THE object of this Work, which is entirely new,
is to comprise, within a single volume, a chronolo-
gical series of our classical Poets, from Ben Jonson
to Beattie, without mutilation or abridgement, with
Biographical and Critical notices of their Authors.
The contents of this volume are so comprehensive,
that few poems, it is believed, are omitted, except
such as are of secondary merit, or unsuited to the
perusal of youth. The Work, within these bounds,
may be termed a "Library of Classical English
Poetry," and may safely be recommended to the
heads of Schools in general, and to the libraries of
Young Persons.