TO THE READER. THE following pages consist of ANECDOTES of POPULAR AUTHORS, the majority of whom have flourished within the last hundred years, or who are, at this moment, our active Contemporaries; like "Long trails of light descending down." I have striven, throughout this little book, to maintain the legitimate spirit of Anecdote, properly so called; but, occasionally, I have been led from this path by flights of brilliant criticism—a diversion which I hope may be recognised in a twofold sense. Interwoven with the opinions of others Recollections, literary as well as personal; is true, but a humble position in the con A Mṛim has been in this délassement of a volume, to present the most prominent points of the Literary Character in an amiable yet truthful light; and, if you, gentle Reader, find in this little work, delight akin to that which I have experienced in preparing it, my satisfaction will be great, indeed; insomuch as it favour. will be a Eversion in my THE EDITOR. |