GEORGE BELL & SONS, LONDON: YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN AND NEW YORK: 66, FIFTH AVENUE CAMBRIDGE: DEIGHTON, BELL & Co. A HANDBOOK OF GERMAN LITERATURE BY MARY E. PHILLIPS, L.L.A. REVISED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY A. WEISS, PH.D. PROFESSOR OF GERMAN AT THE ROYAL MILITARY LONDON GEORGE BELL AND SONS PREFACE. THE object of this little work is to supply a want, which the writer believes to be felt by many teachers and learners of German in our schools, by placing in the hands of the pupil a text-book which may form the basis of lessons, and furnish a useful introduction to the study of German Literature. In treating a subject of such scope within the narrow limits which the writer has permitted herself, it has been found obligatory to allot a few words only to many authors, who may, with advantage, be studied at greater length at a later period. No attempt has been made to deal with many of the less important modern writers, and the effort throughout has been to bring the greatest into greatest prominence, as the most fruitful and effective beginning of all study. This is the reason of the space-large in so small a book-allotted to Goethe and Schiller and their immortal works. A synopsis of great works has in all cases been given, and criticism not wholly disregarded, so that a bald list of names and dates alone may not be placed before the learner. The Author cannot let this opportunity pass without acknowledging her great obligation to Dr. A. Weiss, Professor of German at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, who, in addition to many valuable suggestions, has with vast pains and ability corrected and proved the whole of her work by untiring reference to originals and recognized authorities, and has also furnished the list of books which is placed at the end. It is hoped that this little book may be useful in the preparation of candidates for the Army, and the University Local Examinations, and for the Examinations for the Junior and Senior Leaving Certificates. M. E. P. |