ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE BY G. H. BELL Author of Natural Method in English, Guide to Correct Language, CHICAGO Entered according to Act of Congress in the Year 1897, by G. H. BELL, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PREFACE. THIS book differs from most of its kind, both in plan and purpose. It comprises a history of literature, and also special studies by means of selections, with questions and rePart First is a historical outline, with only occasional short selections. Part Second is made up of selections, arranged by subjects, without special reference to chronological order. The questions and remarks are placed at the end of each Part, instead of being put at the end of each chapter, or at the close of the section to which they refer. It is hoped that these questions will aid materially in analyzing the thought, and that they will prove a decided help both in learning and in teaching the lessons. In the historical portion, the effort has been to represent every period by the best it produced. For this purpose it has not been thought necessary to call attention to a great number of writers, but only to such as gave tone and character to the literature of their time. In making selections for such study, regard has been had to their influence upon mind and character, as well as to their literary merits. Selections have not been made from the Bible the best of all literature for the reason that it is in everybody's possession, and can be drawn from at will. So, also, only short extracts have been taken from many other excellent and well-known works. But enough is given in this book to cultivate a taste for true literature, if the work |