IRVING'S OLIVER GOLDSMITH A BIOGRAPHY EDITED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY CHARLES ROBERT GASTON TEACHER OF ENGLISH, RICHMOND HILL HIGH SCHOOL NEW YORK CITY BOSTON, U.S.A. GINN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS The Athenæum Press [Permission to reprint the Oliver Goldsmith has been granted by Geo. P. Putnam's Sons, publishers of the authorized and complete editions of Irving's works.] PREFACE THE introductory matter in this volume aims to induce in the average high-school pupil the right attitude with which to begin reading the biography. The annotation is thought to be not over-elaborate nor too scant. The student is encouraged to work out for himself points the significance of which he might miss without aid. (See remarks at the top of page 355.) The topics and questions, which are inserted at the ends of the chapters, will accomplish their purpose if they arouse a class to enthusiastic discussion of the biography or direct the individual reader to a clear and comprehensive view of Irving's work. The chronological table is meant for reference. Included in the table are the dates of issue of the college entrance texts published during the period 1728-1859. The editor has kept in mind throughout the book the fact that this biography is set down in the college entrance list for reading rather than study. Nevertheless, he has believed that probably most school courses will devote a month to the Oliver Goldsmith, and that in such cases the line between reading and study ought not to be sharply drawn. If so much time is allowed, this edition will suggest ways of spending it advantageously. If less time is apportioned to the |