This series of books includes in complete editions those masterpieces
of English Literature that are best adapted for the use of schools and
colleges. The editors of the several volumes are chosen for their
special qualifications in connection with the texts issued under their
individual supervision, but familiarity with the practical needs of the
classroom, no less than sound scholarship, characterizes the editing of
every book in the series.
In connection with each text, the editor has provided a critical and
historical introduction, including a sketch of the life of the author
and his relation to the thought of his time, critical opinions of the
work in question chosen from the great body of English criticism, and,
where possible, a portrait of the author. Ample explanatory notes of
such passages in the text as call for special attention are supplied,
but irrelevant annotation and explanations of the obvious are rigidly
excluded.