This collection of anecdotes, illustrative sketches, and _memorabilia_
generally, relating to the ever fresh and interesting subject of BOOKS
AND AUTHORS, is not presented as complete, nor even as containing all
the choice material of its kind. The field from which one may gather is
so wide and fertile, that any collection warranting such a claim would
far exceed the compass of many volumes, much less of this little book.
It has been sought to offer, in an acceptable and convenient form, some
of the more remarkable or interesting literary facts or incidents with
which one individual, in a somewhat extended reading, has been struck;
some of the passages which he has admired; some of the anecdotes and
jests that have amused him and may amuse others; some of the reminiscences
that it has most pleased him to dwell upon. For no very great portion of
the contents of this volume, is the claim to originality of subject-matter
advanced. The collection, however, is submitted with some confidence
that it may be found as interesting, as accurate, and as much guided by
good taste, as it has been endeavoured to make it.