English and American Literature

A One Year Course FROM CHAUCER TO MARK TWAIN By B. A. HEYDRICK, A. B. DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, HIGH SCHOOL OF COMMERCE NEW YORK CITY Interestingly written, illustrated with portraits and enlivened by pictures of scenes described, facsimiles of manuscripts, etc. In the space of three hundred pages the author has managed to give a clear account of English literature from Chaucer to Mark Twain and James Whitcomb Riley. It is not a mere outline, but a continuous narrative, and really the most engaging book on the subject that has appeared. It is written on a different plan from most brief text-books. The author has wisely not attempted to treat every author in English literature. By omitting the names which have no meaning for us to-day the author has gained space to treat the really significant writers quite fully enough for the needs of young students. An excellent feature of the book is the profusion of illustrations . Throughout the work emphasis is placed upon books that still live . The nineteenth century in particular is treated fully; the writers may be no greater than those of the eighteenth, but they have more to say to us. Each chapter is followed by a list of recommended reading in the chief authors, with references to volumes where these may be found. By means of this recommended reading the course covered by this book may readily be extended to cover two years’ work , or more. Under each chief author is mentioned a standard library edition of his works and inexpensive editions of single volumes.