READINGS AND RECITATIONS.

No. 5.

AMERICAN CLASSICS.

COMPILED AND ARRANGED BY

SARA SIGOURNEY RICE.

NEW YORK:

EDGAR S. WERNER PUBLISHING & SUPPLY CO. (Inc.)

Copyright, 1891, by Edgar S. Werner.

PREFACE.

IN

N the preface to "English Classics," of this series, the purpose entertained in its preparation is stated to be that of collecting material best suited for class-use, and for public reading. In "American Classics," the aim is to meet the same requirements and to maintain the same standard.

We hope the selections may stimulate a closer fellowship with, and a more diligent study of, American literature, by those interested in elocutionary pursuits. "Notes upon Authors," found at the close of the book, have been collected, not only with reference to the usual points of interest, but also to call attention to the fact that many of our most gifted writers experienced years of struggle with adverse circumstances; and that, in all cases, success in the use of the "pen eloquent" followed careful, painstaking effort during the early period of their literary work.

It is not claimed that all the selections in the volume are strictly classic, but that there are a sufficient number to justify the designation. The intention has been to make a book acceptable and available to the needs of the public reader, and the teacher and student of reading.

We can but regret that, owing to the limitations of space,