In this volume the author critically examines some of the famous works on English literature and its authors.
Criticism is praise, but it is praise of literature. There is all the difference in the world between that and the praise of what pretends to be literature. True criticism is a search for beauty and truth the announcement of them. It does not care twopence whether the method of their revelation is old or new, academic or futuristic. It only asks that the revelation shall be genuine. It is concerned with form because beauty and truth demand perfect expression. it is the spirit that breaks through the form that is the main interest of criticism. These facts are beautifully shown in hits work.
The extracts in prose or in poetry given from each author are typical and intended to arouse an intelligent interest in literature and its authors. The desire of the author has been to present clearly and graphically the characters both of the writers and their writings, and it is believed that thus young students may grasp them ease, and permanently retain them.
the author has tried to keep each chapter of the book in its proper proportion, and to present the whole subject in its true perspective. The plan adopted in this book has been to lend solely with greatest names in the several departments of English literature. These essays are intended mainly for the students of English literature and others whose time is limited to it, is the best arrangement.