PREFACE. THE purpose of this volume is sufficiently The explained in its introductory chapter. aim of the book is to provide within small compass a handy guide to the chief poetry of the century, such as the student of literature may find serviceable for the direction of thought and the acquisition of knowledge. Many names Many names which deserve mention have of necessity been passed over, and no purely prose writers are included, because for them. a separate volume is needed. So far as is possible to me, I have endeavoured to follow a continuous plan, and to arrange the matter in the longer studies under specific heads. This I have done for facility of reference, but at the price of occasional repetition, which I hope will be forgiven me. W. J. DAWSON. GLASGOW, March 1890. |