PREFACE It is not enough to know Shakespeare as the genius who created the greatest treasures of our literature. We should also realize that he was a boy in Stratford, a young man who went to seek his fortune in old London, an actor, playwright, manager, and man of affairs, who won a competence, enjoyed the friendship of the great Elizabethans, retired to the life of a country gentleman, and played his part in the everyday affairs of the time. This book aims to present the poet as he was known to his friends and neighbors, to tell the story of his life and times, and to record the happenings that influenced him, but it does not adopt uncertain conjectures to fill the gaps in our knowledge. LIVES of GREAT WRITERS IN THE DAYS OF CHAUCER THE STORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIMES By TUDOR JENKS With an Introduction by HAMILTON Wright MABIE 12mo, cloth. Illustrated. Price $1.00 net. Postage 9c. The immediate and remarkable success of "In the Days of Chaucer illustrates both the charming quality of the author's work and the freshness and attractiveness of the plan developed in this series. In addition to its strikingly favorable popular reception, the "Chaucer " was immediately adopted at Smith College, and recommended by the English department of the University of New York and in secondary schools. It is noteworthy that this American study of Chaucer's life and times has been promptly secured by an English publisher for presentation to the English public. The quality of the opinions expressed regarding Mr. Jenks's "Chaucer" may be gathered from a few selections: Dr. Hamilton Wright Mabie: "Mr. Jenks has made us see Chaucer's England, understand its habits, overhear its speech, and comprehend its spirit." Prof. Charles Bell Burke, Adelphi College, Brooklyn: "A delightful book. Popular in view, it is also scholarly, and betrays not only historical but also fine literary appreciation. I shall recommend it as widely as possible." The Outlook: An extremely interesting piece of biographic writing in the broad sense of the word, presenting the man against the background of his time, in idea, society, taste, dress, speech and amusement, with great vividness. An initial volume in a new series of books projected along vital lines and to be written in a vital spirit. Fresh, informal, taking. Not only the story of Chaucer's life, but a picture of the England of his time.' A. S. BARNES & CO., PUBLISHERS 156 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK |