The following unpretentious chapters are intended to offer to the
ordinary student, who has not yet given the matter any particular
thought, a first assistance in realizing the interdependence of
literatures. They aim at clearness, and at as great a measure of accuracy
as is permitted by the compass within which the matter is necessarily
compressed. No pretence whatever is made to completeness. The summaries
of various literatures do not profess to be more than epitomes with a
special object. If, while helping to that end, they are also readable in
themselves, their purpose is served.
It is, perhaps, advisable to state that, while the professional studies
of the writer have been for the most part concerned with the literatures
of Greece and Rome, it has more than once fallen to his lot to promote
academic teaching in the literature of England. It was this experience
which suggested the present attempt at a more general survey. French,
Italian, and German literatures have been approached at first hand,
although the standard works have been duly consulted. With the literature
of Spain contact has been less intimate, but care has been taken to
check impressions formed under these conditions. For the rest the best
authorities have been used and trusted.
Inasmuch as guiding hints and clues are often more helpful than elaborate
treatises, a special acknowledgment is due to various writings of
Professor Churton Collins and Professor W. P. Ker.