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

volume, the topics and questions and the notes regarding Irving's vocabulary need not be considered fully.

The text is, in the main, that of a late authorized edition published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, who have obligingly granted permission to reprint. Some of the differences noted between the latest text and the first edition are mentioned on page 363. The three different biographies of Goldsmith by Irving are described in the footnote, page xii.

BROOKLYN, September 16, 1903.