ΤΟ

Early English Literature.

FROM THE

LAY OF BEOWULF

ΤΟ

EDMUND SPENSER.

BY

William Burt

W. B. HARLOW,

Instructor in Literature and Rhetoric, in the Syracuse High

PREFACE.

After several years' experience with a complete manual of English Literature for class-room work, I find that it is not wise to attempt too much. The lives of the prominent English writers carefully studied in connection with their works cannot fail to awaken interest and cultivate a taste for reading. Long lists of the names and works of obscure authors prove an almost useless tax upon the memory and are soon forgotten. Explanatory notes have purposely been omitted.

An Unabridged Dictionary and any good reference book on history and mythology will not only furnish all necessary information but will stimulate the student to original work.

It is expected that Langland's Pierce Plowman, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and Spenser's Faery Queene will receive special study in the Clarendon Press Series or in some other equally excellent edition.