6535 PREFACE 920 13245 a Returning across the Atlantic last December, in the mutual confidence inspired by recovery from sea-sickness and approach to our native shores, a lady who sat across the table from me in the course of conversation about books and writers asked me, "Do you enjoy American authors?" I looked at her and saw that the question was asked in all seriousness, and so I replied guardedly that it depended a good deal on who the authors were. The twelve authors treated of in this volume I have enjoyed, and hope what is said. of them here may help my readers to enjoy them. The following note from a principal of a New York public school was very gratifying: "I have just finished your article on Prescott. I want to say that your comments in that article are put in such a way that they go to the heart. I am ง. 3 |