853,260.449 HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY GIFT OF THE AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY COPYRIGHT, 1903, By D. C. HEATH & CO. PREFACE. THIS book, like its predecessors by the same editor, is designed to aid both teacher and pupil to study Macaulay's Life of Johnson in a way that shall be pleasant and profitable. To that end it endeavors to economize for both the mechanical labor that is not really disciplinary. This latter end is sought by furnishing (1) a connected sketch of the historical events to which Macaulay refers, and (2) an explanatory index of all allusions which may possibly excite the reader's curiosity. The editor has avoided putting this material into the form of notes, because he believes that historical matters should be studied in their historical relations, and that incidental allusions should not be allowed to distract the attention of the reader. Pupils should not spend their time in tracing allusions which do not really aid the thought in the text; but they should be taught never to rest satisfied until the text itself is absolutely clear. Of all forms of investigation they should prefer the reading of works to which Macaulay refers. The study of the marginal topical analysis is exceedingly important, both because it enables the pupil to carry the entire biography in his memory, and because it furnishes him a model for similar work of his own. Macaulay is notable for the orderly arrangement of his materials and for his clear and connected treatment of them. By observation of this arrangement and treatment, the pupil will inevitably gain in the power to construct and to develop an extended composition. It is useful for him to learn the facts regarding Johnson's life and works, but it is much more useful for him to learn to think coherently and to express his thought in a clear and orderly manner. The editor desires to express his great indebtedness to his former pupil, Mr. Hyman Askowith, whose unremitting industry, skill in research, and familiarity with his methods and with his other books in this series, have enabled him to render invaluable assistance in the preparation of this book. Without that assistance the editor could not have completed the work at this time. The text is reprinted without change in punctuation or spelling from the authoritative English edition of Macaulay's works. BOSTON, May 1, 1903. A. P. W. |