Chambers's Information for the People

PREFACE.

THE present volume, extending from the 51st to the 100th number, completes the "INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE," according to the original design of the publishers, and, as they trust, to the satisfaction of the class of readers for whom the work was more especially composed.

The unforeseen and unavoidable extension of the paper on MUSIC to two numbers, has necessarily excluded a subject from notice, which the Editors were anxious to include-some account of English Literature and Books-but this, they would hope, is a circumstance of comparatively little moment, as the present work is filowed by one in which English Literature is treated of. in that ample manner that it deserves.

Of" CHAMBERS'S CYCLOPEDIA OF ENGLISH LITERATURE," the work here alluded to, the following notice may be given from the published prospectus :—

"In the INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE,' the Editors aimed at presenting a body of scientific and general knowledge suitable to the wants of the middle and labouring classes. While that work may serve to instruct, there is need for another which may tend to refine. In the Literature addressed at the present time to the People, there appears, generally, a lack of something to awaken the higher powers of thought -reflection, imagination, and taste-and to nourish at the same time the finer of the moral feelings. These objects MESSRS CHAMBERS believe will be in some measure accomplished by the work now announced; in which will be concentrated the most exquisite productions of English intellect, from Anglo-Saxon to the Iresent times, in the various departments headed by Chaucer, Shakspeare, Milton-by More, Bacon, Locke -by Hooker, Taylor, Barrow-by Addison, Johnson, Goldsmith-by Hume, Robertson, Gibbon-set in a D'ographical and critical history of the Literature itself. For the self-educating everywhere, such a work will be as a whole English Library fused down into one cheap book. For the more fortunate youth who are undergoing a regular education, it will be that and something besides-an Introduction to the Pantheon of English Writers, serving, but in a more systematic way and less exclusive taste, the purpose so long served by Dr Knox's Elegant Extracts.'

TheCYCLOPEDIA OF ENGLISH LITERATURE' is under the care of Mr ROBERT CHAMBERS, assisted by several gentlemen of suitable qualifications, amongst whom may be mentioned Mr ROBERT CARRUTHERS of Inverness. It will be embellished with Wood Engravings of the heads of the principal authors, and objects connected with their history.

The work will appear in weekly numbers, consisting of a single sheet in royal 8vo., double columns, uniform with the INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE,' and costing three halfpence; and in monthly parts at secenpence. It will consist of not more than 100 numbers, forming two massive and handsome volumes."

EDINBURGH, October 20, 1842.