Little need be said, at the present day, of the importance of a
knowledge of the French Language. It is the key to immense treasures in
literature and science, the medium of communication in European
diplomacy, and is, confessedly, an indispensable accomplishment of the
modern traveller and the man of liberal education.
We have, therefore, only to explain the object and claims of the present
work. In offering it to the American student we have endeavored to meet
an obvious want of a suitable book of exercises in translating from the
French--to produce a work adapted peculiarly to the wants of American
society--calculated to interest as well as instruct beginners of every
age, and suited alike for the use of private students and promiscuous
classes.
After an experience of many years in teaching, we are convinced that
such works as the Adventures of Telemachus, and the History of Charles
the Twelfth--despite their incontestable beauty of style and richness of
material--are too difficult for beginners, even of mature age. Such
works, too, consisting of a continuous narrative, present to most
students the discouraging prospect of a formidable undertaking which
they fear will never be completed.
On the other hand, a mere book of fables, although free from the last
objection, is, in general, too narrow in its scope to fulfil the desired
end.
To avoid the difficulties and secure the advantages mentioned, we have
chosen the Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault and Madame de Beaumont. The
department of literature thus sought as the means of instruction in
language, supplies, as our own experience has amply demonstrated,
agreeable and attractive material for beginners of all ages and
conditions.
The works selected are acknowledged to be admirable models of grace and
purity in French composition, whilst the simplicity of style encourages
the student by soon making him conscious of progress. The subjects offer
at once attractive novelties for the young and agreeable relaxation for
the mature.
In conclusion, we have only to remark that the difficulties of the
French idiom are explained by notes neither too scanty, nor yet so
numerous as to embarrass; and that a few expressions, inconsistent with
the decorum of American taste, have been carefully expurgated, without,
as we hope, diminishing the interest of the subject or impairing the
style.