PREFACE. THIRTEEN years have elapsed since a zealous, but very imperfect attempt was made to divest Anglo-Saxon Grammar of its Latin incumbrances, and to offer one formed on the true genius and structure of the language in the publication of The Elements of the Anglo-Saxon Grammar with copious Notes, 8vo. 1823, pp. 330. Before committing this work to the press every accessible source of information was explored, and a complete English Translation made of Angelsaksisk Sproglære ved R. K. Rask, 8vo. Stockholm, 1817. In 1826, the most practical part of The Elements with such corrections and additions as naturally arose from a farther consideration of the subject, appeared with the title of A Compendious Grammar of the primitive English or Anglo-Saxon Language, 8vo. pp. 84.* The following Essentials are given as the result of a still longer and closer investigation of the language in the preparation of the AngloSaxon Dictionary, and a continued appeal to the grammar of a lamented friend, the late Professor Rask, and to the learned Deutsche Grammatik of Professor Grimm. It will be seen that, as information has increased, there has been a gradual approximation, in grammatical forms and accents, to the views of Professor Rask and Grimm. While there is a hope that these Essentials, referring only to Etymology, may be found the most simple and practical, a very short abstract is given of Professor Rask and Grimm's Grammars for the use of those who prefer, what may be considered the more complete systems of these celebrated men. * See Preface to Dictionary of the Anglo-Saxon Language, p. xx. note (§) 21. |