6535 PREFACE ૧૨૦ 13245 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 บ. 3 inspired by the reading with a feeling of contentment with my lot in life. I am filled with fortitude to go on and meet like a man whatever the future may hold for me." I hope some of the other articles may prove of like value to others. SYRACUSE, Dec. 20, 1899. CONTENTS Feb. 24.-GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS March 8.-EDWIN PERCY WHIPPLE.. April 12.-DONALD GRANT MITCHELL.. |