Sons, Messrs A. & C. Black, etc. Since the present volume was put to press, Messrs G. P. Putnam's Sons, the American publishers, have issued the first volume of an intended series of "Select British Essayists," beginning with Addison and Steele. It may only be right to state that the present selection was planned, and in part executed, before their announcement was made public. 0 |