New electrotype plates have been made for this edition, not from any
desire of mine for change, but because of the worn condition of the
old plates. Fifteen years' constant use of the book has disclosed
little or nothing of importance that I really care to alter. Since the
prefatory English letters to the teacher may perhaps have become
superfluous, they have been suppressed in favor of several short
German poems which will be found at the end, and which the student
will do well to get by heart. Except for this substitution and the
adoption of the reformed Prussian orthography, the present edition is
practically a duplicate of its predecessor.
These "Studies and Chats" should not be regarded merely as a means of
learning to speak a little German, though they may answer that
purpose. They are rather to be treated as a substitute for the
disjointed and uninteresting exercises of the average lesson-book for
beginners, and as an introduction to the serious study of the German
language and literature. They are intended to be read in class and at
home and to serve as a basis for conversation and composition, for
translation and retranslation. That so many of my fellow teachers,
under such varied conditions, have found this book useful is evidence
that they have understood its intention, and I hope they will share my
pleasure in seeing it in its new typographical dress.