HOEKZEMA'S GLEANINGS FROM ENGLISH POETRY. FOURTH EDITION. REVISED BY IZ. GORTER AND A. PICNOT, ENGLISH MASTER AT THE 'RIJKS HOOGERE BURGERSCHOOL' GRONINGEN: J. B. WOLTERS. 1893. RC 7X215 PREFACE. The fourth edition of Hoekzema's Gleanings from English Poetry has, like the seventh edition of the Prose Gleanings, undergone considerable changes. These alterations are caused not only by the addition of selections from contemporary poets, but also by the classification of the selections: the book has been divided into three distinct parts. The first part will be seen to comprise about sixty pages of Miscellaneous Poems, of which some are plain and easy, others selected from poets that cannot be classed among those whose influence on English literature is of a preponderating kind: specimens have also been added from writers whose poetry does not claim a place of mark in a compilation like the present. The second part "English Poetry" and the third "American Poetry” are chronologically arranged. After mature deliberation we have decided not to include the selections from Shakspere's Plays, found in the third ecion, as in most cases it will be found preferable to read one or more of the plays themselves with pupils. It has been our aim to form an attractive and suitable selection of poetry for the pupils of Gymnasiums, Middle Class Schools for Girls or Boys, and schools of a similar kind. We have experienced great difficulty in keeping in view our object of finding not only suitable but characteristic or representative selections, reflecting the style and the genius of the writer. Should we have successfully grappled with these difficulties, we trust that this Poetry Book, in its new form, will prove of use in teaching English literature, as well as a pleasant companion to the prose reader of lower forms. May it arouse in the pupils a desire for a wider acquaintance with the treasures of English Poetry. GRONINGEN, July 1893. IZ. GORTER. A. PICNOT. |