Page images
PDF
EPUB

Wordsworth, or Tennyson; while many annotated and elucidated editions of classic authors by our own scholars are extensively studied in English schools. So that now "The Edinburgh Review" might ask with truth the reverse question "Who does NOT read an American book?"

Having fixed the date of the origin of our native literature. at the latter half of the last century, the question arose with what author I should begin. Here there seemed little difficulty in deciding. The great light of the last century was, undoubtedly, Jonathan Edwards, distinguished not more for his learning and piety, than by originality of genius, and a mind unmistakably American in its habits of thought and action. But after him, the number that might, with some show of reason, put in their claim to come within the scope of such a work, increased more and more, until it has, within the past thirty years, become so great as to be really embarrassing. And here, doubtless, will be found the chief failing of my humble volume; here is a field ample enough for the most vituperative critic to exercise his skill in. Many will see that some favorite piece, or it may be some favorite author has been left out; and may hastily ask why it is so. It is enough to reply, that I could not put in everything-no, not a thousandth part of what has been written. Even the TITLES of all the books written by American authors would fill a volume half as large as this. But, if it will be any gratification to these querists, I will candidly acknowledge that I myself see, after my book is now made up, many ways in which it might be improved, and that many authors are not in it that should be; and it will be my pleasure to make amends for whatever sins of omission or of commission may be pointed out to me, should my book reach another edition, and be put in the stereotyped, permanent

1

form. In the mean time, I earnestly hope that any friend (or foe, if I have one) will candidly and freely communicate to me his views. Every one will look at the subject from a different stand-point; and I will sincerely thank each and all to do what they can to place me in their position, that I may, as far as possible, see with their eyes.

But, whatever want of judgment may be laid to my charge, either in deciding upon the authors to be admitted into my book, or of taste in selecting from their works, I trust that no one will be able with justice to impugn my honesty. At least I have endeavored, uninfluenced by fear or favor, to represent my authors fairly, and to let them speak out whatever sentiments were dearest to their hearts. To have done otherwise, would have been as dishonorable as unjust. One, for instance, has made Freedom the chief burden of his writings; another has been most interested in the cause of Temperance-both subjects peculiarly American; and the warmest feelings of my heart, and my own life-long principles have here fully harmonized with my sense of justice, to represent the humanity and philanthropy, as well as the cultivated intellect, of such gifted minds.

In conclusion, I would only remark that I can desire no greater favor to be shown by the public to this, than has been extended to my two former volumes. My publishers—and no author could in this respect be more highly favored-have done their part, as before, in a style of great beauty; so that no series of books, I believe, have ever been offered to the public at so moderate a price, considering their amount of reading matter, and their mechanical execution.

"Oh, that mine adversary had written a book." Job xxxi. 25. That is, that he would set forth all my defects, so that I may see myself as he sees me.

And now, having prepared this book, as my others, neither to please any clique or sect, nor to favor any particular latitude or special market, nor to defer to any false sentiments, but to promote the cause of sound learning and education, in harmony with pure Christian morals, the best interests of humanity, and the cause of universal truth, I commit it to the judgment of an intelligent public.

CHARLES D. CLEVELAND.

PHILADELPHIA, April 6, 1858.

[blocks in formation]
« PreviousContinue »