05-19-22JiH. PREFACE N this little volume, which aims only at giving a general account of the life and works of Milton for the young student, the author could make no claim of original research even if such research were still possible with regard to a Master who has already been so very completely studied from all points of view. He desires to express indebtedness for his facts to the many previous writers who have gone over the same ground, and especially to the exhaustive and altogether admirable work of Professor Masson, the memoir by Mark Pattison, the treatise by Professor Masterman, and the critical remarks of Dr. Johnson and Addison. The excuse for his temerity in venturing on the impossible task of estimating the works of such an intellectual giant as the subject of this memoir must be found in his very great and abiding admiration for Milton's poetical works; and for the present purpose he has re-read every line, whether in prose or verse, which is written in English, and has studied afresh many of the Latin treatises. He hopes the result, however modest, may not fail of its object, which is to induce the reader to study the originals and form his own opinion of them. He has added the British Museum references to the various early editions to save trouble to the student. THE MOUNT, GUILDFORD. April, 1905. 398993 |