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iii
The present volume is the second part of the author’s “EnglishLanguage—Its Grammar, History, and Literature.” It includes theHistory of the English Language and the History of EnglishLiterature.
The first part comprises the department of Grammar, under which areincluded Etymology, Syntax, Analysis, Word Formation, and History, witha brief outline of Composition and of Prosody. The two may be hadseparately or bound together. Each constitutes a good one year’s courseof English study. The first part is suited for high schools; the second,for high schools and colleges.
The book, which is worthy of the wide reputation and ripe experienceof the eminent author, is distinguished throughout by clear, brief, andcomprehensive statement and illustration. It is especially suited forprivate students or for classes desiring to make a brief and rapidreview, and also for teachers who want only a brief text as a basis fortheir own instruction.
v
This book provides sufficient matter for the four years of studyrequired, in England, of a pupil-teacher, and also for the first year athis training college. An experienced master will easily be able to guidehis pupils in the selection of the proper parts for each year. The tenpages on the Grammar of Verse ought to be reserved for the fifth year ofstudy.
It is hoped that the book will also be useful in Colleges, Ladies’Seminaries, High Schools, Academies, Preparatory and Normal Schools, tocandidates for teachers’ examinations and Civil Service examinations,and to all who wish for any reason to review the leading facts of theEnglish Language and Literature.
Only the most salient features of the language have been described,and minor details have been left for the teacher to fill in. The utmostclearness and simplicity have been the aim of the writer, and he hasbeen obliged to sacrifice many interesting details to this aim.
The study of English Grammar is becoming every day more and morehistorical—and necessarily so. There are scores of inflections,usages, construction